Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 09/21/25

In this game, we will see the Chicago Cubs take on the Cincinnati Reds. The Cubs have officially clinched a spot in the playoffs while the Reds are sitting 1 game behind the New York Mets. On the mound today, we have Jameson Taillon of the Cubs and Andrew Abbott of the Reds. Taillon has looked good in his recent starts, giving up 2 or fewer runs in his last 5. Even with these numbers, we cannot look past the difference between his home and away form. These numbers are worse in away games (4.52 ERA), and he will be going up against a motivated Reds lineup that is averaging 5 runs per game over the past 7 games. While the Reds batting average is only .236 over the past 7 games, they have accrued 35 runs on just 54 hits. This level of scoring is hard to beat.

For the Reds, Abbott will take the mound. Abbott has been a work horse for the Reds and has maintained a 2.88 ERA on the season. His pitching numbers at home improve to a 2.52 ERA giving up just 24 runs in 85.2 innings pitched. He has also faced the Cubs 3 times this season. In the first 2 starts, he pitched 12.2 innings giving up just 1 earned run. In the most recent start, he gave up 4 runs in 6.2 innings pitched. Abbott will be up against a Cubs lineup that is hitting the ball well but struggling to put runs in. Over the past 7 games they have accrued 27 runs on 62 hits which puts them at 2.3 hits per run. This is a bad number against a pitcher like Abbott. Looking at the bullpens, both teams have been playing very well in recent form. Overall, this game will come down to the pitching matchup and the team that wants it more. Give me the Reds to pull off the sweep and move closer to a playoff spot.

Cubs vs. Reds Prediction: Reds ML (-115) available at the time of publishing. Playable at that number.