Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

The MLB is nearly back as the 2025 regular season will kick off in Japan for the Tokyo Series on Tuesday March 18 and Wednesday March 19.

This series will feature the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers against the Chicago Cubs.

Our article is set to preview Tuesday’s game between the Dodgers and Cubs by providing you with our best bet for the first competitive game of the season.

In addition to our best bet, we will also provide you with the money line, total, and run line odds, as well as the home run odds available for some of the best players on both teams.

Keep in mind that Tuesday’s game will be played at the Tokyo Dome in Japan so the first pitch is scheduled for approximately 6 AM ET and the game will be broadcast nationally on FOX.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs betting picks and predictions

Los Angeles Dodgers ML (-165)

There is not much negative you can say about what the Dodgers did last season, as they have built a virtually unbeatable team. Especially in the playoffs when you have to do it four times out of seven games. 

Coming into the 2025 season, the Dodgers look to be just as good if not better, but will open their season with a solid test against the Cubs.

Los Angeles is set to start Yoshinobu Yamamoto for Tuesday’s opener, who is coming off a successful first season in the MLB. The Dodgers’ right-hander finished 2024 with a record of 7-2 while posting an ERA of 3.00. 

As for the Cubs, they finished 2024 with a record of 83-79, but more importantly they missed the playoffs for the fourth straight season.

They will counter Yamamoto by starting Shota Imanaga. He also made his MLB debut in 2024, posting a record of 15-3 with an ERA of 2.93. 

Unlike a normal MLB game, this game will feel unfamiliar with the game being played in Japan.

That said, the crowd is likely to lean towards supporting the Dodgers due to their roster having multiple Japanese-born players, including Shohei Ohtani. 

Better yet, the Dodgers simply have a superior roster, so while Imanaga had a better 2024 season compared to Yamamoto, the Dodgers’ bats look to be much more trustworthy.

Because of this, backing the Dodgers to win on Tuesday will be our best bet.

Shohei Ohtani to hit a home run (+220)

Japanese superstar Ohtani enjoyed a hugely successful first season with the Dodgers following his mega-money move across LA from the Angels, crushing 54 home runs as he led his side all the way to World Series glory.

He also claimed a third Major League Baseball MVP award in the last four years, as well as winning a Hank Aaron award and a Sliver Slugger award, showing just what a massive player he is for the Dodgers and their hopes of a fifth world title in the last nine seasons.

Ohtani will want to give early notice of his intentions for the season and is sure to be on the hunt for a Home Run to kick things off.

Read more betting picks and predictions for the MLB on site

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs odds

LA Dodgers	-165 ML
CHI Cubs	+140 ML
Run Line	LA Dodgers -1.5
Total	O/U 8.5

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs player props

Player Home Run Odds

Shohei Ohtani (LA Dodgers)	+220
Max Muncy (LA Dodgers)	+270
Teoscar Hernandez (LA Dodgers)	+350
Mookie Betts (LA Dodgers)	+375
Kyle Tucker (CHI Cubs)	+425
Ian Happ (CHI Cubs)	+500
Michael Busch (CHI Cubs)	+550
Seiya Suzuki (CHI Cubs)	+550

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.