Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati Reds Prediction for 9/21/2025 MLB Picks, Best Bets and Odds

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• Matchup: Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds
• Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025
• Venue: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH
• Broadcast: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio
• Betting Odds: Chicago (-122) Cincinnati (+102)

On Sunday, the Cincinnati Reds (77-76) are set to face off against the Chicago Cubs (88-65) at Great American Ball Park. The Cubs are favored at -122, while the Reds are underdogs with odds of +102. The total runs line is set at 8.5. Starting pitchers for this matchup are Javier Assad for the Cubs and Zack Littell for the Reds.

The Cubs have achieved 252 doubles and launched 205 home runs this season. With a slugging percentage of .426, they’ve struck out 1,199 times and drawn 529 walks. Presently, the Chicago Cubs average 4.9 runs per game, ranking them 7th in the league. They’ve amassed 724 RBIs and 1,292 hits this season, sporting a batting average of .249. With a total of 743 runs scored, their on-base percentage is .321.

The Cubs pitch with a K/BB ratio of 3.07 and a WHIP of 1.18. This season, their pitchers have allowed 185 home runs and given up 611 runs total (5th in the league). Chicago has allowed 1,220 hits (8.1 per 9 innings) and 573 earned runs, holding a team ERA of 3.80, ranking 7th overall in baseball, with 1,187 strikeouts. They’ve issued 387 walks, and their team FIP is 4.14 this campaign.

Cubs relievers have a save rate of 68.9%, appearing in 170 save opportunities. Relief pitchers have inherited 135 runners, with 32.6% scoring. The Cubs have encountered opposing players on base 96 times and have made 153 high-leverage appearances. Over the season, 497 relief pitchers have taken the mound, contributing to 106 holds (3rd in the league). They’ve successfully achieved 42 saves from 61 save chances.

The Boston Red Sox have recorded 4,047 putouts and 1,274 assists this season with 58 errors, yielding a .989 fielding percentage, ranking 5th in Major League Baseball. The Cubs have converted 71.7% of balls in play into outs during 12,141 innings, sitting 3rd in the league.

Javier Assad has pitched a total of 321 innings, striking out 263 hitters throughout his career. With a career MLB record of 17-12, Assad has a FIP of 3.42, having faced 1,369 batters. His earned run average (ERA) stands at 3.47 (allowing 124 ERs) combined with a career WHIP of 1.342 and has given up 298 hits (8.3 hits per 9 innings), alongside 133 walks.

The Cincinnati Reds have posted a team on-base percentage (OBP) of .316 and a batting average of .245 this season. They’ve been struck out 1,333 times (9th in MLB) and achieved 1,263 hits. This season, Cincinnati has hit 153 home runs and recorded 645 RBIs. Their slugging percentage is .390, scoring 4.46 runs per game (13th in the league) while hitting 240 doubles and drawing 501 walks, totaling 683 runs scored.

The Reds’ pitching staff has surrendered 656 runs, accumulating a team ERA of 3.94 (with 593 earned runs allowed). They’ve given up 183 home runs, averaging 4.36 runs per 9 innings (16th in MLB). The Reds hold a WHIP of 1.234 and a FIP of 4.17 this season. Their K/BB ratio stands at 8.60 (1,296 strikeouts vs. 470 walks) and they rank 8th in the league for total hits allowed with 1,200.

Cincinnati’s bullpen has inherited 207 runners, allowing 33.3% to score. They have appeared in 159 high-leverage scenarios, with 139 occasions having runners on base. From 152 save opportunities, the Reds have managed to achieve 92 holds, with 22 blown saves. Their bullpen is 19th in MLB with a save percentage of 61.4%, using 517 relievers this season. They’ve faced 57 save opportunities and converted 35 saves.

The Cincinnati Reds have executed 96 double plays, with a fielding percentage of .984 (23rd in professional baseball). This season, they have made 1,166 assists and recorded 84 errors, achieving 4,032 putouts. In their 12,096 defensive innings, the Reds have a defensive efficiency of 70.9% (5th in pro baseball).

In his career, Zack Littell has allowed 591 hits and racked up 489 strikeouts over 593 innings pitched. With a 33-29 career record, Littell currently holds a 3.90 ERA, allowing 9.0 hits per nine innings. He’s given up 257 earned runs and maintains a WHIP of 1.219 as well as a FIP of 3.80. His K/BB ratio is 3.70, having faced 2,475 hitters throughout his professional career.

Who do you think will take the victory in tonight’s MLB matchup against the spread or moneyline?

Prediction: Choose Cincinnati (+102)