Free MLB Pick: Pirates vs. Cubs Odds
Looking for Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs free mlb predictions? MLB betting sees the Pirates taking on the Cubs on Thursday, April 1st, 2021 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinoi. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all MLB baseball matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily MLB predictions like this Pirates Cubs free pick.
2021 MLB Handicapping
(0-0) Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs (0-0)
Date: Thursday, April 1st, 2020
Time: 2:20 PM ET
Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
Projected Pitchers: Chad Kuhl vs. Kyle Hendricks
MLB Moneyline Odds: Pirates +190 | Cubs -210
MLB RunLine Betting Odds: OFF
MLB Baseball Gambling Total: OFF
The outlook for both of these teams is pretty bleak coming into the season. Pittsburgh has the least talented roster in the National League, and probably the Majors. It is hard to have much hope for these guys. In Chicago, they appear to be content to let their competitive window run its course. This team has been on a downward trend for a few seasons.
Pittsburgh Pirates
It doesn’t feel like that long ago that the Pirates, led by Gerrit Cole were in the playoffs. They made the playoffs three straight years from 2013-2015 but have had just one winning season since. Last year, they won just 31% of their games and this year’s team might be even worse. There are no top 100 players on the roster and no players projected to hit even 20 homers.
The outlook is pretty bleak on the mound where Chad Kuhl might be one of the least accomplished pitchers to make an opening day start in history. Kuhl has just three career wins to his name and it is not like he is a hot prospect. The bullpen looks like the strength of the team but there might not be many leads to protect.
Chicago Cubs
On paper, this looks like a solid Cubs team, at least the lineup does as they can still trot out names like Bryant, Rizzo and Baez. They actually won the NL Central in last year’s shortened season but have done nothing to improve the club or even stabilize it. Chicago has a slew if impending free agents and unless that lights a fire under them this team looks like it is going to crater hard. They are better than Pittsburgh and need to show it in this first series.
Kyle Hendricks is suddenly the ace of the Cubs after Yu Darvish was dealt in the offseason to San Diego. He started on opening day last season and any time you can get him at home that is probably a good bet as he is much better at Wrigley Field. Chicago is looking for its bullpen to be better this season, especially closer Craig Kimbrel.
MLB Baseball Betting Trends:
- Pirates are 19-40 in their last 59 during game 1 of a series.
- Pirates are 19-42 in their last 61 games as an underdog.
- Pirates are 4-9 in their last 13 vs. National League Central.
- Cubs are 22-7 in their last 29 during game 1 of a series.
- Cubs are 60-28 in their last 89 Thursday games.
- Cubs are 2-5 in their last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Free Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs MLB Prediction:
The Pirates are going to be pretty close to an auto-fade this season. It is going to be really hard to find spots where you can actually find advantages for this team. That said, I do think we can take a gamble in this spot. Chicago is no sure thing and maybe the Pirates are just little more ready to start.
4* Free MLB Betting Pick: Pittsburgh ML
I would call this one more of a value play than a handicap. MLB betting requires you to be able to pluck a few pricey dogs if you want to e in the black at the end of the season.
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