Dodgers vs Cubs Predictions, Picks and MLB Prop Bets: Back LA (-150) to Roll in Tokyo March 18

Baseball is back and it feels so good to say that again. The 2025 MLB season kicks off Tuesday morning in Tokyo, where the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers take on the new-look Chicago Cubs. The early-morning start (6:10 a.m. ET) might require extra coffee, but the betting value is too good to sleep on.

If you could request Shota Imanaga serenade you with ANY SONG, what would it be, and why is it “Go, Cubs, Go”? pic.twitter.com/frCBOFV1RH

— MLB (@MLB) February 27, 2025

Let’s break it all down and start the season on a winning note. This is the place to start if you’re looking for MLB expert picks.

Dodgers vs Cubs How to Watch

• Game: Los Angeles Dodgers (0-0) vs Chicago Cubs (0-0)
• Date/Time: Tuesday, March 18, 6:00 a.m.
• Location: Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan
• Dodgers vs Cubs Live Stream: Fubo. tv

Find updated Dodgers vs Cubs MLB injuries here.

Dodgers vs Cubs 2 Best MLB Props Today

1. Will Smith to Hit a Home Run +350

It’s not often you find this much value on a slugger like Dodgers catch Will Smith, but we’re taking advantage.

While his .495 slugging percentage last year wasn’t eye-popping, the underlying numbers tell a different story. His fly-ball rate (47.6%) remained in line with career norms and his 10.8% barrel rate tied the best of his career in a full season. He may not have the exit velocity of Shohei Ohtani or Freddie Freeman, but he gets the ball in the air, and that’s key here.

Imanaga, for all his strengths, has serious fly-ball tendencies, particularly against right-handed hitters. Last season, righties posted a .172 ISO against him on the road, per Dodgers vs Cubs stats, and the Tokyo Dome — while cavernous in parts — has been a home run-friendly park in past MLB visits.

Even after a “down” season, Smith still had a .258 ISO and a 52.3% fly-ball rate vs. lefties in 2024. That’s a profile that screams home run potential against an arm like Imanaga.

PICK: Will Smith Home Run (+350)

2. Dodgers F5 Inning ML (-150)

Opening Day jitters? Yamamoto had them last year. Pitching in his first MLB game in front of a Tokyo crowd, he got shelled for five runs. Expect a much different result this time.

Yamamoto has now spent a full season in the majors, adjusting to the ball, the schedule and the competition. Per MLB betting trends, his 28.5% K-rate was among the best in baseball last year, and while the Cubs added Kyle Tucker in the offseason, they still project as a below-average lineup against high-strikeout righties.

On the other side, Imanaga is a talented lefty, but he does have vulnerabilities, especially to right-handed hitters. The Dodgers had a 121 wRC+ vs. lefties last season, and even without Mookie Betts (flu), they have plenty of power to jump on Imanaga early.

With MLB odds favoring the Dodgers, we’ll trust Yamamoto to come out sharp and for L.A.’s offense to do enough damage in the first five innings to cash this bet.

PICK: Dodgers F5 Moneyline (-150)

Dodgers vs Cubs Moneyline Pick

The 2025 MLB season opens in Tokyo, and while both teams have made offseason improvements, one stands head and shoulders above the other. Give me the Dodgers, who are +250 in World Series odds, on the moneyline (-150).

Los Angeles is coming off a World Series win and got even better in the offseason. Even without Betts (flu), the Dodgers’ lineup is terrifying, featuring Ohtani, Freeman and Teoscar Hernández.

On the mound, Yamamoto gets a shot at redemption after struggling in his Tokyo debut last season.On the other side, Shota Imanaga will make his MLB debut against a team that crushed lefties in 2024 (121 wRC+).

The Cubs may hang around early, but the Dodgers are too deep, too talented, and too powerful to fade here. Dodgers ML (-150) is the MLB best bet.

Dodgers vs Cubs Runline Pick

It’s no secret the Dodgers are the better team here. While the Cubs have improved, they’re stepping into a buzzsaw against the most dangerous lineup in baseball.

Even without Betts, L.A. rolls out Ohtani, Freeman, Hernández and Smith in the heart of the order. They covered the runline in 60.4% of their wins last season, and facing a Cubs bullpen that ranked 22nd in ERA in 2024, the later innings could get ugly.

This feels like a game where the Dodgers pull away late, so we’ll take the plus money on -1.5. Bettors.

PICK: Dodgers -1.5 (+110)

Dodgers vs Cubs Total Pick

If you’re betting on a game at 6 a.m. ET, you deserve runs — and this matchup should deliver in MLB predictions.

Despite their overall dominance, the Dodgers’ pitching staff wasn’t untouchable last season, finishing 15th in bullpen ERA. Meanwhile, the Cubs have made strides offensively, adding Tucker, Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki as core pieces.

Imanaga has shown cracks, and while Yamamoto is elite, he still allowed 1.1 HR/9 in his starts last season. If both offenses get on the board early, this total is going Over. Expect plenty of  MLB news about these two high-powered offenses after this matchup.

PICK: Total Over 8 Runs (Even)

Question of the Day

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.