Cubs vs. Pirates Odds, Prediction, Line, Time: Proven 2026 MLB Pick for May 25

The Chicago Cubs travel to Pittsburgh on Memorial Day afternoon looking to snap an eight-game losing streak when they open a four-game series against the Pirates at PNC Park. Chicago enters at 29-24 after being swept in six straight home games by the Brewers and Astros, a slump that has pushed the club into difficult territory after a strong start to the season. Pittsburgh comes home at 27-26 following a 3-3 road trip through St. Louis and Toronto, and will try to take advantage of a Cubs team searching for answers.

The matchup features a pitching duel between Ben Brown and Carmen Mlodzinski. Brown, who has been one of Chicago’s more effective starters this season, takes the mound with a 1-2 record and a 2.09 ERA. Mlodzinski counters for Pittsburgh at 4-3 with a 3.96 ERA. First pitch is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET in Pittsburgh.

Oddsmakers list the Cubs as a slight favorite at -125 on the money line, while the Pirates are priced at +105. The over/under is set at eight runs, with Chicago also getting +136 on the run line at -1.5. The game is drawing betting interest because of Chicago’s skid, Pittsburgh’s home-field edge and the contrast between Brown’s ERA and the Cubs’ recent offensive inconsistency.

The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates MLB games 10,000 times, has also weighed in on the matchup. The model has been on a strong run this season and has identified the over on eight runs as its top play for Cubs-Pirates. It projects 9.6 combined runs and says the over hits in 59% of simulations. The model points to the possibility of production from several key bats on both sides, including Chicago’s Alex Bregman, Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong, along with Pittsburgh’s Brandon Lowe, Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds.

Recent scoring trends also support the over. The under had hit in four straight Cubs games before their 8-5 loss to the Astros on Sunday, but the over has cashed in 10 of 15 Pirates home games when the total has been listed at eight or 8.5. Earlier this season, the over hit twice in the three-game series between the teams.

Chicago is trying to stop the bleeding and regain momentum, while Pittsburgh is aiming to stay above .500 and build on a solid road swing. With a struggling Cubs lineup, a competitive Pirates offense and a total sitting at a manageable number, the series opener presents a key test for both clubs as the season moves deeper into May.