It’s a battle of the aces tonight at PNC Park when Shota Imanaga and Paul Skenes go head-to-head.
The Chicago Cubs are +117 moneyline underdogs tonight, but my Cubs vs. Pirates predictions are picking them over the Pittsburgh Pirates, who are overvalued at -122.
Keep reading for my free MLB picks for Saturday, July 25.
Who will win Cubs vs Pirates today: Cubs moneyline (+114)
Paul Skenes’ resume speaks for itself, but the Pittsburgh Pirates ace is not himself this season.
Skenes’ ERA is up to 3.43 compared to his 2.35 career average, and he’s not getting nearly as many swings and misses. His Whiff % is down to the 68th percentile in MLB after ranking in the 83rd last season.
Meanwhile, Chicago Cubs starter Shota Imanaga is trending up with a stingy 1.62 ERA over his last three outings. He’ll dominate a Pirates lineup that’s missing three everyday players and ranks 19th in runs scored and 20th in SLG since the All-Star break.
Play the Cubs up to +110.
COVERS INTEL: Imanaga has a 0.28 career ERA in five starts against the Pirates. He pitched six scoreless, hitless innings vs. Pittsburgh on April 10.
Cubs vs Pirates Over/Under pick: Over 7.5 (-116)
Skenes has a lofty 5.27 ERA over his last five starts, and the Pirates cashed the Over in each of those games.
Both bullpens are also shaky, with Pittsburgh’s relief corps owning the 10th-highest ERA in MLB (4.40), slightly worse than Chicago’s (4.04).
It feels like this line was set with prime Skenes in mind, but that’s probably not who the Cubs will face tonight.
The Over is the play up to -120.
- ML/RL bets: 6-3, +2.07 units
- Over/Under bets: 2-7, -4.9 units
Cubs vs Pirates weather
Temperatures will be 80F at first pitch, with minimal winds blowing out to center field. Slight boost to the batters.
Cubs vs Pirates odds
- Moneyline: Cubs +117 | Pirates -122
- Run line: Cubs +1.5 | Pirates -1.5
- Over/Under: Over 7.5 | Under 7.5
Cubs vs Pirates trend
Chicago is 12-3 in its last 15 road games against Pittsburgh. Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Pirates.
How to watch Cubs vs Pirates and game info
| Location | PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Date | Saturday, July 25, 2026 |
| First pitch | 6:40 p.m. ET |
| TV | MARQ, SNP |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Shota Imanaga (6-8, 3.91 ERA) |
| Pirates starting pitcher | Paul Skenes (9-8, 3.43 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.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
