Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago Cubs — DeepSeek betting tip 15 September 2025.

The Pirates at 2.08 offer compelling value against the Cubs at 1.79 in this late-season divisional clash. While Chicago holds the better overall record and more urgent playoff positioning, Pittsburgh enters with significant momentum, winners of 7 of their last 10. The pitching matchup heavily favors the Pirates, with Mitch Keller (3.28 ERA) taking the mound. Keller has dominated the Cubs twice this season, allowing just 1 ER over 13 innings with 14 strikeouts. Chicago counters with Jordan Wicks, who has been inconsistent since returning from injury, posting a 4.15 ERA over his last five starts.

Offensively, the Pirates' lineup is clicking, ranking among the top 5 in the NL in runs scored over the past month. Key left-handed bats like Bryan Reynolds and Jack Suwinski match up well against the right-handed Wicks, especially with winds projected to blow out at Wrigley Field potentially aiding power hitters. The Cubs' offense, while capable, has struggled more recently, ranking in the bottom third of the league in runs during the same period.

Chicago's bullpen carries a slight edge, but the Pirates' relief corps has been surprisingly effective down the stretch. Crucially, Pittsburgh's strong recent form and Keller's proven dominance against this specific opponent create a scenario where the implied probability offered by the underdog odds (roughly 48%) underestimates their true win expectancy. In a game where the starting pitcher advantage is significant and the underdog has tangible offensive momentum, taking Pittsburgh at plus money presents the superior value bet.