The starting pitching matchup is the biggest story in Saturday's NL Central clash. Paul Skenes brings a 3.43 ERA and 138 strikeouts into PNC Park, while Shota Imanaga counters with a 3.91 ERA and gives Chicago a dependable left-handed option against a Pirates lineup missing several key bats.
DraftKings lists the Cubs as slight moneyline favourites at -120, with the Pirates at +100 despite Pittsburgh having home-field advantage. That creates one of the more intriguing betting decisions on Saturday's MLB slate.
Cubs vs Pirates Game Preview
Chicago enters this matchup at 58-45, while Pittsburgh sits at 53-51 in the NL Central. The Cubs continue to play without Matt Shaw, who remains on the 10-day injured list with a hand sprain, while Pittsburgh is missing catcher Rafael Flores Jr. because of concussion symptoms and remains without Oneil Cruz.
CUBS vs. PIRATES: Official Full Game Highlights (July 24) | 2026 MLB Season
The pitching matchup features two quality starters. Imanaga is 6-8 with a 109 strikeouts and 3.91 ERA, while Skenes owns a 9-8 record, a 3.43 ERA, and 138 strikeouts. Both starters have consistently worked deep into games, putting extra value on the early innings.
Conditions at PNC Park should favour the pitchers. Forecasts call for temperatures around 82 to 84 degrees, partly sunny skies, southwest winds between 4 and 6 mph, and only a slight chance of isolated showers. Neither bullpen enters with a significant scheduling disadvantage.
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days
Bet Now
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpgg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). Find online real money wagering only. Min $5 wager required for 7 consecutive days. $5 free play credit. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus with cash withdrawable bonus with cash withdrawable. Bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
Moneyline Pick
Take the Cubs moneyline. Chicago has enough value behind Imanaga at the current number. While Skenes has been outstanding with a 3.43 ERA, the Cubs lineup is deeper from top to bottom and has done a better job producing against right-handed pitching than Pittsburgh has against lefties. The Pirates are also missing important offensive pieces with Rafael Flores Jr. and Oneil Cruz unavailable.
This price also offers value considering Chicago owns the better overall record entering the series. Imanaga has consistently limited hard contact, and if he keeps the Pirates off balance early, the Cubs have enough offence to pull out a close road win.
Pick:
Cubs ML (-120 at DraftKings).
Run Line Pick
Take Cubs +1.5. Even if this game develops into the expected pitchers' duel, the extra run and a half provides valuable protection. Skenes rarely allows crooked numbers, while Imanaga has also kept games competitive with a sub-4.00 ERA. With a total of only 8.0 runs, every run carries extra value, making the Cubs on the run line the stronger position. Chicago has also shown it can stay competitive against quality pitching, giving the Cubs a solid chance to keep this game within one run even if Pittsburgh comes away with the win.
Pick:
Cubs +1.5 (-190 at DraftKings).
Best Player Prop
- Paul Skenes Over 7.5 Strikeouts (+100 at DraftKings).
Skenes has recorded 138 strikeouts this season and continues to generate swings and misses with one of the highest strikeout rates among National League starters. Chicago's lineup also features several hitters willing to work deep counts, creating more opportunities for Skenes to pile up strikeouts over six or seven innings.
4.8
/ 5
betting.net™ Rating
BetMGM Review
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
20+ sports available for wagering
Pre-match and in-play betting
Unique features like live streaming and boosted odds
Promo Code:
BETBONUSMGM
Bet Now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
4.8
/ 5
betting.net™ Rating
Top Features
- 20+ sports available for wagering
- Pre-match and in-play betting
- Unique features like live streaming and boosted odds
Cashout
yes
Live Streams
yes
Mobile Statistics
yes
Bet Now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
4.7
/ 5
betting.net™ Rating
Over 20 sports
Extensive betting markets
Live betting feature
Find out more on bet365's website
Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. This Referral Code is used for marketing/tracking purposes only. Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/MO/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/MO/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
4.7
/ 5
betting.net™ Rating
Top Features
- Over 20 sports
- Extensive betting markets
- Live betting feature
Cashout
yes
Partial Cashout
yes
Live Streams
yes
Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. This Referral Code is used for marketing/tracking purposes only. Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/MO/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/MO/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
4.7
/ 5
betting.net™ Rating
FanDuel Review
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days
Deep market coverage across major U.S. sports and leagues
Same Game Parlay builder is fast and easy to use
Live betting interface updates quickly with real-time odds
Bet Now
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpgg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). Find online real money wagering only. Min $5 wager required for 7 consecutive days. $5 free play credit. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus with cash withdrawable bonus with cash withdrawable. Bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
4.7
/ 5
betting.net™ Rating
Top Features
- Deep market coverage across major U.S. sports and leagues
- Same Game Parlay builder is fast and easy to use
- Live betting interface updates quickly with real-time odds
Cashout
yes
Live Streams
yes
Mobile Statistics
yes
Bet Now
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpgg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). Find online real money wagering only. Min $5 wager required for 7 consecutive days. $5 free play credit. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus with cash withdrawable bonus with cash withdrawable. Bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
Game Total Pick
Under 8.0 runs. Everything points toward a low-scoring game.
