Prediction: Texas Rangers VS Pittsburgh Pirates 2025-06-20
Witty & Sarcastic Analysis: The Rangers vs. Pirates Showdown
Where the Pirates Are Trying to Prove They’re Not Just a Sinking Ship
The Setup
The Texas Rangers (-191) enter PNC Park as the clear favorites, led by the majestic Jacob deGrom, who’s basically a wizard in a baseball uniform. The Pittsburgh Pirates (+258), meanwhile, are the MLB’s version of a broken toaster—still plugged in, but not producing much. They’ve scored the fewest runs and hit the fewest home runs in baseball. It’s a classic case of “Bring a pitcher, not a plan.”
Key Stats & Context
- Rangers: 25-14 when favored this season, with a 3.20 team ERA and the best WHIP in MLB. Wyatt Langford (13 HRs) and Josh Smith (.292 BA) are their offensive spark plugs.
- Pirates: 29-46 overall, 20-53 as underdogs (37.7% win rate). Isiah Kiner-Falefa (.285 BA) is their lone bright spot, but even he can’t single-handedly outslug a team that’s hit just 2 HRs in their last 5 games.
Odds Breakdown
- Moneyline: Pirates at +2.58, Rangers at -1.53.
- Spread: Pirates +1.5 (-112), Rangers -1.5 (-112).
- Total: Over/Under 7.5 runs.
Implied Probabilities
- Pirates ML: 38.76% (1 / 2.58).
- Rangers ML: 60.47% (1.53 / 2.53).
- Underdog Win Rate in MLB: 41%.
Expected Value (EV) Calculation
- Pirates ML EV: (41% * 1.58) - (59% * 1) = +5.78%.
- Rangers ML EV: (60.47% * 0.53) - (39.53% * 1) = -7.48%.
The Split the Difference Play
The Pirates’ 41% underdog win rate vs. their 38.76% implied probability creates a 2.24% edge on the moneyline. The Rangers’ EV is negative, so they’re overvalued.
Injuries & Key Player Notes
- DeGrom is healthy and dominant, with a 2.85 ERA this season.
- Mike Burrows (Pirates’ starter) has a 5.12 ERA and struggles against right-handed hitters, which the Rangers exploit with their .289 OBP.
- No major injuries reported, but the Pirates’ lineup is so weak that even a decent start from Burrows might not save them.
Data-Driven Best Bet
Pittsburgh Pirates (+258 Moneyline)
- Why? The Pirates’ 37.7% underdog win rate this season (vs. MLB’s 41% average) suggests they’re slightly undervalued. Their 38.76% implied probability is just 2.24% below the expected 41%, giving them the best EV.
- Risks? DeGrom’s magic could shut them down, but even a 3-2 loss would make the spread irrelevant.
Honorable Mention: Under 7.5 Runs (-112)
- The Rangers’ elite WHIP (1.05) and the Pirates’ anemic offense (2.9 runs/game) make this a 75% chance the total stays under.
Final Verdict
While the Rangers are the safer pick, the Pirates offer value on the moneyline. Bet the Pirates to pull off a rare upset, and lay the run line with the Rangers if you’re feeling spicy.
Prediction: Rangers win 3-1, but the Pirates’ +2.58 line gives them a sneaky edge for the underdog crowd.
“The Pirates may be the worst team in baseball, but they’re not dead yet. And if deGrom falters, they might just shock the world.” — Your friendly neighborhood handicapper, who still thinks the Pirates will be the 2025 World Series underdog.
Created: June 20, 2025, 5:37 a.m. GMT