Pirates vs Cubs MLB Player Prop Picks (Jun 13)

The NL Central rivalry continues this afternoon as the surging Pittsburgh Pirates (29–41) face the Chicago Cubs (42–27) at Wrigley Field. First pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET, with standout rookie Paul Skenes on the mound for Pittsburgh and Cade Horton going for Chicago. With the Cubs trying to hold their division lead and the Pirates climbing back toward relevance, all eyes are on this Game 2 matchup in a four-game series.

• Pittsburgh has won 5 of its last 6 games, sparked by veteran leadership and elite pitching from Skenes.
• Chicago has a 52–29 home record vs. Pittsburgh since 2015 and took Game 1 of this series 3–2.
• Paul Skenes (4–6, 1.88 ERA) brings overpowering stuff, while Cade Horton (3–1, 4.11 ERA) looks to bounce back in his second home start.

Pittsburgh Pirates Player Prop Pick: Paul Skenes

Under interim manager Don Kelly, the Pirates have leaned into strong pitching and opportunistic offense. Paul Skenes headlines the rotation, averaging 6.6 strikeouts per start and sporting a sub‑2.00 ERA. Offensively, they continue to struggle with consistency—ranked 29th in MLB in runs—but have found recent sparks from McCutchen and the lower half of the order. If Skenes can keep the Cubs’ bats quiet, Pittsburgh has a shot at a low-scoring upset.

• Strikeout Efficiency: Skenes averages 6.6 K/game and routinely dominates weaker lineups.
• Elite Arsenal: His mix of 100+ mph fastballs and sweeping sliders generates high whiff rates.
• Command Rising: Skenes has cut down on walks, increasing pitch efficiency and inning count.

Chicago Cubs Player Prop Pick: Cade Horton

Chicago continues to grind out wins at home, led by veteran arms and timely hitting. Though Cade Horton lacks dominant strikeout numbers, he gets deep into games with control and is supported by a strong bullpen. The Cubs’ offense, highlighted by Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong, can create pressure late. Taillon’s Game 1 performance helped set the tone, and Horton will look to follow that lead.

• Spot Value: Horton has topped 4 Ks in 2 of his last 3 starts, showing increasing comfort at the MLB level.
• Matchup Boost: The Pirates rank in the top 10 in strikeout rate on the road.
• Upside Play: At plus money, Horton’s strikeout line offers value in a game expected to stay tight.