The Chicago Cubs host the Philadelphia Phillies on April 23, 2026. First pitch from Wrigley Field is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. EDT. The game will be broadcast on NBCS-PH.
The Phillies are favored by -123 on the moneyline and by -1.5 on the run line. The Cubs are +104 on the moneyline and +1.5 on the run line. The total is set at 9 runs.
Find my MLB picks and Phillies vs Cubs prediction below, as well as probable pitchers, weather report, and more.
Phillies vs Cubs Prediction
- Phillies vs Cubs Pick: Nico Hoerner Over 1.5 Hits
My Phillies vs Cubs best bet is on Nico Hoerner to go over 1.5 hits. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live MLB odds page.
Phillies vs Cubs Odds
| Phillies Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -160 | 9 -115o / -105u | -123 |
| Cubs Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 +135 | 9 -115o / -105u | +104 |
- Phillies vs Cubs moneyline: Phillies -123, Cubs +104
- Phillies vs Cubs over/under: 9 (-115o / -105u)
- Phillies vs Cubs spread: Phillies -1.5 (+135), Cubs +1.5 (-160)
Phillies vs Cubs Probable Pitchers
| LHP Cristopher Sánchez (PHI) | Stat | RHP Edward Cabrera (CHC) |
|---|---|---|
| 2-2 | W-L | 2-0 |
| 1.1 | fWAR (FanGraphs) | 0.6 |
| 1.59/2.77 | ERA / xERA | 2.38/4.24 |
| 1.70/2.21 | FIP / xFIP | 3.10/4.32 |
| 25.2% | K-BB% | 6.6% |
| 59.2% | GB% | 40.3% |
| .413 | BABIP | .286 |
| 116 | Stuff+ | 93 |
| 99 | Location+ | 100 |
Phillies vs Cubs MLB Betting Preview
The Phillies and Cubs wrap up their series at Wrigley Field as two teams trending in opposite directions.
The 2026 season has been a nightmare so far for the Phillies (8-16). Their current eight-game losing streak is the franchise's longest since 2018, and the offense has gone cold at the worst possible time.
Compounding their issues is the loss of veteran catcher J.T. Realmuto, who recently landed on the 10-day IL with back spasms.
On the mound, the Phillies turn to left-hander Cristopher Sánchez (1.59 ERA). While Sánchez has been a bright spot with elite strikeout numbers (12.4 K/9), he faces a daunting task against a Cubs lineup that has outscored opponents 58-20 during their current win streak.
Sánchez’s advanced metrics suggest some regression may be coming, and pitching in the hitter-friendly afternoon winds of Wrigley Field leaves little room for error.
For the Cubs (15-9), everything is clicking. They have won nine of their last 10 games and are looking for a four-game sweep of Philadelphia.
The offense has been led by a surging core, but the spark plug has undoubtedly been Nico Hoerner.
The Cubs' second baseman is currently hitting .326 with 31 hits through 24 games. His ability to put the ball in play—evidenced by just 12 strikeouts in 97 at-bats—makes him a nightmare for pitchers like Sánchez who rely on the swing-and-miss.
Chicago will counter Sánchez with Edward Cabrera (2.38 ERA), who has provided stability to a rotation that is finally healthy and firing on all cylinders.
Phillies vs Cubs Pick, Betting Analysis
Our PRO Projections have identified a significant edge in the player prop market for this matinee, specifically targeting Chicago’s leadoff catalyst. The system is flagging a massive discrepancy between the market price and Hoerner’s projected output.
Hoerner has historically excelled against left-handed pitching. With a lefty on the mound today, he will have the platoon advantage in his first few plate appearances.
While Cristopher Sánchez thrives on strikeouts, Hoerner is one of the most difficult batters in the league to punch out. In 2025, Hoerner posted a 7.6% strikeout rate, which was the third-lowest among qualified batters in the league.
Moreover, today’s forecast for Wrigley Field calls for 72°F and winds around 14 mph. This creates a "batting-friendly" environment where even soft-contact hits can find grass.
Hoerner has already recorded three-hit games twice against Philadelphia this month alone (April 14 and 15). Our PRO Projections have him at 1.74 hits. Back the Cubs' leadoff man to stay hot and keep the line moving.
Pick: Nico Hoerner Over 1.5 Hits
