Cincinnati Reds at New York Yankees Predictions, Odds and Betting Picks
Jesse M. Cox Published 21/06/2026
The New York Yankees enter Sunday's matchup against the Cincinnati Reds with a clear advantage on paper. New York owns one of the league's best records at 46-28, ranks fourth in MLB in scoring at 5.22 runs per game, and sends veteran ace Gerrit Cole to the mound. The Cincinnati Reds, meanwhile, arrives at Yankee Stadium with a 35-39 record and a pitching staff that has struggled to limit runs throughout the season.
The betting market reflects those differences. The Yankees are listed as -196 favorites at DraftKings Sportsbook, while the Reds come back at +162. With Chase Burns facing one of baseball's most dangerous lineups and Cole drawing a favorable matchup against a strikeout-prone Cincinnati offense, the home team has multiple advantages entering this interleague showdown.
Reds vs Yankees Game Preview
Cincinnati's offense has been inconsistent this season, averaging 4.2 runs per game with a 0.227 team batting average. The Reds have hit 94 home runs, but their 696 strikeouts rank among the highest in MLB. Elly De La Cruz remains a key contributor despite injuries affecting the lineup.
REDS vs. YANKEES Full Game Highlights (6/20/26) | MLB Highlights
The Reds have also struggled on the mound, posting a 4.66 ERA and 1.47 WHIP. Cincinnati has allowed 633 hits and 101 home runs, while injuries to Hunter Greene and Graham Ashcraft have weakened the pitching staff.
New York has been one of baseball's strongest teams, scoring 386 runs with 112 home runs and a 0.333 on-base percentage. Despite Giancarlo Stanton's calf injury, the Yankees continue to produce offensively and enter with a pitching staff that owns a 3.30 ERA, second-best in MLB.
Moneyline Pick
The Yankees are the stronger moneyline play. New York holds the edge in both offense and pitching, averaging 5.22 runs per game while allowing just 3.60. Gerrit Cole adds another advantage with a career 155-81 record, 3.17 ERA, and 2,275 strikeouts.
Chase Burns has impressed with a 2.92 ERA and 162 strikeouts in 123 innings, but facing a Yankees lineup with 112 home runs at Yankee Stadium is a difficult test. New York also has the more dependable bullpen. The Reds have converted only 53.1% of their save chances, while the Yankees' pitching staff ranks among the league's best.
Pick: Yankees ML (-196 at DraftKings Sportsbook).
Run Line Pick
The Yankees -1.5 offers stronger value than the moneyline. New York has consistently won games by multiple runs thanks to its balanced roster. The Yankees have scored 386 runs compared to Cincinnati's 311 and own a pitching staff with a full-season ERA more than a run lower than the Reds.
Cole's ability to work deep into games reduces pressure on the bullpen, while the Yankees' lineup has enough power to create separation late. Against a Reds team that has struggled to protect leads and prevent home runs, New York is positioned to cover the standard run line.
Pick: Yankees -1.5 (+105 at DraftKings Sportsbook).
Best Player Prop
- Gerrit Cole Strikeouts Over 7.5 (-115 at DraftKings Sportsbook). Cincinnati has struck out 696 times this season, and Cole remains one of baseball's premier strikeout pitchers with 2,275 career punchouts. The Reds' aggressive approach at the plate matches up well with Cole's ability to generate swings and misses.
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Game Total Pick
Under 8 is the strongest total play. Burns has impressed with a 2.92 career ERA and 162 strikeouts in 123 innings, giving Cincinnati a chance to keep New York's lineup in check early.
Cole is the main reason to back the Under. The Yankees ace owns a career 1.087 WHIP, while the Reds are batting just 0.227 and averaging 4.2 runs per game. New York's pitching staff ranks second in MLB with a 3.30 ERA, and Cincinnati has struggled against quality right-handed pitching. If both starters pitch to form, scoring should stay limited.
Pick: Under 8 (-110 at DraftKings Sportsbook).
Best Trades for Reds vs Yankees
Prediction markets show New York as a modest favorite, but several contracts still provide value based on the pitching matchup and team profiles entering Sunday.
- Game Winner: YES on New York Yankees at 54¢ on Polymarket. New York holds advantages in offensive production, pitching depth, and overall roster quality while playing at home.
- Total Runs Under 8.5: YES at 50¢ on Polymarket. Both starting pitchers bring strong strikeout numbers, and New York's pitching staff ranks among the league leaders in ERA.
- First Team to Score Yankees: YES at 58¢ on Polymarket. The Yankees average 5.22 runs per game and face a Cincinnati pitching staff carrying a 4.66 ERA.
How to Watch Cincinnati Reds vs New York Yankees and Game Info
- Location: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
- Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026
- First pitch: 1:35 p.m. ET
- TV: YES
- Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher: Chase Burns (8-4 career record, 2.92 ERA).
- New York Yankees starting pitcher: Gerrit Cole (155-81 career record, 3.17 ERA).
- Weather forecast: TBD
Final Takeaways
The Yankees enter this matchup with advantages nearly everywhere that matters. New York owns the stronger lineup, the deeper pitching staff, and the more accomplished starting pitcher. Burns is talented enough to keep Cincinnati competitive early, but the combination of Cole and the Yankees' offensive firepower makes New York the preferred side. The Yankees moneyline is the safest play, while the run line offers additional value for bettors seeking a larger payout.
All odds as of 12:00 PM ET on June 21, 2026. Odds sourced from DraftKings Sportsbook. Check the latest odds and line movement for Cincinnati Reds vs New York Yankees at betting.net before placing your bets.