MLB Odds: Cubs vs. Cardinals prediction, odds and pick

The Chicago Cubs are 56-77, third place in the NL Central. They are 22 games behind the division lead. St. Louis is 78-55, seven-and-a-half games ahead of the second-place Milwaukee Brewers.

Marcus Stroman will start for Chicago against Cardinals. Strom has been solid for the Cubs, with a 3.98 ERA in 19 starts. Brandon Hughes has pitched to a 2.96 ERA with 59 strikeouts in his rookie season. Ian Happ has enjoyed a career year, leading the team with 36 doubles and 15 home runs. Patrick Wisdom leads the Chicago team's home run and RBI charts. Nico Hoerner leads with .283 batting average and 16 stolen bases. Christopher Morel has impressed with 13 home Runs and stealing nine bases in 88 games.

Miles Mikolas is having his best season since 2018. Paul Goldschmidt is enjoying one of the finest offensive seasons St. Louis has ever seen. Ryan Helsley is one the most dangerous pitchers in baseball. Tommy Edman is also having a career year. Giovanny Gallegos is a reliable closer. Nolan Arenado is leading the team with 36 doubles and Nolan Arendt is second with 28 home runs, 89 RBIs and a .305 batting average.

St. Louis has a lot to play for in this rivalry matchup.

St. Louis is favored to beat Chicago 7.5-1.