Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds Picks and Prediction, Saturday, September 20, 2025
Use Code WWWC It’s an important National League Central division battle on Saturday, Sept. 20. Read our Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds prediction along with our other MLB Predictions to beat the sportsbooks! The Cubs have clinched a playoff spot via the wild card, but there is still an outside chance of winning the division if Milwaukee falters. The Reds are still pushing for a wild card spot as they are just a couple of games out of the Mets. It’s a key game for Cincinnati, which looks to keep its playoff hopes alive. The Reds are set to start Zach Littell, while the Cubs turn to Javier Assad. These two teams will meet with the first pitch set for 6:40 P.M. EST.
Chicago clinches National League wild card spot
Chicago is currently in second place in the National League Central division. The Cubs are at least six games back of the Brewers for the divisional lead. They are still not mathematically eliminated to win the division. But, the Cubs have already clinched a playoff spot earlier this week. The Cubs are the No. 1 wild-card seed in the National League. Coming into Friday night, the Cubs have won seven of their last nine games. Before Friday’s game, the Cubs had a 5-5 record against the Reds.
The Cubs are set to start Javier Assad in this game. The right-handed pitcher is 3-1 with a 4.23 ERA in five starts and one relief appearance. His last appearance saw him throw 2.1 innings against the Rays on Sept. 14. He allowed zero runs and two hits in a 4-3 win. Chicago is 5-1 when the Cubs have started Assad this season. He has a 4.50 ERA in three road appearances. In three starts, he also has a 4.70 ERA against National League teams.
The Cubs are hitting .249 this season, which ranks 14th in the league. They have scored the seventh most runs and the 12th most hits. Chicago has hit the seventh most homers and the eighth most doubles. Chicago has also struck out the sixth fewest times. They are hitting .237 since the All-Star break and .257 on the road. They are hitting .242 in September and in 10 games, the Cubs have a .240 batting average against the Reds.
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Cincinnati still alive for wild card place
Cincinnati is in third place in the National League Central division. They are at least 17 games back of the Brewers in the division. The Reds were never close to winning the division, but they can still claim a playoff spot in the National League wild-card race. Entering Friday, they are two games back of the Mets for a playoff spot. They have also won seven of their last 12 games.
On Saturday, Zach Littell gets the start for the Reds against the Cubs. The right-handed pitcher is 9-8 with a 3.86 ERA in 30 starts this season. His last start saw him throw 5.2 innings against the Cardinals. He allowed four earned runs and five hits in an 11-6 win. The Reds are 4-4 when Littell has pitched this season for them. Before those 10 games, Littell last played for Tampa Bay and they had an 11-11 record when he was on the bump. Littell has a 4.74 ERA in eight starts with the Reds. He also has a 4.45 ERA in 11 games since the All-Star break. He has started one game against the Cubs this season and he threw seven innings and allowed one run in a 5-1 win.
The Reds are hitting .245 this season which ranks 16th in the league. They have scored the 13th most runs while they rank 18th in hits. Cincinnati has hit the seventh fewest home runs while they have also struck out the ninth most times. They have a .252 batting average during home games and a .243 batting average since the All-Star break. The Reds are hitting .234 in September and they have a .216 against the Cubs.
Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds Picks
Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds Spread Pick
- Cincinnati Reds -1.5 (5 units)
There is one key difference in this game that will be a deciding factor between the Reds and the Cubs. Chicago already has a playoff berth clinched. It will be tough for them to win the division and I see them letting their foot off the gas during this weekend's series. The Reds are just a couple of games back and they have everything to play for. They will empty their bullpen while Zach Littell has solid experience throwing seven scoreless innings against the Cubs earlier this season. The Reds need a win, and they will get one, especially with their .252 home batting average giving them chances.
Take the Reds to cover.
Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds Over/Under Pick
- Over 8.5 runs (5 units)
The two teams are facing starting pitchers that have been shaky in the second half of the season. Zach Littell has a 4.74 ERA since joining the Reds. He also has a 4.45 ERA since the All-Star break. The Cubs are starting Javier Assad with his 4.50 ERA when pitching on the road. Both teams will take advantage with the Reds hitting .252 at home and .243 since the All-Star break. The Cubs are also hiring. .240 against the Reds this year and .257 on the road.
Take the over on Saturday.
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