Chicago Cubs vs Cleveland Guardians July 3rd 2025
The Cleveland Guardians will visit the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Thursday, July 3, 2025. This night game is set to start at 8:05 PM. The weather forecast predicts a warm evening with a light breeze and a few clouds.
Stephen Vogt leads the Guardians, who hold a 40-44 record this season. They will face the Cubs, managed by Craig Counsell, who have a 51-35 record. On the mound, Luis L. Ortiz will start for Cleveland, while Cade Horton will pitch for Chicago.
Guardians vs Cubs Key Information
- Sport: Baseball
- Teams: Cleveland Guardians vs. Chicago Cubs
- Venue: Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL
- Date: Thursday, July 3, 2025
- Betting Odds: Guardians Moneyline +133, Cubs Moneyline -156
The Guardians Can Win If…
The Cleveland Guardians are ready for their next game, despite a recent 4-5 loss against the Chicago Cubs. In that game, they had 7 hits and 3 home runs. Carlos Santana, Lane Thomas, and David Fry each hit a home run, showing their power at the plate.
The Guardians have some key stats that can lead them to a win. They are ranked 11th in stolen bases with 65, which can help them score runs. Their pitching staff has given up only 87 home runs this season, ranking 6th, which can keep the Cubs’ offense in check.
José Ramírez is a player to watch with a .305 batting average and 13 home runs. Carlos Santana adds depth with 9 home runs and a .236 average. With Luis L. Ortiz on the mound, the Guardians have a chance to control the game, as he has a 4.37 ERA this season.
The Cubs Can Win If…
The Chicago Cubs are coming off a close 5-4 win against the Cleveland Guardians. Shota Imanaga pitched over five innings, allowing three home runs but keeping the Cubs in the game. Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong led the offense, driving in key runs to secure the win.
The Cubs have strong stats that support their chances of winning. They rank fourth in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and home runs in the league. Their ability to hit doubles ranks second, showing they can get extra bases and put pressure on opposing pitchers.
Seiya Suzuki stands out as a key player with 23 home runs and a .546 slugging percentage. Michael Busch also contributes with a .282 batting average and 50 RBIs. With Cade Horton starting and looking to improve his 4.80 ERA, the Cubs have a balanced attack to take on the Guardians again.
The Lean
The Cubs are favored with a moneyline of -156, and they have strong hitting stats. They rank 4th in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. The Guardians have a weaker batting average, ranking 21st. My model projects the Cubs to win with a score of 5-3. Therefore, the pick is the Cubs on the moneyline.
The total for this game is set at 8.5 runs. The Cubs have a solid pitching staff with a 3.85 ERA, ranked 13th. The Guardians’ pitching has a 4.07 ERA, ranked 18th. My model projects a total score of 8 runs. Thus, the recommendation is to take the under 8.5.
All-Star Accolades Ignite Cubs
Chicago center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong headlines a trio of Cubs All-Stars as Chicago chases a three-game sweep. The 23-year-old has impressed with a .268 batting average, 21 homers, 64 RBIs and 26 steals in his second full season. His two-hit, two-RBI performance in Wednesday’s 5–4 comeback victory not only fueled the win but also underscored why he’ll start in center field for the National League on July 15. For a detailed look at Thursday’s matchup, see our MLB series preview.
Chicago’s lineup gains even more firepower from right fielder Kyle Tucker, who earned his first All-Star start after hitting .290 with 17 homers and 21 steals. His presence in the heart of the order gives the Cubs a true 30–30 threat and vital protection for Crow-Armstrong. Discover which players the experts are backing in our latest MLB picks.
Guardians’ Offense Stalled
Cleveland’s bats have been silenced of late, producing just 12 runs during a six-game losing streak. Solo homers from Carlos Santana, Lane Thomas and David Fry weren’t enough to turn the tide in Wednesday’s 5–4 loss. The Guardians will look to veteran third baseman José Ramírez—batting .301 with 13 homers, 38 RBIs and 21 steals— to spark their lineup. Learn how to read and leverage today’s odds in our MLB betting guide.
Young Arms Take the Mound
Thursday’s finale pits two rising right-handers against each other. Cubs prospect Cade Horton (3–2, 4.80 ERA) aims to rebound from a seven-run outing in four innings last Friday, while Cleveland’s Luis Ortiz (4–9, 4.36 ERA) looks to build on a seven-inning, four-run performance in his latest start. Both hurlers will be eager to prove their mettle before the All-Star break. See which experts back these starters on our handicappers leaderboard.
Betting Outlook & Expert Selections
With Chicago riding momentum and Cleveland desperate for offense, there are multiple wagering angles—from run lines to player prop bets. For guaranteed expert analysis and ready-to-use picks, head over to our buy picks page.