Pittsburgh Pirates vs
Miami MarlinsPredictions & Preview

2025 MLB Season Opens with Pirates vs. Marlins Matchup in Sunshine State; Skenes to Face Alcantara in Pitching Duel

The 2025 MLB season kicks off with a matchup between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Miami Marlins in the Sunshine State. Both teams struggled in the 2024 season, with the Pirates finishing 76-86 and the Marlins finishing 62-100. The Pirates swept all seven meetings between the two teams last season, including a home sweep in September. Paul Skenes will start for the Pirates, while Sandy Alcantara will start for the Marlins. Pittsburgh is the betting favorite in this matchup with the current line at -150. Stay tuned for our Pirates vs. Marlins prediction.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Pirates -150 | Marlins +133
• Spread: Pirates -1.5 (+121) | Marlins +1.5 (-143)
• Total: Over/Under 6.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Pittsburgh will win straight-up is 60%.

Pittsburgh vs Miami Stats

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates matched their record from the previous year in the 2024 campaign, finishing with a 76-86 record and their sixth consecutive losing season. The team started off strong with a 9-2 record but ultimately ended up in last place in the NL Central, missing the wild card by 13 games. Despite another unexciting offseason with limited investment from owner Bob Nutting, the Pirates made some key acquisitions including re-signing Andrew McCutchen and adding Adam Frazier, Tommy Pham, Andrew Heaney, Tim Mayza, and Caleb Ferguson to strengthen the team. Aroldis Chapman, Connor Joe, and Bryan De La Cruz all departed via free agency. Paul Skenes, who won NL Rookie of the Year last season, made his first Opening Day start and had an impressive performance in spring training. With a power ranking of 25, the Pirates are ranked 24th in offense, 21st in defense, and have yet to play a game this season.

Miami Marlins Analysis

Miami Marlins had a disappointing season in 2024, finishing with a 62-100 record and making a change at manager with Clayton McCullough taking over from Skip Schumaker. The team made minimal moves in free agency, with their biggest acquisition being Cal Quantrill from the Rockies. They also traded Jesus Luzardo to the Phillies for prospects Starlyn Caba and Emaarion Boyd. Sandy Alcantara, who missed all of last season due to surgery, will make his fifth career Opening Day start. Miami has a power ranking of 17 and ranks 27th in offense and 29th in defense. In their last three matchups, Pittsburgh went 0-3 against Miami.

Highly Anticipated Pitching Matchup Set for Opening Day as Skenes Faces Alcantara

Tomorrow's Opening Day is set to feature a highly anticipated pitching matchup between a former Rookie of the Year and a Cy Young winner, a rare occurrence in Major League Baseball. Skenes, who performed exceptionally well last season, breathed life into the struggling Pirates. He is poised to excel against a weak Miami lineup, showcasing his talent as Pittsburgh's ace. Alcantara, despite his injury setback, has the potential to be a valuable trade asset if he returns to form. The Pirates are favored over the Marlins, with Skenes expected to secure an Opening Day victory for his team.

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