MLB Prop Bets: Texas Rangers vs Chicago Cubs (May 8, 2026)
The Chicago Cubs (26-12) face the Texas Rangers (17-20) at Globe Life Field on Friday at 8:05pm (ET). Let's take a look at the MLB Prop Bets for the matchup. Ben Brown is the probable pitcher for the Cubs, while Kumar Rocker is the probable pitcher for the Rangers. The Cubs are favored to win at -143, while the Rangers are at +119. The total runs line is set at 8.5, with OVER at -118 and UNDER at -102.
- The Cubs (+119) have a 19-19 Run Line record this season, while the Rangers (-143) hold a record of 18-19.
- The Cubs have a 23-13-2 O/U record this season (meaning 23 games have gone over the total runs line, 13 have gone under and two have resulted in a push). The Rangers have a 15-21-1 O/U record.
Scoring Insights
- The Cubs are averaging 5.5 runs per game this season (3rd in the league). Comparatively, the Rangers are averaging only 3.8 (28th).
- In the field, the Cubs are allowing 4.2 runs per game this season (8th in the league), while the Rangers are allowing an average of 3.9 runs (5th).
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 .258 (ranking 4th in the Major leagues), while the Rangers are batting .236 (20th).
Home Runs
- In terms of total home runs this season, the Rangers have hit 34 (T23rd in the Major Leagues). Meanwhile, the Cubs have managed 50 (T4th).
Runs Batted In
- Finally, looking at their runs batted in, the Cubs have been outstanding this season, recording 191 RBIs to rank T3rd in the MLB. Comparatively, the Rangers have performed poorly in this area, recording only 132 RBIs to rank 28th.
Pitching Insights:
Earned Run Average
- The Rangers have an earned run average of 3.85 this season (9th in the Majors), while The Cubs have an ERA of 3.83 (8th).
Strikeouts
- Turning our attention to total strikeouts, the Cubs have recorded 319 this season, ranking T16th in the MLB. Meanwhile, the Rangers rank T16th for total strikeouts, recording 319.
Opponent Batting Average
- Opponents are batting an average of .235 against the Rangers this season (10th in the Major Leagues). Comparatively, the Cubs' opponents are at .229 (7th).
First Innings Moneyline
- Here are their first innings moneyline records in 2026.
| Total | Home | Road | Favorite | Underdog | Neutral | Last 10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubs | 6-7-25 | 5-3-15 | 1-4-10 | 5-3-18 | 1-4-7 | 0-0-0 | 2-2-6 |
| Rangers | 7-15-15 | 0-7-8 | 7-8-7 | 2-4-7 | 5-11-8 | 0-0-0 | 3-4-3 |
Lead After Three Innings
- Here are their records after the first three innings in 2026.
| Total | Home | Road | Favorite | Underdog | Neutral | Last 10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubs | 20-10-8 | 13-5-5 | 7-5-3 | 15-5-6 | 5-5-2 | 0-0-0 | 8-2-0 |
| Rangers | 14-14-9 | 3-7-5 | 11-7-4 | 5-5-3 | 9-9-6 | 0-0-0 | 2-4-4 |
NRFI/YRFI
The NRFI market is paying -130 and the YRFI is paying +100.
- The NRFI is 25-13 in Cubs games this season. The Rangers have a 13-24 NRFI record.
Last Time They Met
The Rangers recorded a 6-2 victory over the Cubs at Wrigley Field when these teams last met on April 9, 2025. Corey Seager was crushing the ball in that matchup, hitting 2 home runs and recording 2 RBIs. That result snapped the Cubs' three-game winning streak against the Rangers.
