Prediction Details

MLB Prediction: Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates (Monday, September 15 at 06:40 PM ET)

Introduction

Updated

CHC @ PITCHC -130PIT +110O/U 8.5
Market / Trend CHC PIT
Moneyline -130 +110
Total (O/U) 8.5
Run Line -1.5 (125) +1.5 (-150)
Last 5 RPG 4.6 3.2
Record 84–64 65–84
Lines: BetMGM, BetOnline.ag, BetRivers, BetUS +7 more

More MLB picks: Chicago Cubs · Pittsburgh Pirates

The Cubs enter this matchup analysis with a 4-1 run across their last five, but the Pirates’ home strength and low-scoring profile create the sharper betting angle. Pittsburgh has averaged just 2.8 runs over its last 10, yet its 42-33 home record signals stability that offsets recent struggles. With Chicago producing 4.0 runs per game over the same span, the combined pace remains under the posted total, aligning with an Under lean while positioning Pittsburgh as the value side.

Game Time

Starts in 20h 15m

Opening pitch at Monday, September 15 at 06:40 PM ET at PNC Park, a slight under lean from the park profile.

Odds & Spread Line

  • Chicago Cubs: -130
  • Pittsburgh Pirates: +110

Total: 8.5

  • Run Line — Chicago Cubs: -1.5 (+125)
  • Run Line — Pittsburgh Pirates: +1.5 (-150)

Latest Team Records

Chicago Cubs: 84-64 (Win %: 0.568)
Pittsburgh Pirates: 65-84 (Win %: 0.436)

Injury Report

Chicago Cubs are missing Miguel Amaya (Ankle), listed as 10-Day-IL; Eli Morgan (Elbow), listed as 60-Day-IL; Justin Steele (Elbow), listed as 60-Day-IL. No other significant injuries are reported.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are currently healthy with no major injury concerns.

Key Player Stats

Chicago Cubs

  • Seiya Suzuki: 0.244 AVG, 27 HR, 91 RBI
  • Pete Crow-Armstrong: 0.247 AVG, 28 HR, 87 RBI
  • Michael Busch: 0.256 AVG, 27 HR, 78 RBI

Pittsburgh Pirates

  • Bryan Reynolds: 0.242 AVG, 15 HR, 71 RBI
  • Andrew McCutchen: 0.241 AVG, 13 HR, 55 RBI
  • Tommy Pham: 0.252 AVG, 9 HR, 50 RBI

Team Analysis

Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs’ 84-64 record reflects consistency over the long haul, and the 4-1 mark in the last five highlights a recent surge. Seiya Suzuki’s power production has been central to keeping scoring afloat, with the team averaging 4.6 runs in that stretch. However, a 5-5 mark over the last ten underlines inconsistency, especially considering their away record shows vulnerability when leaving Wrigley.

Pete Crow-Armstrong has provided steady run support while Michael Busch continues to add depth, but the Cubs’ road mark of 39-35 indicates only marginal advantage away from home. Their recent offensive rhythm has been good, but not dominant enough to dismiss variance. Against a Pirates team with a favorable home split, Chicago Cubs’ edge narrows considerably, making them a fade spot despite recent wins.

  • Batting Average: 0.248
  • Total Runs Scored: 723
  • Home Runs: 199
  • OBP: 0.32
  • SLG: 0.426
  • OPS: 0.747
  • ERA: 3.87
  • WHIP: 1.19

Away Record: 39-35 • Home Record: 46-29
Last 5 Games: 4-1 (4.6 RPG)
Last 10 Games: 5-5 (4.0 RPG)


Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates’ 65-84 record masks their home strength, as a 42-33 mark at PNC Park demonstrates reliability in this setting. Bryan Reynolds continues to anchor their lineup, and while the team’s last five at 1-4 shows struggles, that home edge is a stabilizer. With 3.2 runs per game recently, the offense has been light, but the environment favors tighter contests where pitching and situational hitting matter.

Andrew McCutchen offers veteran presence while Tommy Pham adds balance, ensuring the Pirates aren’t fully reliant on one bat. Despite a 2-8 record in the last ten, the Pirates’ ability to keep games low-scoring at home gives them an edge against a Cubs team that has been less imposing on the road. Their home consistency makes them the sharper side in a game where runs will be limited.

  • Batting Average: 0.232
  • Total Runs Scored: 537
  • Home Runs: 107
  • OBP: 0.305
  • SLG: 0.349
  • OPS: 0.655
  • ERA: 3.87
  • WHIP: 1.22

Away Record: 23-52 • Home Record: 42-33
Last 5 Games: 1-4 (3.2 RPG)
Last 10 Games: 2-8 (2.8 RPG)


Head-to-Head History

Chicago Cubs lead 6–2 (Last 8 games)

  • August 17, 2025: PIT 3 @ CHC 4
  • August 16, 2025: PIT 1 @ CHC 3
  • August 15, 2025: PIT 3 @ CHC 2
  • June 15, 2025: PIT 2 @ CHC 3
  • June 14, 2025: PIT 1 @ CHC 2
  • June 13, 2025: PIT 2 @ CHC 1
  • June 12, 2025: PIT 2 @ CHC 3
  • May 01, 2025: CHC 8 @ PIT 3

Over/Under Trends

Chicago Cubs’ last 10 games have averaged 7.7 total runs, with 4 games that would have cleared today’s total of 8.5.

Pittsburgh Pirates’ last 10 games have averaged 6.9 combined runs, with 2 games clearing the same number of 8.5.

Moneyline Betting Prediction

Pittsburgh Pirates’ 42-33 home record provides the foundation for backing them, especially against a Cubs team that has been only modest on the road. With Reynolds, McCutchen, and Pham providing balance in a low-scoring environment, the Pirates’ situational edge aligns with their ability to grind out wins at PNC Park. This makes the Pittsburgh Pirates the sharper side to back with confidence.

Value-side alert: the Pittsburgh Pirates at +110 profile as the play.

Over/Under Prediction

Last five form shows the Pittsburgh Pirates at 3.2 RPG and the Chicago Cubs at 4.6, giving context for the number.

These teams are combining for 7.8 runs per game recently — below the posted total of 8.5. That points toward the Under 8.5

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How should I size my bets?

Use a consistent unit (about 1–2% of bankroll). Singles should be most of your volume. We like parlays—smart ones. Keep legs tight (2–3), cap risk to 0.25–0.5u, and pass when the price isn’t there.

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John Tamburino

John TamburinoVerified

Lead Analyst — data-first, former college baseball.

John Tamburino grew up on travel baseball and three years of varsity basketball, then played college baseball before shifting to analytics. He still watches everything—from weekday tennis to all major league sports—and will never forget the Diamondbacks’ World Series run. At Parlamaz, John blends trusted data feeds with matchup context to find real value—no fluff, no paywalls.