Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds Prediction 5/24/25 MLB Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Cubs vs Reds prediction for this MLB game on Saturday, May 24, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.

Chicago Cubs Betting Preview

The Chicago Cubs (31-20, 16-10 Away) won two series against the Miami Marlins and swept the city rivals, the White Sox, in between to make it three series in a row. The Cubs were in a good offensive mood on Friday in Game 1 of the series against the Cincinnati Reds on the road, scoring 13 runs in a 13-6 victory. Pete Crow-Armstrong had a game of his career as he led the offense with six RBI after hitting a grand slam. He became the first Cub since 1920 to hit six or more RBIs twice in a calendar month! Matthew Boyd pitched for 4.0 innings in a no-decision, allowing four runs on eight hits with three strikeouts and two walks. Chris Flexen was credited with the win.

This year, the Cubs average 6.00 runs per game (1st in the MLB) on a .262/.336/.453 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Cubs’ staff has a 3.94 ERA (16th) and 1.29 WHIP (18th). Pete Crow-Armstrong leads the Cubs with a .287 batting average, 14 home runs, and 45 RBI this season.

The projected starting pitcher for the Cubs is Colin Rea, who is 3-0 in seven starts this season, with a 2.38 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 41.2 innings.

Cincinnati Reds Betting Preview

The Cincinnati Reds (25-27, 13-13 Home) are on a three-game losing skid after losing the series to the Pittsburgh Pirates and then the opening game of the current one against the Chicago Cubs. Before that, the Reds were on a five-game winning streak and swept the Cleveland Guardians along the way. In a 13-6 defeat to the Cubs in Game 1, Hunter Greene pitched for 4.0 innings in a no-decision, allowing two runs on three hits with two strikeouts and two walks. Tony Santillan took the loss.

This season, the Reds average 4.50 runs per game (11th in the MLB) on a .243/.319/.393 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Reds’ staff has a 3.67 ERA (10th) and 1.18 WHIP (7th). Elly De La Cruz leads the Reds with a .241 batting average, eight home runs, and 33 RBI this season.

Andrew Abbott will take the mound for the Reds on Saturday. The 25-year-old left-hander has a 3-0 record in seven starts this year with a 2.80 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 35.0 innings.

Total Runs Facts

• Each of the Reds’ last six home games after playing the previous day have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• Four of the Cubs’ last five day games against NL Central opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Cubs’ last seven games as favorites.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in 11 of the Reds’ last 13 games as underdogs against NL Central opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Reds rank 5th in the league for doubles this season (93).
• The Reds rank 5th in the league for opponent batting average this season (.225).
• The Cubs rank 1st in the league for RBIs this season (299).
• The Cubs rank 2nd in the league for triples this season (13).

Cubs vs Reds Prediction

The teams have traded wins in the past few years, each recording five in the previous ten H2H encounters. The Cubs were better in four of the last five. Eight of the last ten H2Hs went Under, and although the Cubs are the best offensive team in the MLB, and the first game produced 19 runs, I am going with Under here. I can’t ignore the fact that the Reds are 19-32 Over/Under this season and are 1-9 Over/Under in the previous ten games. Andrew Abbott allowed just one run in his last four starts, while Colin Rea surrendered more than two runs in only one game this year. Go with Under.

Oliver Zivic's Pick: Under 9.5