MLB Prop Bets: Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago Cubs (May 26, 2026)
The Chicago Cubs (29-25) face the Pittsburgh Pirates (28-26) at PNC Park on Tuesday at 6:40pm (ET). Let's take a look at the MLB Prop Bets for the matchup. Jordan Wicks is the probable pitcher for the Cubs, while Braxton Ashcraft is the probable pitcher for the Pirates. The Pirates are favored to win at -131, while the Cubs are at +108. The total runs line is set at 8.0, with OVER at -111 and UNDER at -108.
- The Cubs (-198) have a 22-32 Run Line record this season, while the Pirates (+162) hold a record of 28-26.
- The Cubs have a 28-24-2 O/U record this season (meaning 28 games have gone over the total runs line, 24 have gone under and two have resulted in a push). The Pirates have a 26-26-2 O/U record.
Scoring Insights
- The Cubs are averaging 4.7 runs per game this season (8th in the league). Comparatively, the Pirates are averaging 4.8 (T5th).
- In the field, the Cubs are allowing 4.4 runs per game this season (T14th in the league), while the Pirates are allowing an average of 4.4 runs (T14th).
Let's take a look at how these teams perform in some other key statistical areas.
Batting Insights:
Batting Average
- Looking at their batting averages this season, the Cubs are at .236 (ranking 18th in the Major leagues), while the Pirates are batting .249 (4th).
Home Runs
- In terms of total home runs this season, the Pirates have hit 56 (T15th in the Major Leagues). Meanwhile, the Cubs have managed 61 (11th).
Runs Batted In
- Finally, looking at their runs batted in, the Cubs have recorded 234 RBIs to rank 9th in the MLB this season. Comparatively, the Pirates have recorded 247 RBIs to rank 4th.
Pitching Insights:
Earned Run Average
- The Pirates have an earned run average of 3.79 this season (10th in the Majors), while The Cubs have an ERA of 4.09 (17th).
Strikeouts
- Turning our attention to total strikeouts, the Cubs have recorded 434 this season, ranking 20th in the MLB. Meanwhile, the Pirates rank T6th for total strikeouts, recording 479.
Opponent Batting Average
- Opponents are batting an average of .225 against the Pirates this season (5th in the Major Leagues). Comparatively, the Cubs' opponents are at .236 (13th).
First Innings Moneyline
- Here are their first innings moneyline records in 2026.
| Total | Home | Road | Favorite | Underdog | Neutral | Last 10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubs | 9-10-35 | 5-5-19 | 4-5-16 | 8-5-25 | 1-5-10 | 0-0-0 | 2-3-5 |
| Pirates | 19-7-28 | 9-4-14 | 10-3-14 | 12-4-13 | 7-3-15 | 0-0-0 | 3-2-5 |
Lead After Three Innings
- Here are their records after the first three innings in 2026.
| Total | Home | Road | Favorite | Underdog | Neutral | Last 10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubs | 23-19-12 | 14-10-5 | 9-9-7 | 18-12-8 | 5-7-4 | 0-0-0 | 2-7-1 |
| Pirates | 25-14-15 | 15-5-7 | 10-9-8 | 16-6-7 | 9-8-8 | 0-0-0 | 4-4-2 |
NRFI/YRFI
The NRFI market is paying -145 and the YRFI is paying +110.
- The NRFI is 35-19 in Cubs games this season. The Pirates have a 27-27 NRFI record.
Last Time They Met
The Pirates recorded a 2-1 victory over the Cubs at PNC Park yesterday. Henry Davis went yard en route to that victory, hitting a home run to go with an RBI. That result snapped the Cubs' four-game winning streak against the Pirates at PNC Park.
