MLB Prop Bets: Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago Cubs (July 26, 2026)
The Chicago Cubs (59-45) face the Pittsburgh Pirates (53-52) at PNC Park on Sunday at 1:35pm (ET). Let's take a look at the MLB Prop Bets for the matchup. Jameson Taillon is the probable pitcher for the Cubs, while Braxton Ashcraft is the probable pitcher for the Pirates. The Pirates are favored to win at -126, while the Cubs are at +104. The total runs line is set at 8.5, with OVER at -121 and UNDER at +100.
- The Cubs (-199) have a 47-57 Run Line record this season, while the Pirates (+163) hold a record of 51-54.
- The Cubs have a 54-48-2 O/U record this season (meaning 54 games have gone over the total runs line, 48 have gone under and two have resulted in a push). The Pirates have a 60-42-3 O/U record.
Scoring Insights
- The Cubs are averaging 5.1 runs per game this season (4th in the league). Comparatively, the Pirates are averaging 5.2 (2nd).
- In the field, the Cubs are allowing 4.4 runs per game this season (13th in the league), while the Pirates are allowing an average of 4.8 runs (23rd).
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 .246 (ranking 13th in the Major leagues), while the Pirates are batting .259 (3rd).
Home Runs
- In terms of total home runs this season, the Pirates have hit 132 (8th in the Major Leagues). Meanwhile, the Cubs have managed 130 (10th).
Runs Batted In
- Finally, looking at their runs batted in, the Cubs have recorded 500 RBIs to rank 4th in the MLB this season. Comparatively, the Pirates have recorded 521 RBIs to rank 2nd.
Pitching Insights:
Earned Run Average
- The Pirates have an earned run average of 4.30 this season (21st in the Majors), while The Cubs have an ERA of 4.19 (15th).
Strikeouts
- Turning our attention to total strikeouts, the Pirates have recorded an impressive 970 this season, ranking 3rd in the MLB. Contrastingly, the Cubs rank 25th for total strikeouts, recording only 811.
Opponent Batting Average
- Opponents are batting an average of .240 against the Pirates this season (14th in the Major Leagues). Comparatively, the Cubs' opponents are at .245 (18th).
First Innings Moneyline
- Here are their first innings moneyline records in 2026.
| Total | Home | Road | Favorite | Underdog | Neutral | Last 10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubs | 23-19-62 | 16-10-26 | 7-9-36 | 21-10-42 | 2-9-20 | 0-0-0 | 6-1-3 |
| Pirates | 31-17-57 | 18-8-27 | 13-9-30 | 21-6-27 | 10-11-30 | 0-0-0 | 0-1-9 |
Lead After Three Innings
The Cubs are +110 to lead after three innings, while the Pirates are -140.
- Here are their records after the first three innings in 2026.
| Total | Home | Road | Favorite | Underdog | Neutral | Last 10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubs | 39-34-31 | 26-16-10 | 13-18-21 | 34-21-18 | 5-13-13 | 0-0-0 | 3-3-4 |
| Pirates | 45-34-26 | 28-11-14 | 17-23-12 | 28-14-12 | 17-20-14 | 0-0-0 | 3-1-6 |
NRFI/YRFI
The NRFI market is paying -115 and the YRFI is paying -115.
- The NRFI is 60-44 in Cubs games this season. The Pirates have a 54-51 NRFI record.
Last Time They Met
The Cubs recorded a lopsided 11-0 victory against the Pirates at PNC Park yesterday. Pete Crow-Armstrong was unstoppable in that matchup, hitting a home run, a single and recording 3 RBIs. The Cubs have now won four straight against the Pirates.
