The Chicago Cubs (85-64) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (65-85) open a 3-game series Monday at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Cubs vs. Pirates odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Cubs lead 7-3

Chicago has won 4 of its last 5 games, including a 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays Sunday as a -157 home favorite. 2B Nico Hoerner drove in 3 runs, and LF Ian Happ added a solo homer.

Pittsburgh has dropped 8 of its last 9 games after losing 4-3 at the Washington Nationals Sunday as a -114 favorite. All 3 of the Pirates’ runs came in the first inning. SS Nick Gonzales hit a 2-run triple before scoring on a wild pitch by SP Cade Cavalli.

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Cubs at Pirates projected starters

RHP Jameson Taillon vs. RHP Braxton Ashcraft

Taillon (9-6, 4.15 ERA) makes his 21st start. He has a 1.11 WHIP, 1.9 BB/9 and 6.8 K/9 through 110 2/3 innings.

Last start: No-decision, 4 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 2 K in 3-2 victory at Atlanta Braves WednesdayCareer vs. Pirates: 3-2, 4.25 ERA (36 IP, 17 ER), 1.11 WHIP, 6.5 K/9 in 6 starts

Ashcraft (4-2, 2.47 ERA) makes his seventh start and 24th appearance. The rookie has a 1.20 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9 and 8.6 K/9 through 58 1/3 innings.

Last appearance: No-decision, 3 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 4 K in 3-2 setback at Baltimore Orioles TuesdayCareer vs. Cubs: 0-0, 1.29 ERA (7 IP, 1 ER), 0.43 WHIP, 3 H, 0 BB, 6 K in 1 start and 1 relief appearance in 2025Cubs at Pirates odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:15 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Cubs -118 (bet $118 to win $100) | Pirates -102 (bet $102 to win $100)Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs -1.5 (+140) | Pirates +1.5 (-170)Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -118 | U: -102)

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Cubs at Pirates picks and predictionsPrediction

Cubs 4, Pirates 1

PASS.

There is better value on the Cubs’ spread.

BET CUBS -1.5 (+140).

The Cubs have won 7 of the last 10 meetings and 4 of their last 5 games overall. Three of their last 5 wins have come by at least 2 runs, while scoring at least 4 runs in 4 of their last 5.

The Pirates have dropped 8 of their last 9 games, scoring 3 or fewer runs in 7 of those contests. Due to their struggling offense, this wager has great value.

BET UNDER 8 (-102).

The Pirates have hit the Under in 7 of their last 9 games, including 5 of their last 6. They have scored 3 or fewer runs in 7 of their last 9, while allowing 3 or fewer runs in 4 of their last 6.

The Cubs are 6-4-1 to the Under in their last 11 games, scoring 4 or fewer runs in 3 of their last 4 and 6 of their last 9.

The Under is 7-1-2 in the last 10 meetings, including 6-0-1 in the last 7.

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