Chicago Cubs 2025 Preview: MLB Odds & Prediction

Despite bringing in manager Craig Counsell, the Chicago Cubs couldn’t snap their playoff drought in 2024. They went 83-79, finishing 10 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central division.

Chicago hasn’t made the postseason since 2020. The Cubs’ last playoff bid from a full season came in 2018.

However, the market expects that to change in 2025 after the Cubs traded for outfielder Kyle Tucker and made some other savvy moves this offseason.

Here’s a look at the latest MLB betting odds and my prediction for the Cubs ahead of the 2025 season:

Cubs MLB Odds 2025

Win Total: 86.5
NL Central: +110
NL Pennant: +1500
World Series: +3000

The Cubs’ MLB odds remain high for the second straight season. There is no discount on predicting this is the year Chicago plays meaningful baseball in October.

Chicago’s win total climbed two games after finishing below last year’s mark of 84.5. The Cubs are +110 to win the division after opening with a +260 value. They were +190 to win the NL Central last spring.

For comparison, check out this breakdown of Chicago’s preseason odds in recent years:

Cubs Depth Chart 2025

According to RosterResource, the Cubs have improved their roster compared to last year’s team.

Chicago’s most significant move this winter was trading for Tucker. The Houston Astros didn’t want to pay him what he will cost next offseason as a free agent, allowing the Cubs to get a player who has posted a wRC+ of 130 or higher for four straight seasons.

The Cubs also signed pitchers Matthew Boyd and Colin Rea to strengthen their rotation and boosted their bench with the additions of Carson Kelly and Jon Berti. They traded for reliever Ryan Pressly to potentially be their closer.

Projected lineup

Projected rotation

Cubs Player to Watch in 2025

Rookie Matt Shaw will enter spring training with a chance to win the third-base job this season, making him an intriguing player to watch in the coming weeks.

Shaw, 23, is MLB Pipeline’s No. 22 overall prospect after being selected 13th overall in the 2023 draft. He will hit for a high average (.303 in the minors), using all parts of the ballpark.

Shaw is +400 to win National League Rookie of the Year at BetMGM’s online sportsbook, tying him with the Washington Nationals’ Dylan Crews for the second-best odds behind Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki.

Cubs 2025 Betting Prediction

Based on the updated MLB odds market, I predict Craig Counsell will win NL Manager of the Year (+400) during the 2025 season.

There is no discount on picking the Cubs to win the division for the first time since 2020. They are +110 to win the NL Central, marking their shortest preseason price since 2018.

That’s why I prefer to back the Cubs differently. If Chicago makes the playoffs for the first time since 2020, Counsell will receive plenty of credit in his second year as the team’s manager.

Since 2012, all 26 Manager of the Year winners have come from playoff teams. And 22 winners came from teams that missed the playoffs in the previous campaign.

Few postseason spots are available for teams that didn’t make last year’s playoffs, especially if the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, and New York Mets all return.

The NL Central winner probably earns a Manager of the Year selection, especially if it’s anyone but the Milwaukee Brewers.

Counsell is the favorite in this market for a reason, but the +400 value is the best way to back the Cubs’ upside.

2025 MLB Team Previews & Predictions