Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds Opening Day Betting Preview

After a seemingly endless spring training, during which time the 2023 World Baseball Classic took place, we're finally within reach of Opening Day of the 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) season. The outlook isn't great for the Reds, with many expecting them to finish near the bottom of the National League (NL) Central, but there's plenty of intrigue surrounding the team this season.

MLB teams will play more games against non-division and interleague opponents in 2023, but the Reds begin their season against NL Central rivals the Pittsburgh Pirates. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET at Great American Ball Park.

Starting Pitchers

Mitch Keller (PIT) - A 26-year-old from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Keller is looking to find himself after two less-than-stellar seasons. The former second-round pick has a career record of 12-29 to go along with a 5.00 ERA in 329.1 innings pitched. He's looked good in spring training, allowing just six earned runs and 14 hits in 15.2 innings pitched.

Hunter Greene (CIN) - Another former top prospect, Hunter Greene, is the Opening Day starter for the Reds. Greene, however, pitched well in his rookie season in 2022, with a 5-13 record, 4.44 ERA, and 1.21 WHIP. He gave up just 104 hits and struck out 164 batters in 125.2 innings pitched.

Pirates Betting Preview

Pittsburgh finished spring training with a 9-18 record, which was the second-worst in the Grapefruit League ahead of only the Miami Marlins at 7-16. The Pirates had troubles on offense and defense, scoring just 5 runs and allowing 6.7 runs per game. 

Although Keller is the team's Opening Day starter, JT Bukbaker was perhaps their best pitcher in spring training. He pitched 17.1 innings with 26 strikeouts, three walks, and a 1.10 WHIP. Brubaker will start the season on the IL, however, with an elbow injury.

Reds Betting Preview

The Reds had a relatively decent spring considering season expectations, finishing Cactus League play with a 15-14 record. Cincinnati averaged 6.1 runs scored and 6.4 runs allowed per game. Only the Kansas City Royals (182) scored more runs than the Reds in the Cactus League.

Jonathan India, the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year, is hoping to rebound from a disappointing 2022 season and looked great in spring training. He finished spring with a .308 batting average, one home run, eight RBI, and four stolen bases. Pitcher Nick Lodolo also had a great spring and looks to break through in 2023.

Pirates vs. Reds Betting Odds and Prediction

Cincinnati is a -143 favorite at home to open the season against Pittsburgh, which is paying out +125 on the moneyline. 

Going back to 2011, the Reds have alternated back-to-back wins with back-to-back losses in home openers. They've lost their last two home openers and we like their odds to keep the trend going against the Pirates.