Intro: The Chicago Cubs are on the road for Game One of their three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds. The Cubs are coming off a 2-1 win against the Miami Marlins, while the Reds are coming off a tough 3-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The pitching matchup is between Matthew Boyd for the Cubs and Hunter Greene for the Reds. Let’s jump straight into it and cook up a winning slip!
Chicago Cubs @ Cincinnati Reds Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Money Line |
| Chicago Cubs | -1.5 (+140) | Over 8 (-122) | -116 |
| Cincinnati Reds | +1.5 (-170) | Under 8 (+100) | -102 |
| Odds Are Subject to Change Date and Time: May 23rd, 2025 @ 6:40 PM EST | |||
Crucial Stats
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are coming off a nice 2-1 win over the Miami Marlins. With a record of 30-20, the Cubs sit in 1st place in the NL Central. Offensively, they have been one of the best teams in the MLB. For the season, they rank 1st in runs, 3rd in OPS, 4th in BA, 3rd in TB, and 5th in HRs. Over their last ten games, Chicago has a record of 7-3, including a 15-10 record.
Defensively, the Chicago Cubs are a below-average team. For the season, they are tanked 17th in runs, 19th in OPSA, 20th in BAA, 23rd in TBA, and 13th in errors. Matthew Boyd will be on the mound for the Cubs. He has had a solid season in his nine starts. In his nine starts, Boyd has a 4-2 record, a 2.98 ERA, 53 Ks, and allowing a BA of .259.
In regards to injuries, this is an entirely healthy Chicago Cubs team. Kyle Tucker has been a great addition to the Cubs this season. He leads the team in Home Runs (12) and OBP (.387). Pete Crow-Armstrong has had a great season thus far for Chicago. He is among the few true “five-tool players” in the league. Base running, hitting for power and contact, and an elite defender. Keep an eye on him in this game.
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are on a two-game losing streak to the Pittsburgh Pirates. With a record of 25-26, the Reds sit in 3rd place in the NL Central. Offensively, they are an above-average team. Cincy ranks 11th in runs, 14th in OPS, 19th in BA, 12th in TB, and 13th in HRs. Over their last ten games, the Reds have a record of 5-5, including a 13-12 record at home.
Defensively, the Cincinnati Reds are an above-average team. They are ranked 10th in runs allowed, 11th in OPSA, 5th in BAA, 11th in TBA, and 18th in errors. Hunter Greene will make his return to the mound in this game. He hasn’t started in a game since May 7th, 2025. In his eight starts, he has been awesome! Green has a record of 4-2, a 2.36 ERA, 61 Ks, and allowing a BA of .175.
Regarding injuries, this is an entirely healthy Cincinnati Reds team. Superstar Shortstop Elly De La Cruz leads the team with eight Home Runs and 33 RBIs. Gavin Lux leads the team with a .292 batting average and an OBP of .377. This team has been on an upward trajectory since De La Cruz joined the Reds. He has been one of the most electric players in the league and has the potential to be one of the faces of the league.
Prediction
The Cincinnati Reds will defeat the Chicago Cubs in this game. I am rolling with the better pitching matchup based on splits. Cincy has a BA of .239 at home and a .253 BA vs. RHP, while the Cubs have a BA of .273 on the road but a .257 vs. RHP. I believe Greene will look like his usual dominant self on the mound. He is one of the best strikeout artists in the league. This game should come down to the bullpens, and the Reds will win late!
Who Ya Got???
Cincinnati Reds ML -102
