Last year, the Cincinnati Reds entered the season coming off an unexpectedly strong 82-80 mark in 2023. With a flotilla of highly rated prospects graduating to the majors, they were considered a candidate to compete for a postseason berth. Instead, a combination of injuries and ineffectiveness led to a dismal May (a 9-18 record) and ultimately a fourth-place finish. As a result, it cost manager David Bell his job. Now, the same talented youngsters return, though. Most important of all, the addition of future Hall of Fame manager Terry Francona has raised baseball betting odds hope.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers MLB Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, April 5, 2025, 7:10 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI. |
| TV Coverage: | FS1 |
| Betting Online Odds at SBG: | Click Here |
Cincinnati Reds SBG Team Overview
Previously, Terry Francona left the Guardians after the 2023 season due to health problems. Thus, it was assumed that he’d spend the next five years enjoying retirement before his induction ceremony in Cooperstown. Instead, he signed with the Reds just 12 days after Bell was let go.
Francona’s arrival has generated the most buzz for the team in an otherwise quiet offseason. Also, it provided offshore bookmaker cover for the president of baseball operations, Nick Krall, and the owner, Bob Castellini. Their failure to make meaningful additions to the promising 2023 team was as much a reason for the Reds’ 2024 struggles as anything Bell did.
Certainly, the National League Central is a winnable division. None of the five has an unlimited budget. And no team from the division has made it to the NLCS since before the pandemic.
For the Reds to play in the postseason for the first time since 2013 (not counting 2020), though, will require not just better health from several players. Also, it will take a return to form for several young batters. Francona’s a great leader, but his late-1990s Phillies teams had a losing record for four straight seasons. Ownership hasn’t added the complementary players around the Reds’ promising young core. Most of the top prospects are still in the low minors. Thus, there’s only so much a manager, even a great one, can do.
Milwaukee Brewers SBG Team Overview
At the onset the Milwaukee Brewers enter 2025 needing to replace their leading run producer in shortstop Willy Adames. He, who signed a $182 million free-agent contract with the San Francisco Giants. Also, there is one of the game’s best closers in Devin Williams, who was traded to the New York Yankees in December. In return, Milwaukee acquired lefthander Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin.
To illuminate, it’s standard operating procedure these days in baseball’s smallest market. Despite the financial limitations, the Brewers have consistently punched above their weight class in winning three of the last four NL Central titles, And they advanced to the playoffs in six of the last seven years. There’s plenty of talent returning, too, and in a division without a clear favorite, Milwaukee will once again expect to contend.
Reds at Brewers SBG Free Pick
Manager Pat Murphy’s aggressive approach helped rejuvenate the offense in 2024. And his take-no-prisoners mentality is a perfect fit for the hard-charging Brewers. Additionally, the front office, led by Arnold, continues to work wonders despite the financial constraints. From the top down, Milwaukee is considered a model MLB franchise about its operations and ability to compete consistently.
Reds at Brewers SBG Best Bet: Milwaukee Brewers.