New York Mets vs Chicago Cubs Picks and Predictions for Friday April 17 2026
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The New York Mets travel to face the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois on Friday, April 17, 2026, with first pitch scheduled for 2:20 PM and coverage airing on MLB.TV. The Cubs enter this matchup as the home favorite with a moneyline of -143, while the Mets are listed at +119. At the time of this writing the odds were not fully released for the total and run line. This matchup features two teams trending in different directions heading into the afternoon. Be sure to check out the latest free MLB picks for more insights on today’s games.
Starting Pitchers Outlook
The Mets will turn to Kodai Senga in this matchup, while the Cubs will counter with Edward Cabrera. Senga comes into the game with a 0-2 record, a 7.07 ERA, and a 1.71 WHIP across 14.0 innings, allowing 17 hits while striking out 19 and walking 7. Cabrera has been far more effective early in the season, posting a 1-0 record with a 1.62 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP over 16.2 innings, giving up just 10 hits while recording 13 strikeouts and issuing 9 walks without allowing a home run.
Mets Looking to End a Tough Stretch
New York enters this contest with a 7-12 overall record and a 4-6 mark on the road. The Mets have struggled significantly in their recent stretch, dropping each of their last five games. They recently lost to Los Angeles in consecutive games and also recently lost to Oakland twice, showing difficulty in both scoring and preventing runs during this stretch.
From a statistical standpoint, the Mets offense has struggled to produce consistently. They are hitting just .220 as a team with 65 runs scored and 142 hits, along with 14 home runs. Their on-base percentage sits at .286 and their slugging percentage at .331. On the pitching side, the Mets have posted a 3.83 ERA with a 1.26 WHIP, while allowing opponents to hit .234. They have issued 65 walks and recorded 173 strikeouts.
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The biggest concern for New York has been its lack of offensive production. With a low team batting average and limited power numbers, the Mets have found it difficult to generate runs, which has been reflected clearly in their recent losing streak.
Cubs Riding Recent Offensive Success
Chicago comes into this matchup with a 9-9 record and a 4-5 mark at home. The Cubs have shown stronger form recently, winning three of their last five games. They recently won over Philadelphia in back-to-back matchups and also picked up a win against Pittsburgh, showing their ability to generate offense in key moments.
The Cubs have been more productive offensively compared to their opponent, posting a .248 batting average with 94 runs scored and 153 hits, along with 19 home runs. Their on-base percentage of .341 and slugging percentage of .386 highlight a lineup that has been able to create consistent scoring opportunities. On the pitching side, Chicago has a 3.88 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP, while holding opponents to a .220 batting average.
One of the key strengths for Chicago has been their offensive efficiency. With higher totals in runs scored, batting average, and on-base percentage, the Cubs have demonstrated a more consistent ability to apply pressure and capitalize on opportunities.
New York Mets vs Chicago Cubs Picks and Prediction
New York Mets vs Chicago Cubs Pick
Pick: Chicago Cubs Moneyline
Chicago holds the edge in this matchup based on both recent performance and overall team production. The Cubs have been more consistent offensively and are coming off multiple wins, while the Mets are in the middle of a five-game losing streak. Additionally, the starting pitching matchup favors Chicago, as their starter has posted significantly stronger numbers early in the season. With advantages in both offense and pitching form, the Cubs are the more reliable side in this game.
New York Mets vs Chicago Cubs Total Pick
Pick: Under 8
I am leaning toward the under in this matchup because of the Mets’ recent offensive struggles and their inability to generate consistent scoring. While the Cubs have shown the ability to put runs on the board, the overall pitching numbers suggest that this game may not turn into a high-scoring affair. If New York continues to struggle at the plate, the total should stay below the number.
Final Score Prediction: Chicago Cubs 4 – New York Mets 2
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