The Chicago Cubs (57-39) welcome the Boston Red Sox (53-45) to Wrigley Field Friday afternoon to start a 3-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Red Sox vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

The Sox have carved out a decent spot: 53-45, three games back in the American League AL East, in the second wild-card spot.

Ceddanne Rafaela hit a two-run home run to help the Boston Red Sox stretch their winning streak to 10 games by beating the visiting Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 on Sunday. Rafaela's home run came against Tampa Bay starting pitcher Ryan Pepiot and gave the Red Sox a 4-1 lead in the sixth inning.

The Boston Red Sox have been projected as a blockbuster trade destination for the future Hall of Fame pitcher.

Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet tossed a gem in his final start before the 2025 All-Star break. Read more on Boston.com.

Boston will turn to Brayan Bello — who also authored a complete game last time out — to try to send the Sox into the All-Star break on a 10-game winning streak with a win over the Rays Sunday. The Rays will counter with righthander Ryan Pepiot as the visitors look to avoid a sweep at Fenway.

The Boston Red Sox are in great shape entering the second half of the season. The Red Sox currently have a 53-45 record and are in the second AL Wild Card spot.

Speaking of which, you can find Thursday's supply of MLB rumors just below. The Boston Red Sox have barged back into contention and even playoff position thanks to a magma-hot July, and that's positioned them as likely buyers leading up to the deadline.