The Boston Red Sox are probably the only team in baseball that didn’t want to go to the All-Star break.
Boston was the hottest team in baseball, winning 10 straight games, but my Red Sox vs. Cubs predictions believe extending that streak will be tough as the BoSox travel to Wrigley Field to take on the NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs.
Chicago had arguably the most prolific offense in the first half of the season, and my MLB picks for this matinee matchup like that trend to continue in the form of a Kyle Tucker player prop on Friday, July 18.
Red Sox vs Cubs prediction
My Red Sox vs Cubs best bet: Kyle Tucker Over 0.5 RBI (+195 at bet365)
The Boston Red Sox will try for their 11th win in a row on Friday, and they task Lucas Giolito with the start.
The 31-year-old right-hander finished the first half strong, but the underlying numbers tell the story of a below-average starter.
Giolito ranks in the 20th percentile in expected ERA and the 10th percentile in expected batting average. A matchup with one of the best lineups in baseball could be a problem.
The Chicago Cubs ended the first half with the second-most runs scored, while ranking fourth in OPS and third in wRC+. A big reason for the Cubs' surge this season was the acquisition of Kyle Tucker.
The 28-year-old immediately became the anchor of the Cubs’ lineup. Tucker went into the break hitting .280 with an .882 OPS, with 17 home runs and 56 RBI.
Tucker is also one of the few Cubbies with past experience against Giolito from his time in the American League. He’s 5-for-18 with a double, good for a .309 expected batting average and a .435 expected slugging.
Tucker has also been crushing righties this season for a .286 average and a .904 OPS.
Yet, sportsbooks continue to give us great prices for Tucker to drive in runs. For this matchup against Giolito, it’s sitting at +195, and that’s too good a price to say no to.
Red Sox vs Cubs same-game parlay (SGP)
Kyle Tucker Over 0.5 RBI
Trevor Story Over 1.5 total bases
Over 8.5
Tucker isn’t the only player I like to be productive tonight. One of the hottest Red Sox’s players during this run has been Trevor Story.
Story has been on fire after a slow start to the season. The Red Sox’s infielder is hitting .404 with a 1.162 OPS, 10 extra-base hits, and 17 RBI over his last 15 games.
He’s also 2-for-3 with a home run in his career vs. Cubs starter Colin Rea.
Let’s round this same-game parlay out with Over 8.5. As noted, Gioltio could be in for some regression, but so too is Rea.
The veteran right-hander ranks in the Bottom 15% in xERA and xBA. A rolling Red Sox lineup should put up some runs here.
Red Sox vs Cubs odds
Red Sox vs Cubs live odds
Red Sox vs Cubs opening odds
- Moneyline: Boston +100 | Chicago -120
- Run line: Boston +1.5 (-205) | Chicago -1.5 (+170)
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Red Sox vs Cubs trend
The Cubs have hit the team total Over in nine of their last 11 games at home for +7.15 Units and a 57% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Red Sox vs. Cubs.
How to watch Red Sox vs Cubs and game info
| Location | Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL |
| Date | Friday, 7-18-2025 |
| First pitch | 2:20 p.m. ET |
| TV | NESN, MARQ |
| Red Sox starting pitcher | Lucas Giolito (6-1, 3.36 ERA) |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Colin Rea (7-3, 3.91 ERA) |
Red Sox vs Cubs latest injuries
Red Sox vs Cubs weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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