Game Preview
Chicago and New York are back at it after the Cubs rolled to a 12-4 win in Friday’s meeting, and this matchup has a very different feel with Jameson Taillon lined up against Tylor Megill. The Cubs have been piling up runs lately, averaging 11 over their last 3 games, while the Mets are trying to stop a rough slide after dropping their last 5. With cool weather, a steady wind at 12 mph, and two lineups coming in with very different recent form, this one sets up as a strong test of whether Chicago’s surge has more room to run.
Game Information
| Date | Saturday, April 18, 2026 |
| Time | 2:20 PM EST |
| Venue | Wrigley Field |
Recent Matchup History
- April 17, 2026: New York Mets 4 at Chicago Cubs 12
- September 25, 2025: New York Mets 8 at Chicago Cubs 5
- September 24, 2025: New York Mets 3 at Chicago Cubs 10
- September 23, 2025: New York Mets 9 at Chicago Cubs 7
- May 11, 2025: Chicago Cubs 2 at New York Mets 6
Why Chicago Cubs Could Win
Chicago has the cleaner setup on several fronts. Jameson Taillon has at least shown swing-and-miss ability in the data provided, posting 3 strikeouts against 4 walks with a .488 opponent OPS in one listed outing, while the Mets lineup has been stuck in a major slump with a 1-9 record over its last 10 games and just 2 runs per game in that span. The Cubs offense is in much better shape. Over the last 3 games, Chicago is averaging 11 runs, and Friday’s game showed how dangerous the top half can be with Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, and Moisés Ballesteros all making loud contact. There is also a bullpen edge. The Cubs’ relief stress sits at 11, not perfect, but the Mets are coming in off a poor start from Kodai Senga and still gave up 12 runs overall Friday. Chicago is also 6-4 in its last 10 and 4-1 in its last 5.
Why New York Mets Could Win
New York still has a path here if its core bats finally cash in on some favorable history against Chicago pitching. Several Mets hitters have strong numbers in the head-to-head sample against the probable starter, including Jorge Polanco at a 1.889 OPS, Bo Bichette at .913, Tommy Pham at .867, and Marcus Semien with 2 home runs in the matchup data. Even in Friday’s loss, the Mets had 14 hits, so the lineup did create traffic. The bullpen is also in better shape than Chicago’s based on the fatigue report, with team stress at just 4 and Brooks Raley listed as Green. If Tylor Megill can simply keep the ball in the yard and get this game into the middle innings, New York has enough individual matchup success to make it competitive. The Mets have also covered better as an underdog than their straight-up record shows, going 4-6 ATS in their last 10 as a dog while many of their losses have still produced offense in this series.
Final Pick
Chicago Cubs ML (-114)
