New York Yankees vs Chicago Cubs

New York Yankees at Chicago Cubs (2026-08-01). Max Fried vs David Peterson at Wrigley Field.

Starters — Fried has a 3.23 ERA and 1.02 WHIP across 69.2 innings, with 7.88 K/9, 2.84 BB/9, and an elite 0.13 HR/9. His last three starts were mixed: 3 IP, 3 ER, 4 K, 2 BB on July 27; 5 IP, 0 ER, 7 K, 1 BB on July 22; and 3 IP, 3 ER, 2 K, 1 BB on May 13. The listed trend is down, but the season-long run prevention and home-run suppression remain strong. Peterson carries a 5.80 ERA and 1.52 WHIP over 94.2 innings, with 7.32 K/9, 3.80 BB/9, and 0.95 HR/9. His last three starts were his best stretch in a while: 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 3 K, 2 BB on July 27; 6.2 IP, 0 ER, 4 K, 1 BB on July 21; and 5 IP, 1 ER, 2 K, 4 BB on July 9. The listed trend is down, although the recent game log suggests improved short-term form.

Teams — New York enters with a .724 OPS, 508 runs scored, a .232 team average, and a strong 3.28 team ERA with a 1.18 WHIP. The Yankees are 6-4 over their last 10, and their profile leans more on pitching efficiency than pure lineup volume. Chicago has the stronger offensive line on paper, posting a .752 OPS, 564 runs, and a .248 average. The Cubs are also 6-4 in their last 10, but their staff has been less reliable overall with a 4.13 ERA and 1.26 WHIP. That creates a contrast between Chicago’s deeper offensive production and New York’s cleaner run prevention.