The Chicago Cubs (22-17) visit the New York Mets (25-14) in the second game of their 3-game series Saturday at Citi Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET (FOX). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Cubs vs. Mets odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Mets lead 1-0.

Chicago has dropped 3 games in a row after falling 7-2 against New York in the first game of their series Friday and failing to cover as a +119 road underdog. Both of the Cubs’ runs came via solo home runs from RF Kyle Tucker and 1B Michael Busch while the team was outhit 13-5 in the loss.

New York has won back-to-back games and 3 of its last 4 after Friday’s home win. The Mets scored in each of the first 4 innings and hit 4 solo homers. RF Juan Soto had a team-high 2 RBIs in the winning effort.

Cubs at Mets projected starters

RHP Brad Keller vs. RHP Tylor Megill

Keller (0-0, 3.78 ERA) makes his first start and 16th appearance. He has a 1.26 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9 and 9.7 K/9 through 16 2/3 innings.

He has made 15 relief appearances while Saturday will be his first start of the seasonLast outing: No-decision, 1 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 0 BB, 1 K in a 3-1 home loss vs. San Francisco Giants WednesdaySaturday will be his first career appearance against the Mets

Megill (3-2, 2.50 ERA) makes his eighth start. He has a 1.17 WHIP, 3.8 BB/9 and 11.3 K/9 through 36 innings.

Last start: No-decision, 5 IP, 4 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 6 K in a 5-4 road loss against the St. Louis Cardinals SundayCareer vs. Cubs: 0-2, 13.50 ERA (6 2/3 IP, 10 ER), 2.40 WHIP, 14.9 K/9 in 2 starts

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Cubs at Mets odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:20 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Cubs +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Mets -150 (bet $150 to win $100)Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs +1.5 (-160) | Mets -1.5 (+135)Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)Cubs at Mets picks and predictionsPrediction

Mets 4, Cubs 3

BET METS (-150).

While Keller has been outstanding in his relief appearances, he isn’t stretched out to go deep as a starter. Due to his recent appearances, the Cubs will be forced to hit the bullpen early and often Saturday, which has way more downside than it does up. They have dropped 4 of their last 5 games with their offense scoring a combined 3 runs in 3 of the last 5.

The Mets have won 3 of their last 4 while scoring 5 or more runs in each of the wins.

PASS.

There is better value on the moneyline.

BET UNDER 8.5 (+100).

The Mets have hit the Under in 3 of their last 4 while scoring 5 or fewer runs in 7 of their last 10 and allowing 2 or fewer in back-to-back games.

The Cubs have scored 2 or fewer runs in back-to-back games and in 3 of their last 5. They have allowed 4 or fewer runs in 8 of their last 10.

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