MLB Prop Bets: Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago Cubs (May 28, 2026)
The Chicago Cubs (30-26) face the Pittsburgh Pirates (29-27) at PNC Park on Thursday at 6:40pm (ET). Let's take a look at the MLB Prop Bets for the matchup. Colin Rea is the probable pitcher for the Cubs, while Paul Skenes is the probable pitcher for the Pirates. The Pirates are favored to win at -175, while the Cubs are at +144. The total runs line is set at 7.5, with OVER at -108 and UNDER at -112.
- The Cubs (-149) have a 23-33 Run Line record this season, while the Pirates (+124) hold a record of 29-27.
- The Cubs have a 30-24-2 O/U record this season (meaning 30 games have gone over the total runs line, 24 have gone under and two have resulted in a push). The Pirates have a 28-26-2 O/U record.
Scoring Insights
- The Cubs are averaging 4.7 runs per game this season (7th in the league). Comparatively, the Pirates are averaging 4.9 (5th).
- In the field, the Cubs are allowing 4.5 runs per game this season (18th in the league), while the Pirates are allowing an average of 4.4 runs (16th).
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 .238 (ranking 16th in the Major leagues), while the Pirates are batting .252 (4th).
Home Runs
- In terms of total home runs this season, the Pirates have hit 60 (T13th in the Major Leagues). Meanwhile, the Cubs have managed 63 (T11th).
Runs Batted In
- Finally, looking at their runs batted in, the Cubs have recorded 245 RBIs to rank 8th in the MLB this season. Comparatively, the Pirates have recorded 262 RBIs to rank 5th.
Pitching Insights:
Earned Run Average
- The Pirates have an earned run average of 3.81 this season (11th in the Majors), while The Cubs have an ERA of 4.22 (20th).
Strikeouts
- Turning our attention to total strikeouts, the Cubs have recorded 451 this season, ranking T19th in the MLB. Meanwhile, the Pirates rank 6th for total strikeouts, recording 498.
Opponent Batting Average
- Opponents are batting an average of .227 against the Pirates this season (6th in the Major Leagues). Comparatively, the Cubs' opponents are at .239 (16th).
First Innings Moneyline
- Here are their first innings moneyline records in 2026.
| Total | Home | Road | Favorite | Underdog | Neutral | Last 10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubs | 10-11-35 | 5-5-19 | 5-6-16 | 8-4-25 | 2-7-10 | 0-0-0 | 2-3-5 |
| Pirates | 20-8-28 | 10-5-14 | 10-3-14 | 13-5-13 | 7-3-15 | 0-0-0 | 4-2-4 |
Lead After Three Innings
- Here are their records after the first three innings in 2026.
| Total | Home | Road | Favorite | Underdog | Neutral | Last 10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubs | 23-20-13 | 14-10-5 | 9-10-8 | 18-11-8 | 5-9-5 | 0-0-0 | 2-7-1 |
| Pirates | 26-14-16 | 16-5-8 | 10-9-8 | 17-6-8 | 9-8-8 | 0-0-0 | 4-3-3 |
NRFI/YRFI
The NRFI market is paying -140 and the YRFI is paying +105.
- The NRFI is 35-21 in Cubs games this season. The Pirates have a 27-29 NRFI record.
Last Time They Met
The Cubs recorded a 10-4 victory over the Pirates at PNC Park yesterday. Ian Happ was unstoppable in that matchup, hitting a home run, a single and recording 5 RBIs.
