Chicago Cubs vs Miami Marlins Prediction & Picks - MLB

Prediction published on 9/22/26, 3:55 PM  by Bill Christy in MLB Picks

The Chicago Cubs’ hopes of winning the division this season have come to an end as the Milwaukee Brewers have clinched the NL Central. Now, the Cubs are set on holding the top wild-card spot as they are currently tied with the San Diego Padres and just 1 game up on the Philadelphia Phillies. Tonight, they will face the Miami Marlins, who are only playing to spoil their opponents’ efforts as they will not be making the postseason this year.

Chicago has been winning some higher-scoring games lately. They are 4-2 over their last 6 games and have been combining for an average score of 9.7 runs per game. Their MVP candidate, Pete Crow-Armstrong, has continued his torrid pace as the regular season winds down. He is coming off a 3-for-5 game where he homered, doubled, and knocked in 2, while also picking up another stolen bag. He and the Cubs offense is likely to be needed tonight as they will start Kevin Gausman. He is just 9-12 on the season and has an ERA over 4.50. Recently, Gausman has given up 14 runs in his last 4 starts.

The Marlins would love to put up some runs on Gausman. They will have Janson Junk on the mound, and he has been known to have some rough outings. Just a couple of weeks ago, he allowed 8 runs on 8 hits in just 3 innings against the Mets. And even when he is pitching decently, he does not go past the 4th inning much.