Cubs vs. Rays odds, line, prediction: 2026 MLB picks for Monday afternoon from proven model

The Chicago Cubs take on the Tampa Bay Rays in an interleague matchup in Tampa Bay's home opener on Monday afternoon. Chicago is coming off a doubleheader split with the Cleveland Guardians, winning 1-0 and losing 6-5, while Tampa Bay defeated Minnesota 4-1 on Sunday. The Cubs (4-5), who finished second in the National League Central at 92-70 a year ago, were 42-39 on the road. The Rays (4-5), who finished fourth in the American League East in 2025, were 41-40 on their home field.

First pitch Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla., is set for 4:10 p.m. ET. The Rays lead the all-time series 14-11, but the Cubs won the season series 2-1 in 2025. Tampa Bay is a -119 favorite on the money line (risk $119 to win $100) in the latest Cubs vs. Rays odds, while the over/under is 7.5.

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The model has simulated Cubs vs. Rays 10,000 times and the results are in. The model is going Over on the total, and is also says one side of the money line has ALL the value!

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