Boston Red Sox vs Chicago Cubs Prediction, Odds and Picks for Friday, 07/18/25

We kick off the second half of the baseball season with an afternoon game at Wrigley Field, the way God intended it, and we are here with a Boston Red Sox vs Chicago Cubs prediction. Both teams are playing great baseball and in the thick of the playoff picture. Chicago is a half-game behind the Dodgers for the best record in the NL, yet the Cubs can’t seem to put away the surging Brewers — who sit only 1 game back in the division standings. Boston, of course, finished the first half with a wild 10-game winning streak, and — at the moment — in control of a wild-card spot. The break could not have come at a worse time for the Sox. As the second half resumes, I am going to heat-check the Red Sox and play them to win this game.

I like what we have seen from Lucas Giolito. Honestly, I thought the guy was washed, but then he turned in a quality start in each of his last 6 outings spanning more than a month. The Chicago offense may get to him better than most, but dude is dealing right now. The Cubs are going with Colin Rea, who has way outperformed his ability. The 35-year-old has turned in more useful starts than not, but he does have a home-run problem. On Friday I’m backing the hot pitcher and the hot lineup, and let’s see if they have cooled off during the down time. Give me the Red Sox to win.

Red Sox vs Cubs prediction: Boston ML (+110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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