Crosstown rivals are set to meet on Saturday at Rate Field. The Cubs (29-16) are a bonafide World Series contender, currently sitting atop the NL Central. However, they aren’t the only Chicago team making some noise. The White Sox (22-22) have gone 10-5 over their last 15 games, making a strong push in the wide-open AL Central. Who has the edge tonight in this classic interleague matchup?

The White Sox are favorites (-112) over the Cubs, with the over/under set at 8.5 runs. Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Saturday’s Windy City showdown on DraftKings Sportsbook.

Cubs vs. White Sox prediction, preview

Jameson Taillon is set to toe the rubber this evening for the Cubs. He’s not an ace, but the veteran is one of the league’s better back-end starters. Through 45.2 innings this season, Jamo has notched a 3.92 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 40 strikeouts (7.9 K/9). In many ways, you know what to expect every time the right-hander takes the mound. He’s given up three earned runs or fewer in seven of his eight appearances so far.

With that being said, this matchup could prove difficult for the tenth-year pro. Taillon is on the hook for 2.2 home runs allowed per nine innings this season. That’s the fourth-worst mark among all pitchers with at least 40.0 innings. That’s not ideal against most teams, especially tonight’s opponent. The White Sox have clobbered 59 home runs, second-most in the American League. That includes 15 from prized offseason acquisition Munetaka Murakami. The Japanese slugger is slashing .227/.368/.526 through 44 games. Four other Sox regulars have put up a slugging percentage of .400 or greater as well.

To counter Taillon, the South Siders will turn to Davis Martin. It’s early, but the 29-year-old is trending towards his first career All-Star Game appearance. Over 50.0 innings this season, he’s recorded a 1.62 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 52 strikeouts (9.4 K/9). Granted, advanced metrics suggest the right-hander is due for some negative regression. He has a good, not great, 3.90 expected ERA and .261 expected batting average against. Still, Martin ranks within the league’s top 80th percentile in K% (27.1), BB% (5.2), and chase rate (35.7%).

Navigating this lineup might not be a walk in the park for the White Sox. The Cubs are averaging the third-most runs per game in baseball this season (5.11). That’s due in part to a disciplined approach at the plate. The North Siders are generating an MLB-best 4.67 walks per game. However, as previously mentioned, Martin possesses exceptional command (5.2 BB%, 1.8 BB/9). He’s allowed two earned runs or less in seven of his eight outings in 2026. Just three Cubs players have an OPS above .700 over their last ten games: Michael Conforto (1.156), Michael Busch (.932) and Ian Happ (.807).

Cubs vs. White Sox pick, best bet

The Cubs, despite a stellar season-long record, have hit a speed bump over the past week. The NL Central leaders have only won two of their last six games. Their overly-patient offense could struggle against an arm with exceptional command such as Martin. Taillon’s penchant for giving up fly balls could prove costly against a homer-happy Sox lineup as well. The North Siders are poised to even this series up on Saturday.

Best Bet: White Sox ML (-112)