Introduction

Come Friday, baseball enthusiasts will be glued to their screens when two powerhouses in MLB, the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs, go head-to-head in a thrilling encounter. Both teams flaunt aggressive batting line-ups, consistent performances and will be eager to strengthen their positions in the league.

Game Time

First pitch will be thrown at Friday, July 18 at 02:20 PM ET at iconic Wrigley Field, where wind can change everything.

Moneyline Odds

Boston Red Sox: +122
Chicago Cubs: -135

Over/Under Line: 8.5

Latest Team Records

Boston Red Sox have a record of 53-45 with a win percentage of 0.541, while the Chicago Cubs hold a record of 57-39 with a win percentage of 0.594.

Injury Report

The Boston Red Sox are currently healthy with no major injury concerns.

Key injuries for the Chicago Cubs include:

• Jameson Taillon (Calf) – Status: 15-Day-IL. None
• Justin Steele (Elbow) – Status: 60-Day-IL. The Cubs transferred Steele (elbow) to the 60-day injured list Wednesday, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Key Player Stats

Boston Red Sox

• Trevor Story: 0.257 AVG, 15 HR, 58 RBI
• Wilyer Abreu: 0.256 AVG, 18 HR, 52 RBI
• Ceddanne Rafaela: 0.271 AVG, 14 HR, 48 RBI

Chicago Cubs

• Seiya Suzuki: 0.263 AVG, 25 HR, 77 RBI
• Pete Crow-Armstrong: 0.265 AVG, 25 HR, 71 RBI
• Michael Busch: 0.29 AVG, 19 HR, 59 RBI

Team Analysis

Boston Red Sox

Despite a few recent hiccups, the Boston Red Sox have been solid. Their players, such as Wilyer Abreu and Trevor Story, have braved the storm, demonstrating significant offensive potential, while Ceddanne Rafaela’s consistency continues to be an invaluable asset. The Red Sox are gradually regaining their rhythm and keeping their scoring consistent, indicating a likely rebound in the upcoming games.

Yet, the focus isn’t just on the players; the Red Sox’s performance at home versus on the road is equally crucial. With a more favorable record at home, they can’t afford to lower their guard while playing away games, especially against formidable opponents like the Cubs.

• Batting Average: 0.256
• Total Runs Scored: 491
• Home Runs: 122
• OPS: 0.759
• ERA: 3.79
• WHIP: 1.3

Away Record: 21-25 • Home Record: 32-20 • Last 5 Games: W-W-W-W-W (4.8 runs per game)

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Chicago Cubs

Looking at the Chicago Cubs, the team exudes confidence, underlined by a series of wins. Key players Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong have shown consistent performances, delivering the runs necessary to put the team over the top. Michael Busch also stands as the wildcard the Cubs can bank on to break stalemates.

The team’s recent form suggests a strong rhythm and trending upward momentum. Despite a hiccup here and there, Cubs have a formidable home and away record painting a picture of a team that possesses the grit and determination to secure wins under any circumstance.

• Batting Average: 0.256
• Total Runs Scored: 512
• Home Runs: 142
• OPS: 0.771
• ERA: 3.84
• WHIP: 1.23

Away Record: 27-23 • Home Record: 30-16 • Last 5 Games: W-W-L-W-L (3.8 runs per game)

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Head-to-Head History

No recent matchups between these teams in 2025.

Over/Under Trends

Boston Red Sox‘s recent games have seen an average of 7.4 total runs scored per game over their last 7 matchups, with 2 games going over the total line.

Chicago Cubs‘s recent games have averaged 11.8 total runs per game over their last 9 matchups, with 7 games going over the total of 8.5.

Moneyline Betting Prediction

In this clash of titans, the game seems to favor the Chicago Cubs slightly. Given their consistent strong form, demonstrated by their run-scoring ability and players who step up when it matters, the Cubs come across as the more assuring pick.

Given their form and matchup edge, we’re siding with the Chicago Cubs at -135.

Over/Under Betting Prediction

Our pick is Over 8.5. While the Red Sox have been involved in lower-scoring games recently, the Cubs’ matchups have been explosive, averaging nearly 12 total runs over their last nine outings. Combined, these teams are averaging close to 9.6 runs per game — and with Chicago’s offense clicking, a high-scoring affair is a realistic outcome. Over 8.5 has strong appeal given recent form.

Pick: Over

Bookmakers

Find these odds at: FanDuel, MyBookie.ag, BetMGM, DraftKings, Caesars, Bovada, BetRivers, Fanatics, BetUS, BetOnline.ag, LowVig.ag.

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