The Miami Marlins host the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 27, 2025. First pitch from LoanDepot Park is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. EDT; the game will be broadcast on SportsNet PT.
The Opening Day duel between rising star Paul Skenes and veteran Sandy Alcantara adds intrigue to this matchup. Skenes looks to dominate Miami’s lineup, while Alcantara makes his return from Tommy John surgery.
Find my MLB betting preview and Pirates vs Marlins prediction and moneyline pick for Opening Day below.
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- Pirates vs Marlins picks: Pirates Moneyline (-155, DraftKings)
My Pirates vs Marlins best bet is on the Pittsburgh moneyline. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live MLB odds page.
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Pirates vs Marlins Odds
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Pirates vs Marlins Preview
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Pittsburgh went 76-86 last year and hasn’t posted a winning season since 2018, when the Pirates finished 82-79. The Pirates have struggled over the past decade, but the future is bright in the Steel City.
The main reason for optimism is the reigning Rookie of the Year — Paul Skenes. The former first-round pick and LSU standout had a stellar debut season, finishing with an 11-3 record and a 1.96 ERA. All-Star Bryan Reynolds led the team offensively, hitting .275 with 24 home runs and 88 RBI. Shortstop O’Neil Cruz contributed 21 home runs and 76 RBI, while veteran Andrew McCutchen added 20 home runs and 50 RBI.
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Miami enters the season with extremely low expectations and is widely regarded as the weakest team in the National League. The Marlins finished 62-100 last season after making a surprising postseason appearance in 2023. Since 2004, Miami has only reached the playoffs twice and hasn’t won a single postseason series in that span.
The Marlins are hopeful that their young talent will make an impact this season. Last year, third baseman Jake Burger led the team with 29 home runs and 76 RBI. However, he departed in the offseason to join the Texas Rangers. Right fielder Jesus Sanchez contributed 18 home runs and 64 RBI, while second baseman Otto Lopez posted a .313 OBP over 117 games.
Miami will turn to its ace, Sandy Alcantara, on Opening Day. The 29-year-old went 7-12 with a 4.14 ERA in 2023 and will be making his first start since undergoing Tommy John surgery.
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Pirates vs Marlins Prediction, Moneyline Betting Analysis
We are backing the favorite in this matchup and taking the square side. Skenes will dominate the worst lineup in baseball this afternoon and I’d be shocked if he allowed more than one run over five innings.
Meanwhile, Alcantara will be making his first start since Tommy John surgery and I anticipate some early struggles.
Let’s start the season in the win column!
Pick: Pirates Moneyline (-155, bet365)
Moneyline
As I outlined above, I like the Pirates moneyline.
Run Line (Spread)
I see no value on the spread and am sticking to the moneyline.
Over/Under
Like the run line, I’m passing on the game total.
Pirates vs Marlins Betting Trends
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Pirates vs Marlins starts at 4:10 p.m. EDT on Thursday, live from LoanDepot park. The game will be broadcast on SportsNet PT.
Pirates vs Marlins Weather Forecast
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