Texas Rangers vs Chicago Cubs Prediction, MLB Picks 03/24

© Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Game Preview: Texas Rangers vs Chicago Cubs

On March 24, 2023, the Texas Rangers will visit Sloan Park to face the Chicago Cubs in an exciting MLB matchup. This game promises to be an intense battle between two teams that are eager to get ahead in the league standings. MLB picks experts and MLB picks computer predictions have weighed in, and there's no shortage of opinions about who might come out on top. Let's take a closer look at the teams and make our own predictions based on their recent performances.

Texas Rangers

The Rangers have been struggling to find their stride this season, with a 12-13 record and a 5-8 away record. While they have some notable contributors on the roster, including Corey Seager who has hit 4 home runs and has a .476 average, their offense has been inconsistent. However, they have shown potential in recent games, with wins against Cleveland and the Seattle Mariners. With Nathaniel Lowe leading the team with 10 RBI and a .333 batting average, the Rangers will look to him for some key at-bats against the Cubs.

Rangers: Pitching Analysis

The Texas Rangers have had a rough start to the season, with a record of 12-13 and sitting in fourth place in the AL West. Their pitching staff has been a major factor in their struggles, with an ERA of 4.21 (22nd in MLB). MLB picks experts and MLB picks computer programs have not been kind to the Texas Rangers, with many predicting them to finish near the bottom of the league in pitching statistics. However, MLB picks and parlays predictions do suggest that there is some potential in their pitching staff. One bright spot for the Rangers has been the performance of left-handed starter Glenn Otto, who has impressed in his limited appearances so far. The 25-year-old has a 1.93 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 9.1 innings pitched. If he can continue to improve, he could be a valuable asset to the Rangers' rotation. Overall, the Rangers' success this season will likely depend on the improvement of their pitching staff. If they can find a way to lower their team ERA and get consistent performances from their starters and relievers, they could surprise some people and make a run for a playoff spot. MLB experts picks today and best MLB bets today may not favor the Rangers, but it's still early in the season and there's plenty of time for this team to turn things around. Only time will tell if they can do so.

Rangers: Hitting Analysis

The Texas Rangers are a team that is difficult to predict. While computer models and MLB picks experts may have their own opinions, it is difficult to know exactly how this team will perform on any given day. However, one thing that can be analyzed is their hitting. Looking at the Rangers' offensive statistics, it is clear that they are a team that can score runs. With an average of 4.36 runs per game, they rank 12th out of all MLB teams. They also have a solid .277 team batting average and a .454 slugging percentage. One player who has been particularly impressive is Nathaniel Lowe. The first baseman has driven in 10 runs and hit two home runs, while boasting a .333 batting average. Meanwhile, Corey Seager has also been a key contributor, hitting .476 with four home runs. However, the Rangers' offense also has some weaknesses. They strike out a lot, averaging 8.93 strikeouts per game. They also struggle to get on base, with a team on-base percentage of just .301. Overall, the Rangers' hitting is solid, but not necessarily elite. They have some key contributors who can score runs, but they will need to work on getting on base more consistently if they want to compete with the top teams in MLB.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs have had a slightly better season than the Rangers, with a 13-10 record and a 6-6 home record. Edwin Rios has been a standout player for them, hitting 4 home runs and holding an impressive .194 average. However, their offense has also been struggling to find its rhythm, with a team batting average of .238. On the other hand, their pitching has been solid, with a team earned run average of 4.00. With starter Adbert Alzolay holding a 73 strikeout percentage, the Cubs will look to him for a strong performance against the Rangers.

Cubs: Pitching Analysis

As the Cubs prepare for the upcoming season, their pitching staff is a key area of focus. MLB picks experts and MLB picks computer models have differing opinions on how the Cubs will perform, but most predict a solid season for the team. MLB today experts have noted that the Cubs have a solid rotation, led by veteran Kyle Hendricks. Hendricks has been a mainstay in the Cubs rotation for years and is known for his command and ability to induce weak contact. However, it remains to be seen if the rest of the rotation can step up and give the Cubs consistent quality starts. MLB picks and parlay experts have also noted that the Cubs bullpen has the potential to be a strength this season. With the addition of Brad Boxberger and the return of Rowan Wick from injury, the Cubs have a number of reliable arms to turn to in late game situations. The key will be for manager David Ross to effectively manage the bullpen and not overwork his relievers. MLB experts picks today also point out that the Cubs will need to be strong defensively to support their pitching staff. Fortunately, the Cubs infield is one of the best in the league, led by shortstop Javy Baez and third baseman Kris Bryant. Catcher Willson Contreras is also one of the best defensive catchers in the game and will be a key asset behind the plate. Overall, the Cubs pitching staff has the potential to be a strength this season, but there are still question marks surrounding the consistency of the rotation and the effectiveness of the bullpen. It will be up to the players and coaching staff to put together a winning season and make a push for the playoffs. For bettors looking for the best MLB bets today, keep an eye on the Cubs pitching staff and their overall performance throughout the season.

Cubs: Hitting Analysis

There are various ways to predict the outcome of a baseball game. MLB picks experts use different methods, some of them rely on computer data, while others make their predictions based on their own knowledge and experience. MLB picks and predictions can also be affected by factors such as injuries, previous performance, and home-field advantage. Today, experts MLB picks may favor the Cubs against the Rangers. Based on the hitting statistics of these two teams, the Cubs have an advantage. They have a higher batting average, better on-base percentage, and a more effective run production. The Cubs' Edwin Rios leads the team with four home runs, while Yan Gomes leads the team with nine RBIs. Moreover, the Cubs have been playing better lately, winning three of their last five games. 

Injury Report

Both the Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs have some players dealing with injuries as they head into their game on March 24, 2023. For the Rangers, starting pitcher Glenn Otto is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, while the Cubs have shortstop Ed Howard and shortstop Nico Hoerner listed as day-to-day with injuries. These injuries could impact the lineup for both teams and affect the outcome of the game. As always, injuries are a factor in any MLB game and should be taken into consideration when making MLB picks. 

Prediction

After analyzing the MLB picks and predictions from experts and computer algorithms, the pick for today's game is the Texas Rangers. Although they may not be the favorite, they have shown a strong offense and defense value compared to the Chicago Cubs. The Rangers have a better win percentage, batting average, runs scored, and double plays/game compared to the Cubs. It will be a close game, but the Rangers are predicted to come out on top with a score of 5-3. 

Pick: Rangers