MLB Prop Bets: Tampa Bay Rays vs Chicago Cubs (April 8, 2026)
The Chicago Cubs (5-6) face the Tampa Bay Rays (5-6) at Tropicana Field on Wednesday at 6:40pm (ET). Let's take a look at the MLB Prop Bets for the matchup. Colin Rea is the probable pitcher for the Cubs, while Joe Boyle is the probable pitcher for the Rays. The Cubs opened as favorites but this matchup has since become a pick'em, with both the Cubs and Rays at -110 to win. The total runs line is set at 8.0, with OVER at -115 and UNDER at -105.
- The Cubs (+153) have a 4-7 Run Line record this season, while the Rays (-186) hold a record of 5-6.
- The Cubs have a 6-5-0 O/U record this season (meaning six games have gone over the total runs line and five have gone under). The Rays have an 8-2-1 O/U record.
Scoring Insights
- The Cubs are averaging 4.5 runs per game this season (12th in the league). Comparatively, the Rays are averaging 4.8 (T7th).
- In the field, the Cubs are allowing 3.8 runs per game this season (T11th in the league), while the Rays are allowing an average of 5.7 runs (27th).
Let's take a look at how these teams perform in some other key statistical areas.
Batting Insights:
Batting Average
- Looking at their batting averages this season, the Cubs are at .221 (ranking 22nd in the Major leagues), while the Rays are batting .260 (5th).
Home Runs
- In terms of total home runs this season, the Rays have hit 11 (T9th in the Major Leagues). Meanwhile, the Cubs have managed 12 (T6th).
Runs Batted In
- Finally, looking at their runs batted in, the Cubs have recorded 47 RBIs to rank T11th in the MLB this season. Comparatively, the Rays have recorded 49 RBIs to rank 10th.
Pitching Insights:
Earned Run Average
- The Rays have an earned run average of 4.95 this season (25th in the Majors), while The Cubs have an ERA of 3.56 (12th).
Strikeouts
- Turning our attention to total strikeouts, the Cubs have recorded 85 this season, ranking 25th in the MLB. Meanwhile, the Rays rank 26th for total strikeouts, recording 84.
Opponent Batting Average
- Opponents are batting an average of .231 against the Rays this season (14th in the Major Leagues). Comparatively, the Cubs' opponents are at .215 (9th).
First Innings Moneyline
- Here are their first innings moneyline records in 2026.
| Total | Home | Road | Favorite | Underdog | Neutral | Last 10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubs | 1-1-9 | 1-1-4 | 0-0-5 | 1-1-7 | 0-0-2 | 0-0-0 | 1-1-8 |
| Rays | 3-1-7 | 0-0-2 | 3-1-5 | 1-1-6 | 2-0-1 | 0-0-0 | 3-1-6 |
Lead After Three Innings
The Cubs are -120 to lead after three innings, while the Rays are -110.
- Here are their records after the first three innings in 2026.
| Total | Home | Road | Favorite | Underdog | Neutral | Last 10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubs | 7-2-2 | 4-1-1 | 3-1-1 | 6-1-2 | 1-1-0 | 0-0-0 | 6-2-2 |
| Rays | 6-4-1 | 1-1-0 | 5-3-1 | 4-4-0 | 2-0-1 | 0-0-0 | 6-3-1 |
NRFI/YRFI
The NRFI market is paying -120 and the YRFI is paying -110.
- The NRFI is 9-2 in Cubs games this season. The Rays have a 7-4 NRFI record.
Last Time They Met
The Cubs recorded a 9-2 victory over the Rays at Tropicana Field yesterday. Pete Crow-Armstrong dominated at the plate in that matchup, notching 1 home run, 2 singles and an RBI.
