Chicago Cubs 2024 Betting Preview: Futures Odds & Prediction

The Chicago Cubs have won just one playoff game since claiming the 2016 World Series, but they aim to change that in 2024.

After failing to reach the playoffs for the third straight season, the Cubs changed their manager by hiring Craig Counsell from the Milwaukee Brewers. Chicago also made a splash signing by landing pitcher Shōta Imanaga.

With the National League Central as open as ever, the Cubs enter the season as an MLB playoff odds contender.

Cubs Futures Odds

Win Total: 84.5
NL Central: +190
NL Pennant: +1600
World Series: +3000

Thanks to the moves made in the offseason, the Cubs are getting plenty of respect in the latest MLB odds.

Chicago hasn’t traded shorter than +500 to win its division since 2019. That was also the last time the Cubs had a win total higher than 78.5, as they had an over/under of 87.5 before finishing with 84 wins in 2019.

The Cubs cleared their win total of 77.5 during last year’s 83-79 campaign.

Cubs Offseason Moves

The Cubs hired Counsell from their division rival in early November before making some notable additions to the roster.

Additions

Departures

Imanaga was the highlight of Chicago’s offseason, as the left-hander inked a four-year deal in January. Imanaga, 30, posted a 2.80 ERA and a league-leading 174 strikeouts in 148 innings while pitching for Yokohama in Nippon Professional Baseball last year.

Bellinger returned on a three-year, $80 million deal with multiple player options. Last season, he hit a career-best .307 with 26 home runs and 97 RBI in 130 games with the Cubs.

Cubs 2024 Betting Prediction

Prediction: Craig Counsell to win National League Manager of the Year (+600)

Counsell might be the betting favorite in this market, but this wager is the best way to bet on a good season for the Cubs.

Chicago is +190 to win the NL Central, the second-best odds behind the +175 value for the St. Louis Cardinals. If the Cubs win the division or make the playoffs, Counsell will have a strong argument from a narrative standpoint.

That’s why the Cubs brought in Counsell, as they watched him get the most out of his Milwaukee rosters with a 707-625 record across nine years.

Counsell has somehow never won this award, but that could change with a solid first season in Chicago.

2024 MLB Team Previews & Predictions