If the Chicago Cubs make the postseason, adding another quality starter who can slot into a playoff series would make them a serious World Series threat.

BLANKINGS: The Cubs’ 12 shutouts are one more than they had all of last season. They had 13 in 2023, 18 in 2018 and 21 in 2015. They had 22 in 1969, their most in the Live Ball Era. They had more in seven seasons between 1905 and 1918, with a high of 33 in 1907. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)

The Kansas City Royals (48-52) visit the Chicago Cubs (59-40) Monday to open a 3-game series. First pitch from Wrigley Field is at 8:05 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Royals vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.