Chicago Cubs vs Chicago White Sox Prediction & Betting Tips - MLB Spring Training

Prediction published on 29/02/2024, 16:16  by Matthew Newman | Modified on 01/03/2024 at 07:05 in Baseball Predictions

The Crosstown Classic moves to Arizona and spring training as the Chicago Cubs take on their city rivals, the Chicago White Sox on Friday. The Cubs have been very inconsistent so far. They scored eight runs in their opening two games against the White Sox and the Giants, but were then shut out the next two against the San Diego Padres and Kansas City Royals before scoring six on both the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers. When the offence has been on, they have looked very good which will have fans hoping that they can take a step forward on a solid enough 2023. Matt Shaw was only drafted in 2023 but the Cubs have been taking a proper look at him this spring with 13 at-bats, the most of any player. He won't make the opening day roster but is a name to remember.

The rebuild on the south side seems to have been going on for a decade now without the White Sox looking remotely competitive. They play in arguably the weakest division in the league and have still finished below .500 in eight of the last 11 seasons. Their best season in terms of win percentage was the shortened 2020 campaign, winning the division in 2021 but unable to make any further progress over the last two years. They are 1-5 at the time of writing with very little to celebrate so far. Eloy Jiminez has looked good for them but he has struggled to stay healthy. His swing could see him in the top 10 home run hitters if he got a full season in but he has missed more than 70 games on average the last three seasons.