2025-06-12 Pirates at Cubs Matchup Preview

Starting Pitching Matchup

Andrew Heaney will take the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates, aiming to provide a steady presence for his team. Heaney will need to be sharp, commanding his pitches with precision to keep the Cubs' hitters at bay. For the Chicago Cubs, Jameson Taillon is set to start. Taillon will be relying on his experience and pitch mix to navigate the Pirates' lineup. His ability to induce soft contact and keep the ball in the yard will be crucial for the Cubs' success in this contest.

Pirates Hitting Analysis

The Pittsburgh Pirates enter this game with an average team age of 28, suggesting a veteran presence in their batting order. Their current linear weights above replacement is 3.2, indicating they have some offensive contributors who provide a degree of positive offensive performance compared to a freely available player. They will need to focus on stringing together quality at-bats and capitalizing on any mistakes Taillon might make. Key to their approach will be identifying Taillon's tendencies and exploiting any weaknesses in his delivery. Their strategy should center around aggressive base running and maximizing scoring opportunities.

Cubs Hitting Analysis

The Chicago Cubs' offense has been more potent, their current linear weights above replacement is 15.3. The Cubs hitters have demonstrated a solid ability to get on base and drive in runs. The Cubs' lineup will look to put pressure on Heaney early, forcing him to work deep into counts and potentially wear down as the game progresses. By remaining disciplined at the plate and hunting for favorable matchups, the Cubs aim to generate consistent offensive production throughout the game. The Cubs' batters should focus on controlling the strike zone and forcing Heaney into unfavorable counts.

Pitcher vs. Hitter Matchups

For the Pirates to have success against Taillon, they will need to focus on making adjustments within their at-bats. They will also need to be aware of his ability to change speeds and locations. On the other side, the Cubs' hitters will be looking to take advantage of Heaney's pitch tendencies. The Cubs will need to remain patient and selective, ensuring they are swinging at pitches they can drive. The Cubs' ability to recognize Heaney's patterns and exploit his vulnerabilities will be critical to their offensive output in this matchup.

Defensive Outlook

Both teams will need to be sharp defensively to support their starting pitchers. The Pirates' infield will need to be particularly attentive to ground balls, while their outfield will be tested by the Cubs' hitters' ability to drive the ball into the gaps. Similarly, the Cubs' defense will be tasked with containing the Pirates' aggressive base running and preventing extra-base hits. Clean fielding and timely plays will be essential for both teams to minimize scoring opportunities for their opponents.

Game Prediction

This promises to be an intriguing matchup between two teams with different offensive strengths. The Cubs, with their higher linear weights above replacement, appear to have the edge in terms of overall offensive firepower. However, the Pirates' veteran lineup should not be underestimated, as they are capable of stringing together quality at-bats and capitalizing on mistakes. Ultimately, the game will likely come down to which team can execute their offensive strategy more effectively and make the most of their scoring opportunities. Jameson Taillon appears to be the better overall starting pitcher, while the Cubs' offense has been more potent. Thus, they may be able to score a couple more runs.

Predicted Score: Pirates 3, Cubs 5