Twins at Cubs Predictions, Odds and Betting Picks
Jesse M. Cox Published 19/07/2026
The betting angle starts with the pitching matchup and the Cubs' edge at Wrigley Field. Chicago sends Shota Imanaga (5-8, 4.17 ERA) to the mound against Zebby Matthews (4-6, 4.57 ERA), while Minnesota could be without Royce Lewis after he was scratched with left hamstring soreness.
The Cubs also enter with the healthier lineup despite several pitchers remaining on the injured list. Chicago opened as a -163 moneyline favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook, reflecting both its home-field advantage and Minnesota's recent injury concerns.
Twins vs Cubs Game Preview
Minnesota enters this matchup with a 49-50 record and continues to deal with significant injuries. Royce Lewis is day-to-day with left hamstring soreness, Byron Buxton remains on the 10-day injured list with a hip strain, and Pablo López is still unavailable, leaving additional pressure on Matthews and a bullpen that also lost Cole Sands to the injured list.
TWINS vs. CUBS: Official Full Game Highlights (July 18) | 2026 MLB Season
Chicago sits at 55-43 and hands the ball to Imanaga, who has recorded 105 strikeouts this season. While the Cubs are still missing Justin Steele, Ben Brown, and several relievers, Dansby Swanson avoided an injured list stint after taking a deflected throw to the face, giving the lineup another experienced bat.
Weather is also part of the story at Wrigley Field. Lightning in the area forced the grounds crew to put the tarp on the field before first pitch, and warm temperatures in the low 80s with gusting west-northwest winds could impact game conditions if the weather improves. There is also a meaningful delay risk due to storms around Chicago.
Moneyline Pick
Take the Cubs moneyline. Chicago owns the stronger starting pitching matchup with Imanaga facing a Twins lineup that may again be missing Royce Lewis and is already without Byron Buxton. Imanaga's 105 strikeouts give him a clear swing-and-miss advantage over Matthews, who has posted a 4.57 ERA through his first 10 decisions.
Minnesota's pitching depth has also taken several hits with Pablo López, Cole Sands, Connor Prielipp, and Marco Raya unavailable. Playing at Wrigley Field gives the Cubs another edge, especially against a Twins club that has struggled to keep its rotation healthy throughout July.
Pick: Cubs ML (-163 at DraftKings Sportsbook).
Run Line Pick
Take the Cubs -1.5. Chicago has the better lineup entering the matchup and should create scoring opportunities against Matthews, while Minnesota's offense loses significant upside if Royce Lewis remains out. With Imanaga working behind a rested home club, the Cubs have a realistic path to winning by multiple runs. The Cubs' offense has also been more consistent at home, giving them a strong chance to build an early lead and create enough separation to cover the run line.
Pick: Cubs -1.5 (+135 at DraftKings Sportsbook).
Best Player Prop
Shota Imanaga Over 6.5 Strikeouts (odds at DraftKings Sportsbook). Imanaga has already piled up 105 strikeouts this season, and Minnesota's lineup loses another impact hitter if Royce Lewis sits. His ability to miss bats gives this prop the strongest edge on the board.
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Game Total Pick
Take Under 8.5. Imanaga has been Chicago's most reliable strikeout arm, while Matthews has generally limited explosive innings despite carrying a 4.57 ERA. Minnesota also enters without several key offensive contributors, and Royce Lewis' availability remains uncertain heading into first pitch.
Weather adds another wrinkle. Rain, lightning, and the possibility of a delayed start often work against offensive rhythm, even with temperatures in the low 80s. While the wind could help carry the ball if conditions improve, the combination of weather uncertainty and Minnesota's injury situation keeps this game leaning toward the Under.
Pick: Under 8.5 (-110 at DraftKings Sportsbook).
Best Trades for Twins vs Cubs
Prediction markets continue to favor Chicago, with traders pricing the Cubs as the more likely winner throughout the day. Current market probabilities also lean toward a lower-scoring contest and a relatively clean game without extra innings.
- Game Winner: YES on Chicago Cubs at 60¢ on Polymarket. The Cubs carry the stronger implied probability behind Imanaga and home-field advantage, while Minnesota continues to manage several key injuries.
- Game Total Under 8.5: YES at 59¢ on Polymarket. Minnesota's lineup is shorthanded, and Imanaga's strikeout ability supports a lower-scoring game if weather delays do not significantly shorten the outing.
- Will there be a run in the first inning?: NO at 57¢ on Polymarket. Both starters are capable of working through the top of the order, and early weather conditions may also slow offensive production.
How to Watch Twins vs Cubs and Game Info
- Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
- Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
- First pitch: 2:20 p.m. ET
- TV: Marquee Sports Network (Cubs), Twins.TV Presented by Progressive.
- Twins starting pitcher: Zebby Matthews (4-6, 4.57 ERA).
- Cubs starting pitcher: Shota Imanaga (5-8, 4.17 ERA).
- Weather forecast: Low 80s, muggy conditions, west-northwest wind gusts, lightning and rain delays possible.
Final Takeaways
Chicago has the edge in the most important areas entering Sunday's matchup. Imanaga is the better starter, the Cubs are healthier offensively, and Minnesota continues to battle injuries throughout both its lineup and pitching staff. Unless the weather significantly changes the flow of the game, backing Chicago and the Under provides the strongest value based on the available information.
Check the latest odds and line movement for Twins vs. Cubs at betting.net before placing your bets. All odds as of 11:00 a.m. ET on July 19. Odds sourced from DraftKings Sportsbook.