Boston Red Sox vs Cincinnati Reds Picks and Predictions for Thursday, March 26, 2026
Red Sox vs Reds Game Information
The Boston Red Sox open the 2026 regular season on Thursday afternoon at 4:10 PM inside Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, OH, against the Cincinnati Reds. Boston comes into this season after finishing 89-73 a year ago before a first-round postseason exit against the New York Yankees. The Cincinnati Reds looked to build on last year's success after finishing 83-79 overall before being swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Stay in the news with our MLB Picks.
Red Sox Preview
Offensively, Boston was strong last season, averaging .254 as the Red Sox scored 4.8 runs per game in 2025. Trevor Story Will again be leaned on this season by Boston, as he led the team with a .263 batting average, 25 home runs, and 96 RBIs a year ago. Jarren Duran will also be an asset this season for Boston as he carried a .256 batting average and a team-leading .332 OBP to go along with sixteen home runs and 84 RBIs through 157 games played last season.
Reds Preview
Cincinnati will look to build on last year's success, as the Reds combined for a .268 batting average. Cincinnati ranked 14th in runs scored per game a year ago, averaging 4.4 runs on a 19th-best 8.21 hits per game. The Cincinnati pitching staff was middle-of-the-pack last season, ranking 15th in the league and allowing 4.26 runs per game.
Red Sox vs Reds Pitching Matchup
Boston will send out Garrett Crochet on opening day to get the start. In 2025, crochet was tied for second in the American League with 18 wins and 5 losses and ranked 6th in baseball with a 2.59 ERA. The Reds will counter Crochet with Andrew Abbott. Abbott finished 2025 with ten wins and seven losses and a 2.87 ERA across 29 starts a year ago.
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Red Sox vs Reds Pick
Opening day jitters are a real thing for teams, as each will trot out a ton of guys who have seen limited action in the spring. Look for both teams to start the season strong, as each will look to get off on the right foot. Expect Boston to win the pitching matchup, but the Cincinnati offense will keep things close enough. Look for Cincinnati to stay close in a game that could turn into an offensive smoke show as both arms look to find their rhythm. Take Cincinnati to get the win as the underdog Thursday night to open the year on the right foot in a game that goes over the eight-run total.
- Pick: Cincinnati Reds
- Secondary: Over
- Lean: Jarren Duran Over 1.5 Bases
Final Score Prediction: Cincinnati Reds win 6-4
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