- Matchup: Chicago Cubs vs Boston Red Sox
- Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
- Venue: Fenway Park, Boston, MA
- Broadcast: NESN
- Betting Odds: Chicago (-150) Boston (+125)
This page may include affiliate links at no extra cost to you, thanks for your support.
The Chicago Cubs (87-70) visit Fenway Park on Friday as they aim to overcome the Boston Red Sox (84-73). In this matchup, the moneyline for Chicago is set at -150, while Boston stands at +125. The total runs over/under is 8.5, with David Peterson and Jake Bennett expected to take the mound.
The Cubs are showcasing a slugging percentage of .430 with 1,311 strikeouts and 659 walks during the season. They have amassed 791 RBIs and 1,357 hits, with a batting average of .251. Thus far, Chicago has recorded 266 doubles and launched 217 home runs. The team is scoring an average of 5.3 runs per game, positioning them at the top of the league.
Chicago has an earned run average (ERA) of 4.17 this season, ranking 18th in MLB, with the pitching staff striking out 1,226 batters. They have allowed 229 home runs and a total of 691 runs (12th in MLB). Their FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) is 4.64 for the year. The Cubs have surrendered 1,290 hits, averaging 8.3 per 9 innings, while accruing a K/BB ratio of 2.54 and maintaining a WHIP of 1.26.
The bullpen has a save percentage of 54.8%, having entered 124 save situations and securing 34 saves against 28 blown saves. Relief pitchers have inherited 228 runners, with 33.3% scoring. Chicago’s relievers have often faced pressure situations, making 154 appearances in high-leverage scenarios. Overall, the Cubs have utilized 504 relief pitchers throughout the season, recording 55 holds (30th in MLB).
Defensively, the Cubs have tallied 4,212 putouts, 1,488 assists, and made 59 errors, achieving a fielding percentage of .990—ranking 1st in professional baseball. They’ve executed 118 double plays and converted 71.9% of balls in play into outs over 12,636 innings, placing them 3rd in MLB.
Peterson (career record 43-32) possesses a FIP of 4.04, having faced 2,996 hitters in his MLB career. He has given up 665 hits (8.6 per nine innings) and has a total of 295 walks, with an ERA of 4.10 (318 earned runs allowed) and a WHIP of 1.377. Over 697 innings pitched, he has accumulated 682 strikeouts.
The Red Sox boast a team slugging percentage of .401, averaging 4.33 runs per game (20th in baseball). They have hit 281 doubles, drawn 501 walks, and scored 680 runs. Boston has recorded 162 home runs and 650 RBIs, with 1,283 strikeouts (20th in baseball) and amassed 1,294 hits. The team’s on-base percentage stands at .320, with a batting average of .246 this season.
On the pitching front, the Red Sox have a WHIP of 1.239 and a 3.67 FIP. Their strikeout-to-walk ratio is impressive at 8.80, with 1,361 strikeouts against 457 walks. They rank 14th in the league for overall hits allowed, totaling 1,271. The team has permitted 150 home runs and an average of 3.88 runs over nine innings (3rd in baseball). Boston’s pitching staff has conceded 601 runs this season, maintaining an ERA of 3.59 (556 earned runs allowed).
Red Sox relievers have inherited runners scoring at a rate of 29.2%. They have pitched in 143 high-pressure situations and 122 with base runners. With 152 save opportunities this season, Boston has recorded 92 holds and experienced 14 blown saves. They are currently 2nd in baseball with a 75.9% save rate and have called upon 475 relief pitchers throughout the year.
In 12,555 innings, the Red Sox boast a 69.3% defensive efficiency (22nd in MLB). They have executed 119 double plays and have a fielding percentage of .986 (15th in pro baseball). Overall, Boston has recorded 1,371 assists, made 80 errors, and achieved 4,185 putouts.
Bennett (career mark 9-7) has a 3.79 ERA, allowing 8.3 hits every nine innings. His strikeout-to-walk ratio stands at 4.50, having faced 441 opposing batters throughout his MLB journey. He has surrendered 46 earned runs with a WHIP of 1.108 and a FIP of 3.7. Over his career, Bennett has allowed 101 hits and accumulated 90 strikeouts over 109 innings.
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s encounter against the spread or moneyline?
Prediction: Go with Boston (+125)
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you sign up or make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission always at no extra cost to you. Thanks for helping us keep this site running.
