MLB Prop Bets: Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs (September 18, 2026)
The Chicago Cubs (85-68) face the Cincinnati Reds (71-82) at Great American Ball Park on Friday at 6:40pm (ET). Let's take a look at the MLB Prop Bets for the matchup. Clay Holmes is the probable pitcher for the Cubs, while Chase Burns is the probable pitcher for the Reds. The Cubs are favored to win at -131, while the Reds are at +109. The total runs line is set at 8.5, with OVER at -122 and UNDER at +101.
- The Cubs (+123) have a 76-77 Run Line record this season, while the Reds (-149) hold a record of 77-76.
- The Cubs have an 84-64-5 O/U record this season (meaning 84 games have gone over the total runs line, 64 have gone under and five have resulted in a push). The Reds have an 80-70-3 O/U record.
Scoring Insights
- The Cubs are averaging 5.3 runs per game this season (1st in the league). Comparatively, the Reds are averaging only 4.1 (26th).
- In the field, the Cubs are allowing 4.4 runs per game this season (13th in the league), while the Reds are allowing an average of 5.1 runs (28th).
Let's take a look at how these teams perform in some other key statistical areas.
Batting Insights:
Batting Average
- Looking at their batting averages this season, the Cubs are at an impressive .252 (ranking 6th in the Major leagues), while the Reds are batting an underwhelming .230 (30th).
Home Runs
- In terms of total home runs this season, the Reds have hit 203 (4th in the Major Leagues). Meanwhile, the Cubs have managed 211 (1st).
Runs Batted In
- Finally, looking at their runs batted in, the Cubs have been outstanding this season, recording 772 RBIs to rank 1st in the MLB. Comparatively, the Reds have performed poorly in this area, recording only 605 RBIs to rank 26th.
Pitching Insights:
Earned Run Average
- The Reds have an earned run average of 4.87 this season (28th in the Majors), while The Cubs have an ERA of 4.19 (18th).
Strikeouts
- Turning our attention to total strikeouts, the Cubs have recorded 1188 this season, ranking 26th in the MLB. Meanwhile, the Reds rank 20th for total strikeouts, recording 1233.
Opponent Batting Average
- Opponents are batting an average of .254 against the Reds this season (27th in the Major Leagues). Comparatively, the Cubs' opponents are at .245 (17th).
First Innings Moneyline
- Here are their first innings moneyline records in 2026.
| Total | Home | Road | Favorite | Underdog | Neutral | Last 10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubs | 36-31-86 | 25-16-37 | 11-15-49 | 31-18-57 | 5-13-29 | 0-0-0 | 2-3-5 |
| Reds | 31-45-77 | 15-18-45 | 16-27-32 | 11-10-21 | 20-35-56 | 0-0-0 | 1-4-5 |
Lead After Three Innings
- Here are their records after the first three innings in 2026.
| Total | Home | Road | Favorite | Underdog | Neutral | Last 10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubs | 62-47-44 | 41-20-17 | 21-27-27 | 52-27-27 | 10-20-17 | 0-0-0 | 5-3-2 |
| Reds | 45-64-44 | 25-27-26 | 20-37-18 | 15-14-13 | 30-50-31 | 0-0-0 | 2-7-1 |
NRFI/YRFI
The NRFI market is paying -130 and the YRFI is paying +100.
- The NRFI is 81-72 in Cubs games this season. The Reds have a 72-81 NRFI record.
Last Time They Met
The Reds recorded a 7-5 victory over the Cubs at Wrigley Field when these teams last met on August 30. Pete Crow-Armstrong was crushing the ball in that matchup, hitting 2 home runs and recording 2 RBIs.
