The Chicago Cubs have not played their best of late, winning just four of the last 10 games.
My Pirates vs. Cubs predictions expect the home side to get back on track, and flex their muscles offensively, at home against a NL basement dweller.
Let’s break it all down with my August 15 MLB picks.
Pirates vs Cubs prediction
Pirates vs Cubs best bet: Chicago Cubs -1.5 (-105)
The Chicago Cubs have not been as prolific of late, playing .500 ball over their last 20 games. When they win, though, they tend to win big.
Chicago has outscored opponents by 26 runs in aggregate over the last six wins, deciding five of them by multiple runs.
The lone exception was a 1-0 victory against Baltimore in which the Cubs were on home soil, shaving an extra inning of at bats off their total and taking away an opportunity to gain further separation.
While they are hosting the Pirates today, home field is preferable for their offense as PNC Park is pitcher friendly. That could have helped mask the discrepancy offensively.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are very likely to have trouble keeping up offensively in Chicago. They rank dead last in runs per game and Oneil Cruz is sidelined with a concussion, removing their most dynamic bat from an already putrid lineup.
Even after a recent dip in production, the Cubs still sit fourth in runs per game and Top-10 in average, OBP, SLG, OPS, homers, and stolen bases. They are a very well rounded attack.
It will be very difficult for Braxton Ashcraft and the Pirates bullpen – which ranks 28th in ERA over the last 30 days – to slow the Cubs down offensively; and their offense isn’t good enough to keep up.
Look for the Cubs to win with room to spare.
Pirates vs Cubs same-game parlay (SGP)
Seiya Suzuki has recorded multiple bases in 52% of his home games this season and 60% of home victories, which is notable as we’re backing the Cubs to win by multiple runs in this contest.
Kyle Tucker has batted in 62 runs on the season but just one over his last 10 games. He is far too talented, and the Cubs offense is too potent, for his outputs to remain that low. If the Cubs are to win decisively, Tucker has a good chance of driving in a run.
Pirates vs Cubs odds
- Moneyline: Pittsburgh +175 | Chicago -195
- Run line: Pittsburgh +1.5 (-116) | Chicago -1.5 (+103)
- Over/Under: Over 9.0 (-115) | Under 9.0 (+100)
Pirates vs Cubs trend
Kyle Tucker has driven in a run in six of his last 10 games against Pittsburgh. Find more MLB betting trends for Pirates vs. Cubs.
How to watch Pirates vs Cubs and game info
| Location | Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL |
| Date | Friday, August 15, 2025 |
| First pitch | 2:20 p.m. ET |
| TV | SportsNet Pittsburgh, Marquee |
| Pirates starting pitcher | Braxton Ashcraft (0-0, 3.19 ERA) |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Colin Rea (9-5, 4.09 ERA) |
Pirates vs Cubs latest injuries
Pirates vs Cubs weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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