Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 09/18/25

The Chicago Cubs can finally celebrate after clinching their first postseason berth since 2020 with a 8-4 win over the Pirates last night. But with the celebration behind them, the Cubs still have a lot of work to do to prepare for October. Tonight, the Cubs will open a four-game series against the Cincinnati Reds, who sit just two games out of the NL Wild Card. While Chicago has already secured its spot, nothing would be sweeter than spoiling a division rival’s push for the final NL Wild Card spot. 

Colin Rea will take the mound for the Cubs, entering with a 10-6 record and a 4.23 ERA. For the Reds, Hunter Greene will get the start, entering with a 6-4 record and a 3.01 ERA. Rea has struggled against the Reds this season, going 0-2 with a 10.13 ERA in two starts. Greene wasn’t much better when he last faced the Cubs, throwing only four innings and allowing 2 earned runs on 3 hits back on May 23. At the end of the day, the Reds are hungry to make the postseason and I can’t trust Rea enough in tonight’s matchup given his struggles against Cincinnati all season. Look for the Reds to steal game one in this series, making them my best bet of the day. 

Cubs vs Reds prediction: Cincinnati Reds ML (-125) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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