Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs Picks and Prediction for Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025

By: Adam Rauzino Published 09/03/2025, 10:27 AM ET
Cubs vs Rays prediction.
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The Atlanta Braves (62-76, 64-73 RL, 63-65-9 O/U) and the Chicago Cubs (79-59, 63-75 RL, 63-64-11 O/U) wrap up a three-game series on Wednesday afternoon, and we have the prediction. The Braves are going with Bryce Elder. The Cubs will reply with Cade Horton. The Cubs posted a 7-6 win in the series opener.

Can Horton record his 10th win of the season on Wednesday? Check out the Braves vs. Cubs prediction. Nobody does it better when it comes to MLB Picks!

Elder On the Mound to Conclude Series

Bryce Elder will get the nod in this one. Elder came through with a gem in his recent effort, keeping Philadelphia to only one run in seven innings, resulting in a no-decision in a game the Braves lost. The veteran is having a rough season but has been sharp in two straight outings. He has posted a 5.85 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP, accompanied by a 5-9 record in 124.2 innings of work on the year. Elder has been exposed in his two career outings against Chicago, squandering 10 runs with an 0-1 record in eight innings.

The Atlanta Braves are going to finish well below the .500 mark in what's been a disappointing season. They won a series against the Marlins last week but were dealt three defeats in four road meetings against the Phillies on the weekend due to a poor series on the mound, squandering 25 runs. The Braves are 29-43 on the road.

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Michael Harris is in a groove, amassing six RBIs in his past five games. The 24-year-old outfielder is having a strong year, bashing 17 home runs wth 77 RBIs. Matt Olson also has five RBIs in his past six games. The veteran has posted 21 home runs with 77 RBIs. Ronald Acuna Jr. recorded a .678 OPS in August. The star has 15 bombs with 31 RBIs and a sharp .920 OPS. Marcell Ozuna has been quiet, netting two RBIs in his past 10 games. The DH has 20 home runs with 62 RBIs and a strong .761 OPS.

Atlanta is averaging 4.42 runs on the year, ranking them 15th. The Braves' pitching is shaky, recording a 4.40 ERA, placing them 22nd.

Horton Seeks 10th Win of Season for Cubs

Cade Horton will be on the mound to conclude the series. Horton came through with another strong outing last week, conceding two runs in five innings against the Rockies, and was credited with the win. The rookie is already proving to be the ace. He has issued a 1.20 ERA this month and is sporting a robust 2.92 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP, complemented by a 9-4 record in 98.2 innings of work on the year. Horton has only given up nine home runs on the season. This is his first career meeting against Atlanta.

The Chicago Cubs remain six games behind the Brewers in the division and are in the 1st wildcard spot. They have an easy schedule the rest of the way, but not enough time to catch the Brewers. The squad earned a series win against the Rockies on the weekend, led by the offense, racking up 20 runs. They opened this series with a 7-6 win. The Cubs stand at 42-25 at home.

Pete Crow-Armstrong had a disastrous August, posting a .446 OPS. The 23-year-old is enjoying a breakout season, registering 83 RBIs and a .784 OPS. Kyle Tucker also had a quiet August and has one RBI this month. The 28-year-old has managed 70 RBIs on the season. Ian Happ is in a groove, amassing eight RBIs in his last five games. The slugger has 64 RBIs and a .747 OPS. Seiya Suzuki has been kept to one RBI in his last eight games. The 31-year-old has 27 homers with 89 RBIs.

Chicago is posting an average of 4.95 runs on the season, rating them fifth. The pitching is strong, reporting a 3.88 ERA, good for 11th.

The Atlanta Braves have dropped four of their past five road games. The Chicago Cubs continue to succeed. They are dominant at home, having won six of their past eight home games. This includes a series win against the Brewers in their previous home series.

Furthermore, Braves pitcher Bryce Elder has struggled against Chicago, surrendering 10 runs in eight career innings. Cubs pitcher Cade Horton is having a stunning rookie season. He has held his opponent to either zero or one run in five of his past six outings and has recorded a sparkling 1.20 ERA in August. The Cubs are 5-1 in Horton's past six outings. Also, the run line is a strong play considering the Cubs have won by two or more runs in five of their past six wins with Horton on the mound.

Pick: Chicago Cubs -1.5 (5 units)

I expect runs to be at a premium. Atlanta has been quiet at the dish. They have only managed 16 runs in their past five games. Horton is especially dominant at Wrigley Field, where he has issued a stingy 1.71 ERA on the season.

In addition, Chicago has been hit or miss at the dish. They have only scored 22 runs in their last six home games. Elder has been sharp recently, keeping his opponent to just three runs in his past 13 innings. The Braves have conceded two or fewer runs in five of their past eight road games entering Tuesday. The under is 6-2 in the past eight meetings between these squads.

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