The Washington Nationals host the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. First pitch from Nationals Park is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. ET; the game will be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network and MASN.
Find my Cubs vs Nationals prediction below, as well as probable pitchers, betting trends and more.
My Cubs vs Nationals Prediction
- Cubs vs Nationals pick: Over 9; Bet to Over 9.5 (+100| Play to -105)
My Cubs vs Nationals best bet is the game total to go over 9.5. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live MLB odds page.
Cubs vs Nationals Odds
| Cubs Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +110 | 9 -122o / 102u | -155 |
| Nationals Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -130 | 9 -122o / 102u | +130 |
Cubs vs Nationals Projected Starting Pitchers
| RHP Cade Horton (CHC) | Stat | RHP Trevor Williams (WAS) |
|---|---|---|
| 2-0 | W-L | 3-5 |
| 0 | fWAR (FanGraphs) | 0.7 |
| 3.98 / 4.13 | ERA /xERA | 5.69 / 3.83 |
| 4.95 / 4.16 | FIP / xFIP | 4.09 / 4.13 |
| 1.23 | WHIP | 1.45 |
| 14% | K-BB% | 11.5% |
| 47.6% | GB% | 40.8% |
| 97 | Stuff+ | 95 |
| 99 | Location+ | 104 |
Tony Sartori's Cubs vs Nationals Preview
Chicago Cubs Betting Preview
A former first-round draft pick, Cade Horton is currently Chicago’s second-highest-ranked prospect. Given that, his surface-level stats so far are not bad.
However, his underlying metrics suggest that regression may be coming. Horton ranks in the bottom third of the league in expected batting average (xBA), average exit velocity, barrel rate and hard-hit rate.
If that expected regression materializes, the Cubs’ bullpen may not be able to bail him out. Entering this matchup, Chicago’s relief staff ranks 22nd in expected fielding independent pitching (xFIP).
The good news for the pitching staff is that run support should not be an issue. The Cubs rank in the top three in the league in runs per game, hits per game, slugging percentage and OPS.
Washington Nationals Betting Preview
Chicago’s offensive success is likely to continue against Trevor Williams. In 103 combined plate appearances against him, the current Cubs roster owns a .262 xBA, .423 expected slugging percentage (xSLG) and .321 expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA).
Furthermore, Williams has struggled this season. Through 11 starts, the right-hander is 3-5 with a 5.69 ERA and 1.45 WHIP.
He also ranks in the bottom half of the league in expected ERA (xERA), xBA and average exit velocity.
Following Williams is one of the worst relief staffs in baseball. Washington’s bullpen ranks in the bottom six in ERA, fielding independent pitching (FIP) and xFIP.
However, like Chicago’s, this pitching staff is also likely to receive run support.
Cubs vs Nationals Prediction, Betting Analysis
The Nationals have done a solid job capitalizing on their power this season, ranking in the top half of the league in runs per game, slugging percentage and OPS.
Both lineups are more than capable of producing runs, and there isn’t much to like about the pitching matchup. Horton is due for regression, while Williams’ traditional stats and advanced metrics are both underwhelming.
Add in two below-average bullpens, and the over is the clear play.
Pick: Over 9.5 (+100 | Play to -105)
Moneyline
I lean toward Chicago, but I don't want to back Horton.
Run Line (Spread)
I also like Chicago to cover, but I'm staying away for the same reason listed above.
Over/Under
As mentioned, I'm betting over 9.5.
