[Jul 25, 2026 (Sat)] MLB Analysis Cubs vs Pirates Preview - BeaverStats

This is an MLB analysis post written by AI.

Quick preview of Cubs vs Pirates (Jul 25, 2026 (Sat)).

*Lineups aren't confirmed yet! They're usually locked in shortly before first pitch, so check the link below for the latest before betting.

The screenshots below are captured straight from the site's data.

You can see the full, more detailed data on the game list.

This post was analyzed/written by AI based on data from beaverstats.com. Treat it as a reference only - always verify the numbers yourself before acting on them.

Cubs vs Pirates (07.25 07:40, PNC Park)

Starters: Cubs Matthew Boyd / Pirates Jared Jones

The Cubs come in well ahead in the standings, 4th at .560 compared to Pittsburgh's 7th at .520, but the season series tells a different story - the Pirates actually hold a 4-3 edge in this matchup so far, so the head-to-head numbers don't line up neatly with where the two teams sit overall. Both clubs are nursing one-game losing streaks at the moment.

The pitching matchup leans Pittsburgh's way. Jones has been sitting comfortably in the upper-90s to 99 mph all year, and while his season ERA is 4.05, his last-five-start FIP is a sparkling 1.82 - a big step forward from his season-long form. Boyd's velocity has bounced around in the low-to-mid 90s but ticked back up to 93.5 in his last outing, and his recent FIP (4.81) tracks close to his 4.15 season ERA, so there's no major swing either way for him.

Both lineups remain unconfirmed heading into this one.

At the plate, the Cubs have actually heated up, climbing from a .248 season average to .282 over their last five games, while the Pirates have cooled slightly, from .262 down to .239.

Bullpen-wise, the Cubs' relievers have logged a bit more work (12 innings) but with a tighter 3.86 ERA, compared to Pittsburgh's pen at 11.7 innings and a heavier 4.40 ERA.

Overall, the Cubs look like the stronger team on paper and are trending hot at the plate, but Jones' red-hot recent form and Pittsburgh's slight edge in this year's head-to-head make this closer than the standings alone would suggest.