Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs Picks and Prediction for Saturday, August 29, 2026

The Cincinnati Reds (63-71) face off against the Chicago Cubs (76-58) at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois on Saturday. Get involved in the action with our free MLB picks.

Cincinnati vs. Chicago Game Information

• August 29, 2026
• 2:20 PM EST
• Wrigley Field
• MLB.TV/Marquee Sports Network/Reds.TV/Fubo

Chicago Form & Recent Results

Chicago enters this matchup trying to get back on track after losing two straight games and three of its last five overall. Two of those defeats came against the Diamondbacks in Phoenix, while another came on the road against the Mariners in Seattle. In Wednesday’s 2-0 loss to Arizona, the Cubs were held quiet offensively, with left fielder Tyrone Taylor going 1-for-3 and recording a single. Chicago’s pitching staff did a solid job of limiting free passes in that game, issuing just two walks, but the offense was unable to provide enough support to avoid the shutout.

Pete Crow-Armstrong has been one of Chicago’s most important players throughout this season and continues to lead the team in several major offensive categories. He is the Cubs’ leader in home runs with 33, while Ian Happ ranks second on the club with 23 long balls. Crow-Armstrong also leads Chicago with 83 RBI and owns the team’s top batting average at .276, making him a key piece of the lineup heading into this series. Over their last five games, the Cubs have allowed an average of just 2.8 runs per game, so the pitching has given them a chance to stay competitive. Chicago will look to turn that into a win as they go for their 20th division victory of the season when they open the series against the Reds at Wrigley Field.

Cincinnati Form & Recent Results

Cincinnati comes into this matchup with a little momentum after picking up a win in its most recent game, though the Reds have still lost three of their last five overall. Two of those defeats came on the road against the Giants in San Francisco, while the other came against the Diamondbacks in Phoenix. Their latest game ended in a wild 10-9 comeback win over the Giants on Wednesday, and right fielder Hector Rodriguez played a huge role in making it happen. Rodriguez finished the game 3-for-6 at the plate with a single, two home runs, two runs scored, and two RBIs, giving Cincinnati a major spark offensively. Starting pitcher Nick Lodolo lasted four innings, giving up six hits and four earned runs while issuing two walks and striking out five. As a team, the Reds’ offense was locked in, collecting 15 hits, blasting three home runs, and finishing with 25 total bases. Their pitching staff also recorded 12 strikeouts, though they allowed 12 hits and walked four batters in the high-scoring win.

First baseman Sal Stewart has been Cincinnati’s top power threat this season, leading the team with 28 home runs. Left fielder JJ Bleday and shortstop Elly De La Cruz have also provided plenty of pop, as both players sit second on the team with 21 home runs each. Stewart has also been the Reds’ most productive run producer, leading the club with 100 RBIs so far this year. De La Cruz, meanwhile, has been Cincinnati’s leader in batting average, hitting .265 on the season and continuing to be an important piece of the lineup. In their last five games, the Reds have allowed an average of five runs, so limiting damage on the mound will be a key focus moving forward. After the energy and confidence that came from their dramatic comeback against San Francisco, Cincinnati will try to carry that same offensive momentum into Saturday afternoon’s important matchup against the Cubs.

Key Stats

• Cincinnati’s Sal Stewart this season: 28 HRs, 100 RBI, .261 AVG
• Chicago’s Pete Crow-Armstrong this season: 33 HRs, 83 RBI, .276 AVG

Betting Odds & Market Overview:

• CHC -197 / CIN +161; O/U 8.5

Cincinnati vs. Chicago Picks and Prediction

The Reds put together a wild comeback on Wednesday against the Giants, exploding for seven runs in the ninth inning to turn the game around and pull out a dramatic 10-9 victory. It was the kind of late-game rally that can give a team a boost, and Cincinnati will try to carry that momentum into its next matchup as it heads to Wrigley Field to take on the Chicago Cubs. For Cincinnati, left-hander Andrew Abbott is expected to get the start. He enters the game with a 6-9 record and a 4.15 ERA on the season, looking to give the Reds a steady outing on the mound. The Cubs will counter with Shota Imanaga, who has gone 8-9 with a 3.78 ERA this year and will try to slow down a Reds lineup coming off a huge offensive finish. Final Score Prediction, Chicago Cubs win 6-5.