Bet the Reds vs. Cubs Series July 18-20

The red hot Boston Red Sox, winners of ten straight ahead of the All Star Break, head to Chicago to face off against a Cubs team that is 57-39.  The last five games of this series played in Chicago have featured a total between 8.5 and 9 with the last three going Over 9. 

Power Rankings 

Boston Red Sox

Boston's three All-Stars -- Garrett Crochet, Alex Bregman and Aroldis Chapman -- were all acquired over the offseason. Crochet and Bregman were expected to supply All-Star-level production. Chapman, however, is 37 years old. His All-Star days appeared behind him -- but he might be better than ever. The hard-throwing closer has been a revelation on a one-year, $10.75 million contract, posting a 1.25 ERA and 0.78 WHIP across 39 appearances. His 39% strikeout rate ranks fourth among relievers with at least 20 innings thrown, and he is 15-for-16 on save opportunities. As a result, he is an All-Star for the eighth time and for the first time since 2021 as a Yankee. 

Chicago Cubs

Lefty Matthew Boyd is another feel-good story at this year's All-Star Game. A first timer at age 34, he's been dynamic for the Cubs -- especially after teammates Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga went down with injuries. After making just eight regular-season starts in 2024, plus three more in the playoffs, Boyd earned a two-year, $29 million contract with the Cubs. He's already outpitched his value, throwing a nasty changeup to righties and a sneaky good slider to lefties. And he's made every first-half start. He's a well-deserving All-Star..

These Power Rankings Courtesy of ESPN

- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com