The Cincinnati Reds are set to host the Boston Red Sox in their season opener later today.
Both teams have All-Star southpaws on the mound, but my Red Sox vs. Reds predictions fade Andrew Abbott, who looks due for regression.
Here are my best free MLB picks for this interleague clash on Thursday, March 26.
Red Sox vs Reds predictions
Red Sox vs Reds best bet: Red Sox moneyline (-158)
Both starters struggled in spring training, with Garrett Crochet posting a 7.36 ERA and Andrew Abbott pitching to an 11.42 ERA.
I usually don’t put much stock in how veterans perform in the preseason, but Abbott also faded down the stretch last year. I have more faith in Crochet, who was the AL Cy Young runner-up last season and an All-Star in 2024.
I also rate the Boston Red Sox lineup slightly higher despite losing Alex Bregman. Top to bottom, the Red Sox have fewer holes than the Cincinnati Reds, who feature unproven hitters outside of Eugenio Suarez and Elly De La Cruz.
COVERS INTEL: Andrew Abbott posted a 4.21 ERA with a .264 OBA over his final 10 starts last year after pitching to a 2.15 ERA with a .218 OBA earlier in the season prior.
Red Sox vs Reds same-game parlay (SGP)
After getting off to an ugly start last season, Trevor Story picked things up in July. In the final three months, the two-time Silver Slugger winner slashed .297/.345/.852 and plated 56 runs in 78 games.
Story is expected to bat No. 2 in the order, with offseason acquisition Willson Contreras likely hitting cleanup. Contreras drove in a career-high 80 RBI in 135 games with the Cardinals last year.
Both Story and Contreras will have the platoon advantage against Abbott.
Red Sox vs Reds SGP
- Red Sox moneyline
- Trevor Story Over 0.5 runs
- Willson Contreras Over 0.5 RBI
Red Sox vs Reds home run pick: Roman Anthony (+390)
There are lofty expectations for Roman Anthony, who was on the verge of a breakout last year before an oblique injury. Anthony's hard-hit rates and exit velocities suggest he can be an elite power hitter.
The 21-year-old was extremely impressive at the World Baseball Classic, and he boasts strong reverse platoon splits. Getting his home run prop at +390 at a hitter-friendly park could look like a steal in a few months.
Red Sox vs Reds odds
- Moneyline: Boston -158 | Cincinnati +134
- Run line: Boston -1.5 (+114) | Cincinnati +1.5 (-137)
- Over/Under: Over 8 (-108) | Under 8 (-112)
Red Sox vs Reds trend
The Red Sox have covered the first five innings (F5) run line in 42 of their last 73 road games (+8.45 Units / 10% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Red Sox vs. Reds.
How to watch Red Sox vs Reds and game info
| Location | Great American Ballpark, Cincinnati, OH |
| Date | Thursday, March 26, 2026 |
| First pitch | 4:10 p.m. ET |
| TV | NESN, Fox 19 Now |
| Red Sox starting pitcher | Garrett Crochet (2025: 18-5, 2.89 ERA) |
| Reds starting pitcher | Andrew Abbott (2025: 10-7, 2.87 ERA) |
Red Sox vs Reds latest injuries
Red Sox 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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