Free Picks: Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals

The Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals are predicted to miss the postseason, but there is still baseball to be played. In this contest, I take a look at the winner straight up as Kyle Hendricks starts for the visiting Cubs. We await a named starter for Washington, who lost ace Max Scherzer in a blockbuster trade. The Nats dropped Chicago on Friday. Can the Cubbies respond on Saturday?

Both the Cubs and Nationals essentially sold the heart and souls of their respective teams, throwing in the towel on the 2021 campaign. 

Of course, Washington and Chicago’s moves dramatically impacted World Series odds, and their additions (and subtractions) will also impact MLB regular season odds.

Friday night, the Nationals were able to drop Chicago 4-3 but currently trail the season series 2-3. 

Kyle Hendricks gets the start for Chicago. The RHP is 12-4 on the year with a 3.85 ERA. Hendricks has musted 91 strikeouts this season as well and is 1-0 (2 ND) in his last 3 starts against the Nationals. 

 The Nationals have not named a starting pitcher, but it’s projected to be Paolo Espino. If that is true, Espino is 3-2 on the season with a 3.08 ERA. Espino is 1-0 (1 ND) in his last 2 starts against the Cubs. 

This is an interesting battle because both teams have virtually lost their stars. The Cubs lost Rizzo, Baez and Bryant, while the Nationals lost Scherzer and Turner. 

 For this BetPicks Prediction, I think I want to run with the Nationals Moneyline. The Cubs are 2-5 in their last 7 on the road and their offense has taken a deep hit with moves made on Friday. 

Despite being on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs, the Nationals are decent at home. Washington is 28-25 at home, while the Cubs are 19-34 away from Wrigley. 

Before Chicago’s transactions, their offense was in the lower third of the league. I cry for the potential lack of offensive production on the horizon for Chicago. Their offensive stars were ripped away from Cubs’ fans. 

Losing Turner will hurt the Nationals, no doubt. But they still have pop with Soto, Robles, Zimmerman and Bell.  

Chicago’s moves will hurt them long-term, which is why I want to bet on the Washington Moneyline for this free MLB pick. 

• Washington has averaged 4.38 runs per game over last 5. 
• The Nationals have averaged 4.90 against the Cubs in last 10 meetings.
• The Cubs are 3-7 in last 10 games.