The historic rivalry between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs returns to Wrigley Field this weekend, but the two franchises couldn't be in more different positions. While the Cubs are looking to build momentum, the Reds are limping toward the finish line of a deeply disappointing campaign.
With Cincinnati mired in last place and dealing with a wave of devastating setbacks, this series could be the final blow to their competitive hopes.
A Franchise in Crisis
The Reds' current season has been defined by bad luck, major injuries, and questionable roster construction. The most devastating blow came with news that ace Hunter Greene requires a second Tommy John surgery, likely sidelining him through the entire 2027 season after missing major parts of 2026.
But the issues run deeper than just one injury. Cincinnati's front office failed to build adequate depth, leaving a threadbare roster unable to absorb simultaneous hits to their pitching staff and lineup. Currently, the Reds rank last in Major League Baseball in team batting average, on-base percentage, and wRC+.
To put their struggles into perspective: Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has accumulated more Wins Above Replacement (8.6 fWAR) this year than the entire active, non-pitching roster of the Reds combined (8.3 fWAR). Aside from superstar Elly De La Cruz and emerging arm Chase Burns—who is nearing an innings limit—there is very little left for Cincinnati fans to rally behind.
The Cubs' Golden Opportunity
For the Cubs, this weekend represents a golden opportunity to get their offense rolling before a high-stakes series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Chicago has dominated the season series against Cincinnati, holding a commanding 6-1 record. That includes a dramatic four-game sweep back in May that featured three consecutive walk-off wins. With the Reds facing the toughest remaining schedule in baseball, the Cubs are primed to capitalize on a demoralized opponent.
Pitching Matchups to Watch
The three-game series features intriguing pitching battles, culminating in a national showcase on Sunday night:
- Friday: Left-hander David Peterson (4-1, 3.93 ERA with Cubs) takes the mound for Chicago against Cincinnati's Rhett Lowder (5-8, 5.13 ERA).
- Saturday: Veteran righty Kevin Gausman (2-1, 4.30 ERA with Cubs) faces Reds lefty Andrew Abbott (6-9, 4.15 ERA).
- Sunday: In a primetime matchup on NBC and Peacock, Chicago’s Shōta Imanaga (8-9, 3.78 ERA) goes head-to-head with Cincinnati's young phenom Chase Burns (14-3, 2.77 ERA).
