The Chicago Cubs clinched a postseason berth with Wednesday’s win, and now they hit Great American Ball Park to face the Cincinnati Reds and ace Hunter Greene on Thursday, September 18.
My top Cubs vs. Reds predictions and MLB picks are calling for Greene and Cincy to be too much with Chicago in a letdown spot tonight.
Cubs vs Reds prediction
Cubs vs Reds best bet: Reds moneyline (-140)
The Cincinnati Reds have ace Hunter Greene toeing the rubber, and the Chicago Cubs are coming off a travel day that included celebrating punching a postseason ticket.
I’m anticipating the Chicago lineup missing a few regulars, and the Reds offense has been above-average against right-handed pitchers all season with a 14th-ranked wOBA and OPS.
Additionally, Chicago righty Colin Rea hasn’t been sharp down the stretch with a 5.07 ERA and 1.37 WHIP across his past 10 starts, including 6.75 and 1.70 marks on the highway.
Returning to Greene, he’s been money in his past three home starts with a 0.93 ERA and 0.85 WHIP, and the three opponents were the Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Mets.
I’m not overreacting to his most recent poor outing at homer-happy Sutter Health Park against the Athletics, either.
Cubs vs Reds same-game parlay (SGP)
Greene sports an elite 11.27 K/9 and 31.6 K% this season, and he’s fanned seven or more batters in 10 of 17 starts this season. Chicago typically sends a disciplined lineup to the dish, but as discussed, I’m expecting multiple veterans to be taking the evening off tonight.
Turning to the final leg of this same-game parlay, Cubs first baseman Michael Busch has a solid .271 batting average against righties this season, and he’s also in a nice groove with a .333 overall mark across his past seven games.
For reference, if opting to go with the Reds moneyline instead of the run line, this SGP is priced at +350.
Cubs vs Reds SGP
- Reds -1.5
- Hunter Greene Over 6.5 strikeouts
- Michael Busch Over 0.5 hits
Cubs vs Reds odds
- Moneyline: Chicago +115 | Cincinnati -140
- Run line: Chicago +1.5 | Cincinnati -1.5
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Cubs vs Reds trend
The Reds have won 31 of their last 53 games at home (+4.05 Units / 6% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Reds.
How to watch Cubs vs Reds and game info
| Location | Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH |
| Date | Thursday, September 18, 2025 |
| First pitch | 7:15 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Colin Rea (10-6, 4.23 ERA) |
| Reds starting pitcher | Hunter Greene (6-4, 3.01 ERA) |
Cubs vs Reds latest injuries
Cubs vs Reds weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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