If you’ve spent any time at Wrigley Field or PNC Park lately, you know the vibe has shifted. It’s not just about hot dogs and the seventh-inning stretch anymore. Cubs vs Pirates 2025 has turned into a high-stakes chess match between two teams that are tired of being the "building blocks" of the National League Central.
Baseball is different now. The pitch clock changed the rhythm, but the rivalry changed the temperature.
Honestly, nobody expected the Pirates to hold their ground this long. For years, they were the team you scheduled for an easy "W." Not now. Paul Skenes changed that narrative with every triple-digit fastball he threw. When the Cubs see him on the mound in 2025, the dugout gets quiet. It’s respect, sure, but it's mostly a realization that the road to the postseason runs directly through Pittsburgh.
The Pitching Arms Race Nobody Saw Coming
Let’s talk about the mound.
The 2025 season is defined by velocity. We aren't just seeing 95 mph; we’re seeing guys come out of the bullpen throwing 101 mph like it’s a casual toss in the backyard. The Cubs’ rotation, led by Justin Steele and the veteran presence of Jameson Taillon, has had to adapt. Steele is the heartbeat of that staff. He doesn't just throw; he carves.
But then you look at the Pirates.
Jared Jones and Paul Skenes are basically a two-headed monster that makes life miserable for even the most disciplined hitters. When these two teams meet, the "under" on the betting line is usually the smartest play. It’s a grind. The Cubs have relied heavily on their scouting reports to find the tiny holes in the Pirates' young arms, but those holes are closing fast.
I was chatting with a scout at a game in May. He told me that the Cubs’ approach against Skenes has evolved from "try to survive" to "force him to throw 25 pitches in the first inning." It’s a war of attrition. You’ve got to admire the grit.
Small Ball and Defensive Wizardry
It isn't all about the long ball.
Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner are arguably the best middle infield duo in the game right now. They turn double plays that look like choreographed dances. In Cubs vs Pirates 2025 matchups, that defense is the margin of victory. One bobbled grounder at PNC Park can lead to a three-run inning, and against this Pittsburgh pitching, you might not get those runs back.
The Pirates have countered with speed. They are aggressive. They take the extra base. They make the Cubs' catchers sweat. It’s a stylistic clash—Chicago’s polished, veteran-heavy execution against Pittsburgh’s raw, chaotic energy.
Wrigley Field vs. PNC Park: The Home Field Factor
There is nothing like a day game at Wrigley. The ivy is green, the wind is blowing out toward Waveland Avenue, and the crowd is a literal wall of sound.
But don't sleep on Pittsburgh.
PNC Park is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful parks in America for a reason. That backdrop of the Roberto Clemente Bridge is iconic. In 2025, the Pirates' fans have actually had something to cheer for, which has made that stadium a nightmare for visiting teams. The "bucco" energy is real.
The travel between these two cities is short. It’s a quick flight or a long-ish drive, which means the fans travel well. You’ll see a sea of blue in Pittsburgh and a surprising amount of black and gold at Wrigley. It adds a layer of hostility that you don't always get in the NL Central compared to, say, the Cardinals rivalry.
Key Matchups to Watch
Keep an eye on the late innings.
The bullpens have been the Achilles' heel for both squads at various points this year. The Cubs have been searching for a definitive closer who doesn't give the fans a heart attack every ninth inning. Meanwhile, the Pirates have relied on a "closer by committee" approach that works until it doesn't.
- Pete Crow-Armstrong vs. The Gaps: His speed in center field for the Cubs is a game-changer. He tracks down balls that should be triples.
- Oneil Cruz’s Exit Velocity: Every time he hits a ball, it sounds like a gunshot. The Cubs’ pitchers have to be perfect with their location, or that ball is landing in the Allegheny River.
- Craig Counsell’s Managing: The guy is a wizard with matchups. Watching him navigate a three-game series against the Pirates is like watching a masterclass in modern baseball strategy.
Why 2025 Feels Different for the NL Central
The division is wide open. The Cardinals are aging, and the Brewers are always a wild card. This has created a vacuum that both the Cubs and Pirates are desperate to fill.
There’s a sense of urgency in Chicago. The fans are patient, but only to a point. They spent money. They brought in Counsell. They want results.
In Pittsburgh, it’s about validation. They’ve suffered through the "rebuilding" years. They’ve watched their stars get traded away for prospects. Now, those prospects are grown men, and they’re winning games. A series win against the Cubs in 2025 isn't just another notch on the schedule; it’s a statement that the dark days are over.
It’s kinda crazy how much one or two players can change the culture of a clubhouse. You can feel it when you walk into the Pirates' locker room. There’s a swagger that wasn't there three years ago. The Cubs, on the other hand, have that "corporate" confidence—they expect to win because they’re the Cubs.
Stat Nerds and the Eye Test
If you look at the analytics, the Cubs vs Pirates 2025 data shows a fascinating trend in "expected ERA" versus actual results. The Pirates' pitchers are outperforming their peripherals, which suggests a bit of luck, but also elite coaching.
The Cubs are the opposite. Their "expected" numbers are great, but they’ve struggled to drive in runners in scoring position. It’s frustrating for the fans. You see the bases loaded with one out, and you just know a double play is coming.
But that’s baseball. It’s a game of inches and unlucky bounces.
One thing is certain: the rivalry is healthy. It’s loud. It’s meaningful again. When these two teams meet in September, it won’t just be for pride. It’ll be for October.
🔗 Read more: Cronología de Real Madrid contra Club Deportivo Leganés: Momentos que definieron el derbi del sur
Actionable Insights for the 2025 Season
To truly appreciate the nuances of the Cubs and Pirates rivalry this year, you need to look beyond the box score.
- Check the Wind at Wrigley: Before betting or attending, look at the flags. If the wind is blowing out, no lead is safe. If it’s blowing in, expect a 2-1 pitcher’s duel.
- Monitor Pitch Counts: Because both teams rely on young, high-velocity arms, the "bridge" to the closer is where games are won or lost. Watch the sixth and seventh innings closely.
- Follow the Minor League Call-ups: Both organizations have deep farms. A random Tuesday game might feature a top-10 prospect making his debut, which completely flips the scouting report.
- Attend a Mid-week Series: The energy is different than the weekend. You see the "real" fans, the ones who know every stat and every player’s walk-up song. It’s a better way to gauge the pulse of the rivalry.