MLB matchup analysis
Cubs vs Pirates Prediction, Odds and Model Pick
Sunday, July 26, 2026 at PNC Park · 1:35 PM ET
LyDia decision: Pass on Cubs vs Pirates
The case for Chicago Cubs
Why it is not official
Read the full model output
Starting pitcher edge conflicts with the model side.
Game information
| Matchup | Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, July 26, 2026 |
| First pitch | 1:35 PM ET |
| Venue | PNC Park |
| Starting pitchers | Jameson Taillon vs Braxton Ashcraft |
| Weather | Game-time forecast: 83°F, 1% precipitation chance, 5 mph wind from W. |
Starting pitcher matchup
Full Pitcher Matchup Tool →| Metric | Cubs | Pirates |
|---|---|---|
| Pitching plan | Traditional starter | Traditional starter |
| Expected innings | 5.1 | 5.8 |
| Throws | R | R |
| LyDia pitcher score (higher is better) | 53 | 71 |
| BB/9 (lower is better) | 3.1 | 2.2 |
| HR/9 (lower is better) | 2.8 | 1.2 |
| Ground-ball rate | 38.6% | 51.2% |
| IP per start (higher is better) | 5.1 | 5.8 |
Pitcher edge: LyDia gives Braxton Ashcraft a 18-point edge over Jameson Taillon, driven mainly by HR/9 (1.24 vs 2.75) and K-BB% (21.2% vs 13.0%).
How to read this: the scorecards show ERA, WHIP, K/9, and K-BB%. The table adds complementary traits without repeating them. Highlighted cells mark a gap big enough to matter. HR/9 is home runs allowed per nine innings. Ground-ball rate is neither good nor bad on its own: high ground-ball pitchers trade strikeouts for double plays and fewer home runs.
Strikeout Projections Full strikeout projections →
Projections are self-calibrated against graded results (87 graded starts). Official K picks require a 0.7+ strikeout edge, a posted price from at least two books, and a confirmed non-opener workload of at least four expected innings.
Same data source as the Pitcher Matchup Tool, where every starter on the slate is compared side by side.
Recent form
Full Stats page →Cubs are 7-3 in their last 10, averaging 6.3 runs per game over the last 15 days, and swinging above their season form; Pirates are 5-5 in their last 10, averaging 4.8 runs per game over the last 15 days, and hitting below their season form. On the season Cubs carry the better run differential per game (+0.74 against +0.37).
| Metric | Cubs | Pirates |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 59-45 | 53-52 |
| Last 10 | 7-3 | 5-5 |
| Run differential / game (team quality) | +0.74 | +0.37 |
| Runs scored / game (offense) | 5.13 | 5.19 |
| Runs allowed / game (defense, lower better) | 4.39 | 4.82 |
| OPS, last 15 days | 0.805 | 0.700 |
| Season OPS | 0.752 | 0.757 |
| OPS change | +0.053 | -0.057 |
| Runs per game, last 15 days | 6.3 | 4.8 |
| K% season (lower is better) | 21.8% | 24.2% |
| K% last 15 days | 24.8% | 28.2% |
| OPS vs opposing hand | 0.739 | 0.779 |
Run differential and run environment come from the season standings; offense splits for all 30 teams live on the Stats page, including hot and cold streaks and the run environment table.
The Map
Full interactive map →Every team on today's slate, on any two axes you pick. Cubs and Pirates are highlighted.
Bullpen matchup
Full Bullpen Fatigue Index →Risk is what the model actually uses: fatigue blended with how well the pen has pitched. High fatigue with high efficiency is a tired pen that is still getting outs.
| Metric | Cubs | Pirates |
|---|---|---|
| Fatigue | 4.6/10, Normal | 5.2/10, Normal |
| Efficiency | 9.0/10, Dominant | 1.0/10, Struggling |
| Combined risk | 2.6/10, Fresh | 7.2/10, Tired |
| Relief innings, last 3 days | 6.0 | 7.7 |
| Back-to-back arms | 0 | 0 |
| 3-day ERA | 0.00 | 8.22 |
| 3-day WHIP | 0.33 | 2.35 |
Fatigue measures workload. Efficiency measures recent run prevention. Combined risk is what the moneyline and totals systems use.
Run total projection
Full Totals Projections →The model projects 0.8 runs above the market total. A research lean still requires a setup rating of at least 7.0/10. Team totals remain research-only until their graded sample is established.
More games today
All matchups →What could change the prediction
- A listed starting pitcher is scratched or replaced.
- The moneyline moves enough to remove the current model edge.
- A confirmed lineup materially changes the offensive matchup.
- Late bullpen availability differs from the recent workload data.
- Weather or roof conditions change before first pitch.
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