BOTTOM LINE: The Chicago Cubs open a three-game series at home against the San Diego Padres on Friday. Chicago had an 83-79 record overall and a 44-37 record at home last season. The Cubs scored 4.5 runs per game while giving up 4.1 in the 2024 season.

The Chicago Cubs could be looking for reinforcements in the bullpen. The San Diego Padres are off to a hot start but could be willing to move one of their relievers to add a starter.

The San Diego Padres head to Chicago to face the Cubs at 2:20 PM ET on Friday afternoon. The game is on Padres.TV. It’s Game 1 of a three-game set. Can the Cubs win the game outright as money-line home favorites? Keep reading for our Padres vs. Cubs betting prediction.

The Chicago Cubs should call up San Diego Padres President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller about his newest trading piece.

The Cubs home opener on April 14, 1978, is famous for its massive crowd, which topped out at 45,777 — a record for a home opener. According to the Chicago Baseball Museum, people were already waiting in two-block lines along Waveland and Sheffield avenues for the bleachers to open as early as 6:30 a.m.