The Chicago Cubs travel to Citi Field on June 22, 2026, to begin a crucial National League series against the New York Mets. Both clubs enter the matchup with postseason aspirations, making this one of the most intriguing games on the MLB schedule. Bettors should pay close attention to the starting pitching matchup, as quality arms on both sides could significantly influence the betting markets.
Projected starters for Monday’s contest are Shota Imanaga for the Cubs and Kodai Senga for the Mets. The battle between two accomplished Japanese pitchers adds another layer of intrigue to an already compelling matchup.
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Cubs vs. Mets Betting Preview
The Cubs have continued to establish themselves as one of the National League’s most balanced teams. Chicago combines a productive offense with a strong pitching staff, allowing the club to remain competitive in nearly every game.
Imanaga has been a key reason for the Cubs’ success. The left-hander has consistently limited walks while generating weak contact, making him one of the more reliable starters in the National League rotation.
The Mets counter with Senga, whose devastating splitter remains one of baseball’s most effective swing-and-miss pitches. When healthy, Senga has shown the ability to dominate lineups and work deep into games.
With both teams featuring playoff-caliber rosters and quality starting pitching, bettors should expect a tightly contested matchup at Citi Field.
Best Bet: Under 7.5 Runs
The strongest wager on the board is the under.
Imanaga and Senga are both capable of shutting down opposing offenses, and each team enters the game with reliable bullpen options available for the late innings. Citi Field has also generally played as a neutral-to-pitcher-friendly environment, especially during evening games.
A low-scoring contest appears to be the most likely outcome if both starters perform near their season averages.
Recommended Bet: Under 7.5 Runs
Best Side Bet: Mets Moneyline
While this projects as a close game, the Mets hold a slight edge playing at home.
Senga’s strikeout ability gives New York an opportunity to neutralize Chicago’s offense, and the Mets lineup has historically performed better at Citi Field than on the road. Home-field advantage could prove decisive in what should be a one-run game for much of the evening.
Recommended Bet: Mets Moneyline
Best Player Prop Bet
One of the most attractive player props is Kodai Senga Over Strikeouts.
Chicago’s lineup has shown a willingness to work counts, but Senga’s splitter remains a difficult pitch to square up. If he pitches six innings or more, he should have a strong opportunity to exceed his strikeout total.
Recommended Bet: Kodai Senga Over Strikeouts
Same-Game Parlay Option
For bettors looking for a larger payout:
- Mets Moneyline
- Under 7.5 Runs
- Kodai Senga Over Strikeouts
This combination aligns with a projection of Senga delivering a quality start in a low-scoring Mets victory.
Final Prediction
Expect a postseason-style atmosphere with both starting pitchers controlling the game early. The Mets’ home-field advantage and Senga’s strikeout upside provide a slight edge over a talented Cubs club.
Prediction: Mets 4, Cubs 3
Best Bets Summary
- Under 7.5 Runs
- Mets Moneyline
- Kodai Senga Over Strikeouts
- First Five Innings Under
- Same-Game Parlay: Mets ML + Under 7.5 + Senga Strikeouts
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