Cubs vs Reds Prediction MLB Picks Free 5/26

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Reds vs Cubs (May 26, 2023) Pregame: Expert MLB Picks and Odds

The Cincinnati Reds (21-29, 7-15 away) will face off against the Chicago Cubs (22-26, 13-11 home) on May 26, 2023, at Wrigley Field. The Reds are currently struggling, sitting at the bottom of the National League Central standings, while the Cubs are fighting to move up in the ranks. As we look towards this matchup, MLB picks experts and fans alike will be keen to see which team comes out on top. With a runline of CHC -160, the Cubs are favored to win this game. However, it's worth noting that both teams have similar records when it comes to against-the-spread and over/under betting. This makes this matchup an interesting one when it comes to MLB picks and parlays. Cincinnati will send Hunter Greene (0-4, 4.68 ERA) to the mound to start, while the Cubs will counter with Justin Steele (6-1, 2.20 ERA). The Reds will be leaning on their pitching to help turn their fortunes around, while the Cubs will look to continue their solid offense to secure a victory. 

Reds: Pitching Analysis

The Reds will take on the Cubs in their upcoming game on May 26, 2023. As the game draws near, experts in MLB picks and parlay are analyzing the pitching performance of both teams. The Reds are sending Hunter Greene to the mound, who has a record of 0-4 and an ERA of 4.68. On the other hand, the Cubs will start Justin Steele, who has a record of 6-1 and an ERA of 2.01. With these statistics, MLB experts pick the Cubs as the favorite to win. However, the Reds have been making some changes to their pitching strategy that could improve their chances of winning. In their recent games, the Reds have been relying more on their bullpen to take over for their starting pitchers. This has resulted in better performance from their relievers, who have allowed fewer runs and hits. The Reds also have a strong closer in Buck Farmer, who has a record of 4-1 and an ERA of 2.46. If the Reds can keep the game close, they may have a chance to win in the late innings with Farmer on the mound. Overall, while the Cubs have the advantage in starting pitching, the Reds' recent changes and strong bullpen could make the game more competitive than expected. 

Reds: Hitting Analysis

With a lineup that boasts players like Jonathan India, Jake Fraley, and Spencer Steer, the Reds are poised to clinch a win against the struggling Cubs. MLB Picks and Parlay experts have also predicted that the Reds will win outright against the Cubs, with favorable odds of +135 on the moneyline. Moreover, the Reds' run line performance has been solid this season, with an overall away record of 7-15 as underdogs. The Reds will also have the advantage of playing on the road, which could further motivate them to secure an away victory. MLB Expert Picks Today have also favored the Reds over the Cubs, with several betting sites offering the Reds at -1.5 on the spread. This is due in part to the Cubs' inconsistent pitching, with Justin Steele slated to face off against the Reds' Hunter Greene, who has proven to be a dominant force on the mound. In terms of the Reds' hitting analysis, the team's batting leaders and pitching leaders have demonstrated a strong performance this season. Players like Spencer Steer and Patrick Wisdom have shown impressive home run numbers, while Jonathan India has been a consistent hitter with a .289 batting average. On the pitching side, Hunter Greene has been a notable standout with an ERA of 4.68 and 55 strikeouts. Overall, the Reds have everything to gain and little to lose in this upcoming matchup against the Cubs. 

Cubs: Pitching Analysis

As the Cincinnati Reds take on the Chicago Cubs on May 26, 2023, experts are weighing in on their MLB picks and parlay options for the game. MLB experts' picks today place the Cubs as the favorites with a run line of -160. However, the Reds are not to be discounted, with their current away record standing at 7-15 and an overall record of 21-29. The pitching analysis for this game highlights the matchup between the Reds' Hunter Greene and the Cubs' Justin Steele. Greene boasts a record of 0-4 with an ERA of 4.68 and a WHIP of 1.50. However, he has shown promise with 55 strikeouts and only 20 walks. Steele, on the other hand, has a record of 6-1 with an impressive ERA of 2.01 and a WHIP of 1.01. He has 46 strikeouts and only 16 walks. MLB picks with spread and odds favor Steele and the Cubs, but the Reds have the potential to cause an upset. This game is sure to be an exciting one for baseball fans, as both teams fight to secure a win and improve their overall standing in the National League Central.

Cubs: Hitting Analysis

The Cubs have been struggling at the plate lately, but they'll look to turn things around against the Cincinnati Reds in today's game. The experts at MLB Picks are split on who will win this matchup, but if you're looking for the best MLB bets today, taking a look at the Cubs may be a safe bet. The Cubs have been averaging just 4.29 runs per game, which ranks 15th in the league. However, they have some solid hitters who could break out in today's game, such as Patrick Wisdom who leads the team with 12 home runs and 23 RBIs. Meanwhile, the Reds have been struggling on defense, allowing an average of 5.18 runs per game. Nico Hoerner, with his .295 batting average and 24 RBIs, could have a big game against the Reds' pitching. When it comes to MLB picks with spread, the Cubs may be a smart choice to cover the -1.5 run line. However, the Reds have the potential to surprise with their offense, so taking them on the moneyline (+135) could also be a good play. Overall, the Cubs have the advantage in this matchup and are the experts' pick to win. However, anything can happen in baseball, and the Reds could come out on top if they play their cards right. As always, make sure to check the latest MLB picks and parlay options before making your bets.

Injury Report

As the Cincinnati Reds face off against the Chicago Cubs in their May 26th matchup, there are a few key injuries to take note of. The Reds' first baseman, Joey Votto, has been placed on the 60-day injured list as of May 22nd, which means he will not be returning to the field anytime soon. Connor Overton, a starting pitcher for the Reds, is also on the 60-day IL as of May 25th. Meanwhile, the Cubs have more recent injury concerns. Relief pitcher Nick Burdi has been placed on the 15-day IL as of May 24th. It remains to be seen how long he will be sidelined, but losing a valuable member of their bullpen could impact the team's pitching strategy. Both teams will have to find a way to navigate these injuries and adjust their game plans accordingly. It's always a challenge to play without key players, but with proper preparation and strategic decision-making, both the Reds and Cubs can still come out strong in this game. MLB picks experts will be watching closely to see how these injuries affect the outcome of this matchup. 

Prediction 

While both teams have had their fair share of ups and downs this season, we have identified several key factors that suggest the Chicago Cubs will come out on top in this game.

Home Field Advantage: The Chicago Cubs have been performing better at home, boasting a 13-11 record in front of their home crowd at Wrigley Field. The familiar surroundings and support from their fans could provide the Cubs with an added boost of confidence and energy.

Pitching Matchup: The probable pitchers for this game are Hunter Greene for the Reds and Justin Steele for the Cubs. While both pitchers have shown promise, Steele has the upper hand with his impressive 6-1 record, a stellar 2.20 ERA, and a low WHIP of 1.01. His ability to control the game and limit the opposing team's scoring opportunities could give the Cubs a significant advantage.

Offensive Power: The Cubs have showcased a more potent offense compared to the Reds. With players like Patrick Wisdom, who leads the team with 12 home runs, and Nico Hoerner, who boasts a .295 batting average, the Cubs have the ability to generate runs and put pressure on the Reds' pitching staff.

Recent Momentum: The Cubs enter this game with back-to-back wins against the New York Mets, indicating a positive shift in their performance. Building on this momentum could give the Cubs the confidence they need to carry them to victory against the Reds.

Considering these factors, it is our prediction that the Chicago Cubs will emerge victorious in this matchup. Their home field advantage, strong pitching, offensive firepower, and recent momentum make them the more likely team to secure a win.

Pick: Cubs ML -160