The Cleveland Guardians (40-43) are set to face the Chicago Cubs (50-35) at Wrigley Field this evening, with Tanner Bibee taking the mound for the Guardians against Shota Imanaga for the Cubs. Last night, the Cubs won the first game of the series 5-2, with Carson Kelly shining by going 2-for-2 and driving in three runs, while Matthew Boyd pitched well, allowing only two runs in seven innings for his eighth win of the season.

This matchup is significant as the Cubs aim to capitalize on their recent home success against teams with losing records, having won four of their last five such games. The Guardians, meanwhile, have struggled against the Cubs in recent encounters, failing to cover the Run Line in eight of their last ten games. Bettors should consider the latest odds, which currently favor the Cubs at -159 on the moneyline, while the Guardians are listed at +134. The total runs are set at 9.0, hinting at a potential low-scoring affair given the Guardians' recent trend of underwhelming offensive output.

Voting for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game starting lineups has begun, with the Chicago Cubs showcasing a strong roster that could send multiple players to Atlanta, the host city, for the July 15 game. Notable candidates include outfielders Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker, with Crow-Armstrong leading the NL in WAR and defensive metrics, including outs above average. Tucker, while currently battling a jammed finger, is second in NL outfielders for on-base percentage and has a proven All-Star pedigree.

The Cubs also have strong candidates in Carson Kelly, who excels among catchers, and second baseman Nico Hoerner, who boasts an impressive batting average. Honorable mentions include Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch, though they face stiff competition at their respective positions. With the Cubs' offense thriving, fans have the opportunity to shape the All-Star representation this season.

The Chicago Cubs aimed to assert themselves in the National League in 2024 but ended the season with the same disappointing record of 83 wins as the previous year. Despite acquiring manager Craig Counsell from the Milwaukee Brewers, the team failed to reach the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season, prompting frustration among fans.

In an effort to improve, the Cubs made significant offseason moves, including trading for star right fielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros. This acquisition is expected to bolster their lineup and create opportunities for top prospect Matt Shaw.

While the Cubs have strengthened their roster with solid additions, concerns remain about ownership's willingness to invest in a championship-caliber team. Chairman Tom Ricketts acknowledged the need for improvement and emphasized the importance of commitment to winning.

The Chicago White Sox have acquired catcher Matt Thaiss from the Chicago Cubs for cash considerations. Thaiss, 29, may serve as a backup to Korey Lee on Opening Day after spending the previous season with the Los Angeles Angels.

Last season, he posted a batting average of .204 with two home runs in 56 games. Thaiss has a career average of .208 over six seasons and has played various positions, primarily catcher. His acquisition comes after the Cubs signed Carson Kelly, making Thaiss available.

Kyle Tucker has joined the Chicago Cubs after being traded from the Houston Astros, bringing his impressive skills to a team seeking to enhance its lineup. Despite a challenging season with injuries, Tucker's performance included 23 home runs and 49 RBIs in just 78 games.

The Cubs made a significant investment in acquiring Tucker, sending three players to Houston, including third baseman Isaac Paredes. Cubs president Jed Hoyer believes Tucker's addition will consolidate their roster's talent.

As the offseason progresses, the Cubs are looking to make further improvements, including potential additions to their bullpen and infield. Tucker, who has expressed interest in a long-term deal with Chicago, is excited about the opportunity to play in a city he admires.