New York Mets vs Chicago Cubs Picks and Prediction for Saturday April 18 2026
Use Code WWWC Major League Baseball action on Saturday afternoon, and we have a New York Mets vs Chicago Cubs prediction lined up and ready to roll. The Cubs took game one of this three-game set by a score of 12-4. The Mets are struggling as they have now lost nine games in a row and are 7-13 on the year. The Cubs have won three games in a row and have scored at least 10 runs in all three games. They check in at 10-9 on the year. Read on to see our Mets vs Cubs prediction.
Pitching Probables: The Mets will trot out Freddy Peralta (1-1, 3.86 ERA) and the Cubs will counter with Jameson Taillon (0-1, 4.86 ERA)
Need some winners in MLB? Check out our MLB Free picks and beat the books!
The Mets Have Lost 9 In A Row
The Mets enter this matchup desperate for a spark after a 12–4 loss in the opener and a nine‑game losing streak that has pushed them to 7–13. Nothing has gone right during this slide. New York has been outscored by 40 runs over the nine games and has averaged only 1.78 runs per game in that stretch. The offense ranks near the bottom of the league at 3.45 runs per game, hitting .229 with a .632 OPS. The pitching has been respectable, posting a 4.21 ERA and 1.31 WHIP, but the lack of run support has erased any margin for error. Freddy Peralta takes the ball at 1–1 with a 3.86 ERA, and he must set the tone early. New York needs cleaner at‑bats, fewer defensive mistakes, and more traffic on the bases to stay competitive.
Get Free $30 Credit for Premium Picks + Exclusive Discounts
Subscribe Now
For the Mets to win this game, they must break the early‑game scoring drought that has plagued them. Peralta needs quick innings to keep pressure off the bullpen, but the offense must finally match that effort. New York also needs to tighten its defense after committing 11 errors, many of which extended innings during this skid. The Mets must control the strike zone, avoid chasing pitches, and find a way to manufacture runs. If they can keep the game close into the late innings and finally deliver timely hitting, they can give themselves a chance to stop the slide.
Chicago's Offense Is Rolling
Chicago enters this matchup with confidence after a 12–4 win in the opener and a three‑game winning streak. The Cubs have scored at least 10 runs in all three victories and have averaged 9.4 runs over their last five games. Their season profile reflects a balanced, dangerous team. Chicago sits at 10–9, ranking 4th in runs per game at 5.58, while hitting .255 with a strong .748 OPS. The power has been steady with 22 home runs, and the lineup continues to pressure pitchers early. On the mound, the Cubs have posted a 3.89 ERA and 1.18 WHIP, giving them one of the more complete statistical profiles in the National League. Jameson Taillon gets the start at 0–1 with a 4.86 ERA, and he’ll look to build on Chicago’s recent momentum.
For the Cubs to take this game, they must continue attacking early in counts and forcing the Mets’ pitching staff into stressful innings. Their defense has been sharp with only eight errors, and that stability helps them maintain control when the offense is rolling. Chicago also needs Taillon to deliver a steady outing to prevent New York from gaining confidence. If the Cubs keep applying pressure, working deep counts, and maintaining their current offensive rhythm, they have a strong chance to secure another win in this series.
New York Mets vs Chicago Cubs Pick
Mets vs Cubs Spread Pick
- Mets +103 (5 Units)
The Mets feel like a team backed into a corner, and that desperation can finally work in their favor here. Peralta has been one of the few reliable pieces during this rough stretch, and his 9–3 record with a 3.21 ERA against Chicago gives New York a real path to stabilizing this matchup. The Cubs are hot, but they’re also due for a cooldown after three straight double‑digit outbursts, and this is the type of spot where a strong veteran arm can reset the tone. The Mets don’t need an offensive explosion — they just need timely hits, cleaner defense, and a starter who can keep the game under control. Peralta gives them that chance. With urgency on their side and a favorable pitching matchup, New York is positioned to finally snap the skid as a small underdog.
Mets vs Cubs Over/Under Pick
- Over (4 Units)
A high‑scoring script makes sense here, especially with the way both teams are trending. The Cubs have been crushing the ball for a week, and the Mets’ pitching has been stretched thin during this nine‑game slide. Even if Peralta delivers a solid outing, Chicago’s current form almost guarantees pressure and traffic on the bases. On the other side, New York should finally show signs of life against Taillon, who hasn’t looked sharp and has been vulnerable to early damage. The Mets don’t need a breakout night to push this total upward — they just need to capitalize on a few key spots, and desperation often forces more aggressive swings. With Chicago’s lineup rolling and New York likely to respond after getting punched in the mouth in Game 1, this matchup has the feel of a game that climbs past double digits. Reaching 11 runs or more is a very realistic outcome.
Never Tried Winners and Whiners? Now Is Your Chance
- Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code DOLLAR
- If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
- If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
- Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.
- Check out more MLB predictions
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
