Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 05/04/26

The Cincinnati Reds will look to reset after being swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates in a series during which they were outscored 27-8. It doesn’t get any easier, as they now open a 4-game series against a red-hot Chicago Cubs team that has won 5 straight. The Cincinnati Reds will call up their #7 prospect, Chase Petty, to open this 4-game series as he looks to get his team back on track. The 23-year-old is 2-2 with a 4.38 ERA in 6 starts, allowing 22 hits and striking out 29 in 24.2 innings in Triple-A this season. For the Cubs, Edward Cabrera will get the nod — coming in 3-0 with a 3.06 ERA and 1.19 WHIP while striking out 29 in 35.1 innings this season. 

Offensively, the Cubs have the clear edge — averaging 5.4 runs per game over their last 10 compared to 4.5 for Cincinnati. Looking at that same time frame, the Reds hold a 7.12 ERA in their last 10 games while the Cubs are at 5.11 ERA. While Cabrera has had a decent season, he has given up 3 earned runs in each of his last 4 outing — making it tough to stomach him heading into this matchup. However, it’s even harder to trust Petty, who has yet to start in the majors this season, knowing how much he has struggled in Triple-A. This Cubs team is well-rounded and can beat you anywhere in their lineup, as they rank fourth in all of the majors by hitting .261 this season compared to the Reds (30th at .217). With the edge offensively and on the mound, the Cubs have all the right tools to win big at home — making them my best bet of the day. 

Reds vs Cubs prediction: Chicago -1.5 (-115) available at time of publishing. Playable to -130. 

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