Skenes enters with
a 3.43 ERA, while Imanaga has posted a 3.91 ERA, giving both clubs reliable frontline starters capable of limiting traffic on the bases. The weather forecast also calls for only light winds of 4 to 6 mph, offering little help to fly balls.
Injuries further support the Under. Pittsburgh remains without Oneil Cruz and Rafael Flores Jr., while Chicago is still missing Matt Shaw. With both offences entering slightly shorthanded and two quality starters expected to pitch deep into the game, scoring opportunities should be limited.
Pick:
Under 8.0 (-115 at DraftKings).
Best Trades for Cubs vs Pirates
Prediction markets also present several opportunities for traders in this NL Central matchup. Current Polymarket prices suggest expectations for a close game with limited scoring.
- Game winner, Cubs:
YES at 46¢ on Polymarket. Chicago offers better value than its implied probability suggests with Imanaga capable of matching Skenes for much of the game.
- Will there be a run in the first inning, NO:
YES at 57¢ on Polymarket. Two starting pitchers with ERAs below 4.00 make a scoreless opening inning the stronger probability.
- Pirates +1.5 equivalent market:
NO at 37¢ on Polymarket. If Chicago wins behind Imanaga, there is a reasonable chance it comes by multiple runs against a Pirates lineup missing several contributors.
4.8
/ 5
betting.net™ Rating
15+ sports and esports categories
Game winner, totals, spreads, props, and futures
Live sports event trading
Promo Code:
BNEPRED
Trade Now
Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at http://kalshi.com/tc/55. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.
4.8
/ 5
betting.net™ Rating
Top Features
- 15+ sports and esports categories
- Game winner, totals, spreads, props, and futures
- Live sports event trading
Deposit Duration
instant
Payout Duration
instant
Demo Account
yes
Trade Now
Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at http://kalshi.com/tc/55. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.
4.8
/ 5
betting.net™ Rating
Sports event trading is the core of Polymarket’s US offering
Predict outcomes of NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, and MLS fixtures
Live and upcoming fixtures covered
Promo Code:
PREDBNE
Trade Now
18+ Only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Not available in all jurisdictions. Trading involves high risk and may result in loss of your entire investment. See polymarket.us/tos for more information. The Polymarket US App serves as an independent software provider and affiliate of Polymarket US and Polymarket Clearing, the CFTC-regulated derivatives exchange and clearing organization.
4.8
/ 5
betting.net™ Rating
Top Features
- Sports event trading is the core of Polymarket’s US offering
- Predict outcomes of NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, and MLS fixtures
- Live and upcoming fixtures covered
Deposit Duration
instant
Payout Duration
instant
Educational Videos
yes
Trade Now
18+ Only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Not available in all jurisdictions. Trading involves high risk and may result in loss of your entire investment. See polymarket.us/tos for more information. The Polymarket US App serves as an independent software provider and affiliate of Polymarket US and Polymarket Clearing, the CFTC-regulated derivatives exchange and clearing organization.
4.7
/ 5
betting.net™ Rating
Wide range of sports markets.
Extra categories for major events.
Sort easily to find latest markets.
Trade Now
T&Cs apply, 18+
4.7
/ 5
betting.net™ Rating
Top Features
- Wide range of sports markets.
- Extra categories for major events.
- Sort easily to find latest markets.
Deposit Duration
instant
Payout Duration
instant
Phone
+1 (866) 240-5113
Trade Now
T&Cs apply, 18+
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:
Marquee Sports Network, SportsNet Pittsburgh.
- Cubs starting pitcher:
Shota Imanaga (6-8, 3.91 ERA).
- Pirates starting pitcher:
Paul Skenes (9-8, 3.43 ERA).
- Weather forecast:
82 to 84°F, partly sunny, southwest wind 4 to 6 mph, slight chance of isolated showers.
Final Takeaways
This matchup starts and ends with the starting pitchers. Skenes gives Pittsburgh an edge on the mound, but the Cubs enter with the stronger overall lineup and enough value on the moneyline. The Under also stands out because both starters have consistently limited runs and the weather does little to favour hitters. Expect a tight game that is decided by timely hitting rather than a high-scoring shootout.
Check the
latest odds and line movement
for Cubs vs. Pirates at betting.net
before placing your bets. All odds as of 6:40 p.m. ET on July 25, 2026. Odds sourced from DraftKings.
Related Articles on betting.net™
+9
