The slightly favored Pittsburgh Pirates (-113) host the Chicago Cubs in a National League Central Division battle tonight.
The Pirates are rightfully favored with Jared Jones on the bump, but my Cubs vs. Pirates predictions and MLB picks think the -120 price tag is too short.
Who will win Cubs vs Pirates today: Pittsburgh Pirates (-120)
Jared Jones has been nothing short of exceptional over the past month. He is sporting an excellent 2.29 ERA and his indicators (2.15 xFIP, 1.86 xERA) are even better.
The Chicago Cubs have hit .236 with a strikeout rate above 25% during the same period. This is a matchup Jones should continue to find success.
Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Pirates sit sixth in homers, fifth in OPS, and first in average against lefties at home.
Matthew Boyd struggles to limit power, and that will get him in trouble against this lineup.
Back the Pirates to -135.
COVERS INTEL: Boyd's ERA is 2.25 runs lower than his FIP over the last 30 days, signaling his recent success is smoke and mirrors.
Cubs vs Pirates Over/Under pick: Under 8.0 (-115)
Jones has averaged more than 12 punchouts per nine innings in three consecutive starts, over which time he allowed two runs.
He is providing the Pirates with ace-caliber pitching right now and that’s not something I want to challenge.
The Pirates continue to hit for power against lefties but their low 5.9% walk rate in July could lead to less traffic on the basepaths when that power arrives, making it more difficult to score in bulk.
The Under is my preferred route, and I would play it to -120.
- ML/RL bets: 62-53, -3.05 units
- Over/Under bets: 62-48-5, +5.99 units
Cubs vs Pirates weather
The forecast calls for temperatures in the high 70s with winds blowing inwards. Small boost to the arms.
Cubs vs Pirates odds
- Moneyline: Cubs +100 | Pirates -120
- Run line: Cubs -1.5 (+160) | Pirates +1.5 (-190)
- Over/Under: Over 8.0 (-105) | Under 8.0 (-115)
Cubs vs Pirates trend
Pittsburgh has hit the moneyline in 10 of the last 16 games (+4.80 units, 27% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Pirates.
How to watch Cubs vs Pirates and game info
| Location | PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Date | Friday, July 24, 2026 |
| First pitch | 6:40 p.m. ET |
| TV | Marquee Sports Network, SportsNet Pittsburgh |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Matthew Boyd (6-1, 4.15 ERA) |
| Pirates starting pitcher | Jared Jones (2-1, 4.05 ERA) |
Cubs vs Pirates latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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