Cubs vs Reds Prediction and MLB Tips - 8 May 2026
Last updated: May 7, 2026, 6:20PM | Published: May 6, 2026, 6:28PM
The Chicago Cubs will face the Cincinnati Reds in MLB action at Wrigley Field on Friday, starting at 4:20am AEST.
Shota Imanaga (3-2, 2.40 ERA) will start for the Cubs, while the Reds are going with Rhett Lowder (3-2, 5.09 ERA).
This article features Stats Insider's prediction and tips for the Cubs vs Reds game, plus the latest betting odds in Australia.
Who Will Win?
Utilising trusted machine learning and data, Stats Insider has simulated the outcome of Friday's Cubs vs Cincinnati MLB game 10,000 times.
Our proven predictive analytics model currently gives the Cubs a 62% chance of beating the Reds at Wrigley Field.
Cubs vs Reds: Odds
The latest betting odds in Australia for Friday's MLB game at Wrigley Field are shown here:
- Head to Head: Cubs $1.50, Reds $2.65
- Line: Cubs -1.5 ($2.04), Reds +1.5 ($1.80)
- Total (Over/Under 9 Runs): Over $1.91, Under $1.91
Odds are correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Looking at the latest head-to-head odds, the bookmakers currently have the Cubs at $1.50 and the Reds at $2.65.
The Cubs are listed as 1.5-run favourites against the Reds, with odds of $2.04 available at TAB.
For the underdog Reds (+1.5) to cover the line, TAB offers odds of $1.80.
The over/under for total runs scored is set at 9 with TAB, which has odds of $1.91 for the over and $1.91 for the under.
According to Stats Insider's analytics model, the Reds (+1.5) are predicted to cover the line 55% of the time, while the 9-run over/under is expected to stay under 51% of the time.
Cubs vs Reds: Best Bets
- Head to Head: Cincinnati at $2.65 with TAB
- Line: Reds +1.5 at $1.80 with TAB
- Total Runs: Under 9 at $1.91 with TAB
Today's Cubs vs Reds betting tips are based on market-leading simulations and wagering experience to help you place smarter bets with your chosen online bookie.
While the Cubs have a higher chance of winning the game, betting on the Reds to win is our recommended option because of the 1.5% edge found when comparing our data-led probabilities to the odds currently on offer.
Taking advantage of the edges seen here at Stats Insider is pivotal to being profitable in the long run.
Cubs vs Reds: Prediction
Stats Insider provides full betting coverage of the Cubs vs Cincinnati game on Friday, including data-driven predictions and expert tips.
Our model updates frequently, so bookmark this article for the latest betting tips before the Cubs vs Cincinnati match-up.
As always, see Stats Insider's Best Bets to get the best tips on every MLB game, as well as predictions for a wide range of other sports.
Cubs vs Reds: Essential Details
The game between the Cubs and Reds at Wrigley Field is scheduled to commence at 4:20am AEST on Friday.
- Teams: Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds
- Date: Friday 8 May 2026
- Time: 4:20am AEST
- Venue: Wrigley Field
All dates and times in this article are in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), unless otherwise noted.
Conclusion
Our Cubs vs Cincinnati predictions are the result of 10,000 data-driven simulations of the game, all curated by our team of experienced data scientists and analysts. We use cutting-edge technology and machine learning to ensure our MLB tips are trustworthy and reliable, giving you the confidence to make informed decisions.
If you choose to use our MLB predictions for betting purposes, it's important to gamble responsibly and keep track of your money. For free and confidential support, call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
More on MLB
Stats Insider is your home for betting on the MLB in Australia, with the latest MLB betting news, tips for every MLB game, and futures probabilities for the MLB.
