Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs Picks and Prediction for Tuesday May 5 2026
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The Cincinnati Reds will take on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, with first pitch scheduled for 7:40 PM ET. The game will be available on MLB.TV, and game-time weather is expected to be cool at 52 degrees. At the time of this writing the odds were not released. Be sure to check out free MLB picks for more insights on today’s action.
Starting Pitchers
Andrew Abbott will start for Cincinnati, entering with a 1-2 record, a 5.97 ERA, and a 1.67 WHIP across 34.2 innings pitched. He has allowed 43 hits while striking out 24 batters and issuing 15 walks, along with surrendering five home runs. Opposing him will be Jameson Taillon for Chicago, who comes in with a 2-1 record, a 4.41 ERA, and a 1.15 WHIP over 34.2 innings. He has allowed 27 hits while striking out 31 batters and issuing 13 walks, while giving up nine home runs. 
Cincinnati Tries to Regain Form on the Road
The Cincinnati Reds enter this matchup with a 20-14 overall record and a 10-6 mark on the road. In their last five games, they recently lost to Pittsburgh in three consecutive contests by scores of 1-0, 17-7, and 9-1, while also recently won over Colorado in a 6-4 game. They did recently lose to Colorado as well, showing a stretch where they have struggled to find consistency after earlier success.
From a statistical standpoint, Cincinnati is batting .217 with 141 runs on 244 hits and 44 home runs. They have posted a .304 on-base percentage and a .383 slugging percentage. On the pitching side, the Reds hold a 4.50 ERA with a 1.50 WHIP, allowing a .255 opponent batting average. Their staff has issued 160 walks while recording 268 strikeouts, showing a mix of power pitching and control issues.
One key weakness for Cincinnati is their batting average, which trails their opponent and reflects inconsistency at the plate. While their home run total shows power potential, their ability to consistently generate base runners has been limited, which can impact overall scoring opportunities.
Chicago Riding Strong Momentum at Home
The Chicago Cubs come into this contest with a 22-12 overall record and an impressive 14-5 record at home. In their last five games, they recently won over Arizona in three consecutive matchups by scores of 8-4, 2-0, and 6-5, while also recently won over San Diego in back-to-back games by scores of 5-4 and 8-3. This winning streak highlights a team that is currently playing with confidence and consistency.
Offensively, Chicago is batting .261 with 185 runs on 304 hits and 44 home runs. They have recorded a .353 on-base percentage and a .430 slugging percentage. Their pitching staff has been effective as well, posting a 3.89 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP while allowing a .227 opponent batting average. They have issued 100 walks and recorded 278 strikeouts, reflecting strong overall efficiency.
A key strength for the Cubs is their balance between offense and pitching, as shown by their higher batting average and lower ERA compared to Cincinnati. Combined with their strong home record, this gives Chicago a clear advantage heading into this matchup.
Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs Picks and Prediction
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Bryan Power | +4,192.00 |
| 2 |  Bruce Marshall | +4,189.00 |
| 3 |  Joe Duffy | +2,213.00 |
| 4 |  Sniper Wes | +1,832.00 |
| 5 |  Tom Macrina | +1,044.00 |
Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs Pick
- Pick: Chicago Cubs Moneyline
The Cubs enter this matchup with a strong edge in both offensive production and pitching efficiency. Their higher batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage give them a consistent offensive advantage, while their lower ERA and WHIP suggest better run prevention. Combined with their strong home record and current winning streak, Chicago is well positioned to secure the win.
Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs Total Pick
- Pick: Over 8.5
I am leaning toward the over in this matchup due to Cincinnati’s higher ERA and WHIP combined with Chicago’s strong offensive numbers. While the Cubs have been solid on the mound, the Reds’ ability to hit for power could contribute to the scoring. With both teams capable of generating runs under the right conditions, this game has the potential to exceed the total.
Final Score Prediction: Chicago Cubs 6 – Cincinnati Reds 4
This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Monday.
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