Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds Picks and Prediction for Sunday, July 12, 2026
Use Code WWWC The Chicago Cubs visit the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday at 1:40 PM ET at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio. Chicago enters with a 52-42 record and sits second in the NL Central, while Cincinnati is 43-50 and fifth in the division. The Reds opened the series with a 4-0 victory on Friday, ending the Cubs' three-game winning streak. Sunday's finale features veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd taking the mound for Chicago against fellow left-hander Andrew Abbott for Cincinnati. Cash a winner at the window with our free MLB picks
Chicago Cubs Looking to Bounce Back After Series-Opening Loss
Chicago has remained in the National League playoff race behind one of the league's more balanced offenses. The Cubs rank 15th in MLB with a .243 team batting average while scoring 471 runs on 780 hits. They have added 118 home runs with a .336 on-base percentage and a .409 slugging percentage. Pete Crow-Armstrong has been the standout performer, batting .293 with 21 home runs, 52 RBI, and 103 hits. Dansby Swanson leads the club with 58 RBI, while Seiya Suzuki has contributed 15 home runs and Ian Happ has added 17 long balls.
The Cubs have received steady pitching throughout the season. Chicago ranks 19th in MLB with a 4.36 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP while holding opponents to a .245 batting average. The staff has allowed 141 home runs but has generally limited extended rallies and kept the Cubs competitive.
Injuries: Riley Martin, Hunter Harvey, Phil Maton, Matt Shaw, Ethan Roberts.
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Cincinnati Reds Looking to Build on Friday's Shutout Victory
Cincinnati has struggled to consistently produce offense this season. The Reds rank 29th in Major League Baseball with a .228 batting average while scoring 388 runs on 711 hits. They have hit 115 home runs with a .309 on-base percentage and a .392 slugging percentage. Sal Stewart leads the club with 19 home runs and 65 RBI, while Elly De La Cruz is batting .272 with 15 home runs and 13 stolen bases. JJ Bleday has contributed 15 home runs.
The Reds have also experienced inconsistency on the mound. Cincinnati ranks 23rd in MLB with a 4.57 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP while allowing opponents to hit .249. The pitching staff has struggled with command at times, issuing 412 walks, but Friday's shutout demonstrated the group's potential when everything comes together. Cincinnati will try to build on that effort with Abbott taking the ball.
Injuries: Blake Dunn, Dane Myers, Matt McLain, Graham Ashcraft, Brandon Williamson.
Pitching Matchup
Chicago Cubs – Matthew Boyd
Boyd is 4-1 with a 4.31 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP across 39.2 innings. He has allowed 40 hits while striking out 44 batters and walking only 12. Boyd has thrown strikes consistently and has given Chicago quality innings since joining the rotation.
Cincinnati Reds – Andrew Abbott
Abbott enters with a 5-5 record, a 3.92 ERA, and a 1.41 WHIP over 101.0 innings. He has surrendered 97 hits while striking out 81 batters and walking 45. Abbott has been one of Cincinnati's more dependable starters despite the club's inconsistent results.
Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds Game Pick
- Chicago Cubs
Chicago remains the stronger club despite Friday's loss. The Cubs have the more productive offense, a better overall pitching staff, and several hitters capable of producing in key situations. Crow-Armstrong continues to lead the lineup, while Suzuki, Happ, and Swanson provide valuable support throughout the order. Boyd has also been dependable in limited action this season. Cincinnati has shown flashes, but Chicago owns the overall edge and is the better play.
Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds Over/Under Pick
- Under
The under is the stronger play with two left-handers capable of limiting damage early in the matchup. Abbott has posted a solid ERA across more than 100 innings, while Boyd has consistently thrown strikes and avoided free passes. Chicago's pitching has been reliable for much of the season, and Cincinnati's offense has struggled to consistently generate runs. Expect both starters to keep scoring in check and the bullpen to preserve a lower-scoring series finale.
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