Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Colin Rea (53) in action against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.

The Pittsburgh Pirates (51-71) visit the Chicago Cubs (68-52) for the opener of a 3-game series Friday. First pitch from Wrigley Field is set for 2:20 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Pirates vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Cubs lead 3-1

The Pirates, who are last in the NL Central, have lost 5 straight games. They were swept by the Milwaukee Brewers in their last series, dropping the final 2 games a combined 26-5. Pittsburgh is 1-5 in its last 6 road games.

The Cubs are coming off a 2-1 road loss to the Toronto Blue Jays Thursday, allowing both runs in the seventh inning. They dropped 2 of 3 in that series and have lost 3 straight series. Chicago is just 4-6 over its last 10 home games.

Pirates at Cubs projected starters

RHP Braxton Ashcraft vs. RHP Colin Rea

Ashcraft (3-2, 3.19 ERA) makes his third start and 19th career appearance. The rookie has a 1.36 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9 and 8.1 K/9 through 36 2/3 innings.

  • Last start: No-decision, 3 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 5 K in 2-1 home loss to the Cincinnati Reds Saturday
  • 2025 road stats: 1-1, 2.41 ERA (18 2/3 IP, 5 ER), 0.86 WHIP, 7.2 K/9 in 1 start and 7 relief appearances
  • 2025 vs. Cubs: 0-0, 0.00 ERA (2 IP, 0 ER), 0.00 WHIP, 9.0 K/9 in 1 relief appearance June 14

Rea (9-5, 4.09 ERA) makes his 21st start and 25th appearance. He has a 1.29 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 6.6 K/9 through 116 2/3 innings.

  • Last start: Win, 6 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 6 K in 9-1 road victory at St. Louis Cardinals Saturday
  • 2025 home stats: 4-3, 4.30 ERA (67 IP, 32 ER), 1.30 WHIP, 6.6 K/9 in 12 starts and 1 relief appearance
  • Career vs. Pirates: 3-3, 5.49 ERA (41 IP, 25 ER), 1.29 WHIP, 5.9 K/9 in 9 appearances (7 starts)

Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! BHQ offers full-season subscriptions. Sign up today and start winning!

Pirates at Cubs odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:31 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Pirates +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Cubs -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Pirates +1.5 (-115) | Cubs -1.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -118 | U: -102)

Pirates at Cubs picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 5, Pirates 2

Moneyline

PASS.

There's no playable moneyline option here. The Pirates (+165) have had major issues as of late and aren't worth the risk. Meanwhile, the Cubs (-200) are far too expensive to take to win outright.

Run line/Against the spread

BET CUBS -1.5 (-105).

The Pirates, especially their bullpen, which may get used early, have struggled to keep batters off the bases. Pittsburgh has allowed 47 runs over its last 4 games and is just 3-6 ATS in its previous 9 contests.

The Cubs are just 4-6 over their last 10 games, but in each of those wins they have covered, 2 of which were starts by Rea. Chicago is 6-2 ATS in his last 8 starts.

Back CUBS -1.5 (-105).

Over/Under

BET UNDER 9 (-102).

In Ashcraft's most recent start, the Pirates allowed just 2 runs in the game. He has pitched well on the road as well. That said, the Pirates are 3-3 O/U in their last 6 and 51-68-3 O/U on the season.

The Cubs have had a resounding trend toward the Under as of late. They are 1-8 O/U in their previous 9 games despite having gone 56-54-10 O/U on the season.

Back UNDER 9 (-102).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and predictions

Reporting by Nathan Beighle, Sportsbook Wire / Sportsbook Wire

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect