Cubs’ Power Players Shine Ahead of Friday MLB Games

CHICAGO, IL — The Chicago Cubs are leading Major League Baseball with 293 runs scored this season and are fifth in home runs with 69 as they prepare for Friday’s MLB schedule.

Pete Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki, and Kyle Tucker have each hit 12 home runs for the Cubs, while three other teammates have at least seven. The Cubs are set to face the Cincinnati Reds, with Hunter Greene on the mound. Greene has allowed seven home runs in just eight starts this season.

The Great American Ballpark is known for being one of the most homer-friendly stadiums in baseball, making this matchup appealing for home run bets. The over-under for the game is set at 8.5 runs. Although Tucker (+290) and Suzuki (+360) have the shortest odds in this matchup, the model suggests considering Michael Busch, who has seven home runs this season.

“Left-handed bats have done better against Greene this season,” said SportsLine data analyst Jacob Fetner. “Greene is coming off the injured list, which could give hitters an advantage after not facing MLB players consistently for two weeks.”

Pete Alonso is facing a slight slump, with his last home run coming on May 5, but he still maintains a .292 batting average and .931 OPS this season, with nine home runs overall.

“Alonso has historically struggled against Clayton Kershaw, going 1-for-7 in his career against him, but Kershaw’s injuries have affected his performance,” Fetner noted. “The model sets Alonso’s odds at +290, with FanDuel offering the best price at +320.”

The New York Yankees lead MLB in home runs with 84, and Cody Bellinger stands out with his recent performance, having hit three home runs in his last five games.

Bellinger is now matched up against a starting pitcher who has allowed 10 home runs in just 40.2 innings pitched. FanDuel has Bellinger’s odds set at +340, which reflects his current hot streak.

As more bets become available for today’s action, fans are encouraged to explore player prop options from various sportsbooks, enhancing their betting strategies.