Cubs vs. Reds odds, line, prediction, time: 2023 MLB picks, Friday, May 26 best bets from proven model

The Cincinnati Reds (21-29) and the Chicago Cubs (22-27) begin their three-game series on Friday afternoon. The Reds just split their four-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals, falling 2-1 on Thursday. Meanwhile, Chicago had its two-game win streak halted on Thursday as the Cubs lost to the New York Mets 10-1. Hunter Greene (0-4, 4.68 ERA) is on the hill for Cincinnati. Justin Steele (6-1, 2.20 ERA) gets the nod for Chicago.

The first pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET. Chicago is the -165 favorite on the money line (risk $165 to win $100) in the latest Reds vs. Cubs odds from Caesars Sportsbook. The over/under for total runs scored is 7. Before making any Cubs vs. Reds picks, be sure to see the MLB predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s proven computer model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times. It went 331-285 on top-rated MLB money-line picks (+357) over the past two seasons. It has opened the 2023 MLB season on a 26-17 roll on all-top rated MLB picks (+379). Anybody who has followed it has seen profitable returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Cubs vs. Reds and just locked in its picks and MLB predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several MLB betting lines and trends for Reds vs. Cubs:

  • Reds vs. Cubs money line: Cubs -170, Reds +143
  • Reds vs. Cubs run line: Cubs -1.5 (+135)
  • Reds vs. Cubs over/under: 7 runs
  • CIN: Over is 8-1 in Reds’ last nine during Game 1 of a series
  • CHC: Cubs are 18-3 in their last 21 Friday games
  • Cubs vs. Reds picks: See picks at SportsLine

Featured Game | Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds

Why you should back the Cubs

Second baseman Nico Hoerner has been a solid hitter this season. The 26-year-old is currently leading the team in batting average (.295), RBI (24) and hits (52). In the May 24 contest against the New York Mets, Hoerner went 1-of-4 with a solo homer and two runs scored.

Third baseman Patrick Wisdom provides Chicago with a powerful slugger in the lineup. Wisdom owns great bat control and excels at being a stout run-producer. The 31-year-old is tied for 10th in the MLB in home runs (12) along with 23 RBI. In the April 4 matchup against the Cincinnati Reds, he went 3-of-5 with two doubles and three RBI. See which team to back here.

Why you should back the Reds

Second baseman Jonathan India is a great two-way playmaker for the Reds. India has good pitch recognition skills and owns secure hands. The Florida product leads the team in batting average (.289), OBP (.379) and hits (54). He has recorded at least two hits in two of his last four outings. On May 24 versus the St. Louis Cardinals, he went 2-of-4 with two base hits and two runs scored.

Right fielder Jake Fraley has been a solid defender with good range and arm strength. Fraley makes sound contact to all parts of the field with run-producing ability. The 28-year-old is first on the team in RBI (33) along with five home runs and a batting average of .263. On May 19 against the New York Yankees, he was 1-of-3 with a double and two RBI. See which team to back here.

How to make Reds vs. Cubs picks

SportsLine’s model is leaning Over on the total, projecting 9.7 combined runs. It also says one side of the money line has all of the value. You can only get the model’s MLB picks at SportsLine.

So who wins Cubs vs. Reds, and which side has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side you need to jump on, all from the model that has gone 26-17 on its top-rated MLB picks, and find out.  

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