The rivalry between the Chicago Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates never fails to deliver excitement in the National League Central. With the 2025 season now well underway, the upcoming cubs vs pirates series at PNC Park promises crucial matchups, young pitching stars, and plenty at stake for both clubs.

A Fresh Start in the NL Central

Remarkably, this year's series marks the Cubs’ first matchup against any NL Central team. According to Bleed Cubbie Blue's series preview, Chicago opened with 29 games outside the division. The Cubs currently sit six games ahead of the Pirates, who are at the bottom of the division but looking for momentum. For the Pirates, taking this series could help them climb out of last place and gain ground on Chicago.

Spotlight on Pitching: Young Aces Take the Mound

Both teams will showcase their aces during this series. The Cubs will rely heavily on Shōta Imanaga, who has been a standout, especially with Justin Steele out. Meanwhile, the Pirates count on Paul Skenes, who won last year's National League Rookie of the Year award. According to Sports Illustrated's coverage, Skenes boasts a 2.39 ERA, while Imanaga is off to a strong start with a 3.18 ERA this season.

Here’s a look at the probable pitching matchups for the cubs vs pirates series:

• Tuesday: Shōta Imanaga (CHC) vs. Andrew Heaney (PIT)
• Wednesday: Matthew Boyd (CHC) vs. Carmen Mlodzinski (PIT)
• Thursday: Colin Rea (CHC) vs. Paul Skenes (PIT)

This head-to-head promises excitement, especially with Skenes taking the hill for the series finale in what could be a pitching duel to remember.

Offense and Player Highlights

The Pirates’ offense has struggled, but rising star Oneil Cruz offers hope. Cruz has set a franchise record with his leadoff home runs in April and leads MLB with 12 stolen bases so far, as Bleed Cubbie Blue notes. Outside of Cruz and veteran Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh's bats have been inconsistent.

For the Cubs, the lineup keeps finding ways to win. While the offense may not always be explosive, clutch hitting and timely defense have given Chicago an edge in recent years.

Historic Perspective: Cubs' Dominance in the Rivalry

Looking at the broader history, the Cubs have maintained dominance in this rivalry. They have won the season series against the Pirates for ten straight years, posting a .612 winning percentage. Remarkably, Chicago has played nearly 2,600 games against Pittsburgh—more than any other opponent—and boasts 103 wins over the last decade, as compiled by Bleed Cubbie Blue. This experience favors the Cubs as favorites every time these teams face off.

When and Where to Watch

All three games of the cubs vs pirates series at PNC Park will be shown live on Marquee Sports Network:

• Tuesday & Wednesday: 5:40 p.m. CT
• Thursday: 11:35 a.m. CT

Don’t miss these key clashes as division play heats up early in 2025.

Series Outlook and What’s Next

While the Pirates look to reverse their early season woes at home, the Cubs have history and form on their side. Experts from both Bleed Cubbie Blue and Sports Illustrated anticipate Chicago taking at least two out of three, though a Paul Skenes start could tip the finale to Pittsburgh.

As soon as the final pitch is thrown, the Cubs travel to Milwaukee for another vital divisional showdown. There is no shortage of excitement in the NL Central this season!

Stay tuned for recaps, highlights, and more as the cubs vs pirates battle delivers the drama baseball fans love.