Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs MLB Player Prop Picks (Jun 12)

First pitch is set for 8:05 p.m. ET at Wrigley Field. The Cubs (41–27) take on the Pirates (28–41) in the opener of a four-game series.

• Under interim manager Don Kelly, Pittsburgh has won 5 of its last 6 games.
• Chicago stands a strong 52–29 at Wrigley against Pittsburgh since 2015 and just wrapped up a tough road trip despite a loss to Philly.
• Starting Pitcher Contrast: RHP Jameson Taillon (6–3, 3.54 ERA) is favored, while LHP Andrew Heaney (3–4, 3.24 ERA) brings controlled command to the mound.

Pittsburgh Pirates Player Prop Pick: Jameson Taillon

Healing under new leadership, the Pirates are finding life in close games. However, their offense ranks near the bottom, averaging just 3.2 runs per game—though they’ve shown flashes lately. Heaney, typically efficient, could face challenges if the Cubs’ potent lineup hits its stride.

• Low K Baseline: Heaney averages a modest 6.5 K/9 and failed to exceed 3 strikeouts in 6 of his last 8 starts.
• Contact-Oriented Style: Heaney pitches to contact—he’s unlikely to generate swinging strikes consistently.
• Opposing Hitters’ Readiness: Cub batters are disciplined and feature high wOBAs that force contact early, reducing strikeout chances.

Chicago Cubs Player Prop Pick: Jameson Taillon

Chicago heads home with a powerful run differential, led by Taillon’s four-game win streak, including a 1.69 ERA and stellar control (0.75 WHIP). They rank highly in offensive metrics and will be tough to beat under the lights.

• Strikeout Upside: Taillon has recorded 5+ K in eight of his 12 starts, and the Pirates rank 5th in K% on the road.
• Command Mastery: With a 92nd percentile mark in limiting walks and boasting a 4-game win streak, his control sets up K opportunities.
• Flat Performance Consistency: Batters facing Taillon have been forced into early count decisions—feeding his foul-tip and swing-and-miss tendencies