The Chicago Cubs are in urgent need of pitching as they approach the trade deadline. With hopes of contending, they are expected to pursue at least one starter, and Mitch Keller of the Pittsburgh Pirates has emerged as a strong candidate. Keller, who boasts a varied pitching arsenal, has been linked to the Cubs, who could leverage their deep farm system to complete a deal.

Despite Keller's solid performance, including a 3.90 ERA this season and the potential for a fifth consecutive 30-plus appearance season, his strikeout numbers have dipped compared to his All-Star campaign in 2023, where he struck out 210 batters. This fluctuation raises questions about whether he can meet the Cubs' specific needs.

The Chicago Cubs are assessing the future of rookie third baseman Matt Shaw, who has seen fluctuations in performance this season. After being demoted to Triple-A Iowa, Shaw has returned with a .246 batting average and 10 stolen bases since May, yet overall, his season stats remain below expectations with a .222 batting average and .617 OPS. Concerns linger regarding his defensive skills, raising questions about his long-term viability as a starter for a team aiming for the World Series.

Amid growing speculation, the Cubs may consider making a trade to bolster their infield, particularly eyeing Pittsburgh Pirates' Ke'Bryan Hayes. Hayes, a Gold Glove winner, offers strong defensive capabilities, though his offensive numbers—.246 average and low OPS—aren't significantly better than Shaw's. The potential trade is complicated by Hayes' long-term contract, suggesting a steep price for Chicago which could impede Shaw's development. The Cubs must weigh the benefits of an immediate upgrade against the risks of stifling their rookie's growth.

The St. Louis Cardinals face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, with Andre Pallante set to pitch for the Cardinals and Paul Skenes on the mound for the Pirates. After a shutout loss where the Pirates triumphed 7-0, St. Louis is still leading the series 3-1. Pittsburgh is riding a four-game winning streak, showcasing a powerful offense that has scored at least seven runs in each of those games.

Despite Skenes’ previous struggles against the Cardinals, both teams are looking to capitalize on their recent form. The latest betting odds favor the Pirates at -166 on the moneyline, with a total set at 7 runs. Experts suggest taking a look at the Cardinals at +1.5 for a spread bet. Get ready for an exciting matchup with plenty of action!

New users at Caesars Sportsbook can take advantage of the latest promo code CBSDYW, enabling them to double their winnings tenfold through 100% profit boost tokens after just a $1 wager on July 1. This promotional offer coincides with a full MLB slate, highlighted by Paul Skenes pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the St. Louis Cardinals at 6:40 p.m. ET. Following a commanding three-game sweep over the Mets, the Pirates are looking to carry that momentum into this matchup. Skenes, boasting a 2.12 ERA and 0.91 WHIP, hopes for more offensive support from his lineup. In addition to MLB action, sports bettors can also bet on Club World Cup matches, including a clash between Real Madrid and Juventus.

On July 1, 2025, the MLB betting scene was dominated by No Runs First Inning (NRFI) picks. The previous night yielded a 3-2 record, with the biggest disappointment stemming from Chase Burns of the Boston Red Sox allowing seven runs in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds. The Athletics almost edged out a 4-1 success with a three-run homer from Shea Langeliers, showcasing the volatility of first-inning betting. Today’s slate featured five strong NRFI bets, including matchups such as the San Diego Padres vs. Philadelphia Phillies, the St. Louis Cardinals at Pittsburgh Pirates, and more.

Key highlights included Padres' Nick Pivetta, boasting a solid 3.36 ERA and a strong NRFI record, facing the Phillies' Cristopher Sánchez, whose changeup has been effective against right-handed batters. Meanwhile, Paul Skenes, the Pirates' ace with a perfect 17-0 NRFI record, is expected to keep the Cardinals in check. With elite pitchers taking the mound, bettors were advised to consider weather and lineups before placing wagers.