Pirates vs Marlins Picks and Prediction – 3/28/2025

The Pittsburgh Pirates play the second game of a four-game series on the road Friday versus the Miami Marlins. Last season, Pittsburgh was 76-86 and finished last in the Central Division. Pittsburgh has one of the top pitchers in baseball, but plenty of question marks heading into the 2025 season. Pitching must live up to expectations, while hitting must exceed expectations for the Pirates to have a strong 2025 campaign. Keep up to date with all the MLB action with our expert MLB picks.

Pittsburgh's pitching is its strength, with Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller first and second in the starting rotation, respectively. The Pirates start the season with Jared Jones and Johan Oviedo on the injured list, but the two pitchers should return by mid season. At the plate, Bryan Reynolds is Pittsburgh’s leader. Oneil Cruz returns and Joey Bart played very well during spring training. The talented Ke’Bryan Hayes must remain healthy as he has been injury-prone.

The Miami Marlins will have one of the youngest and least experienced teams in Major League Baseball this season. The Marlins are likely to struggle in the top-heavy National League East. Miami is in a rebuilding stage and will build around third baseman Connor Norby and shortstop Xavier Edwards. Expect to see prospects Deyvison De Los Santos and Agustin Ramirez with the team by midseason. 

Sandy Alcantara is the Miami pitching ace. Miami has Cal Quantrill in the starting rotation, but no other starting pitcher has thrown 100 innings in any MLB season. The final three on the starting rotation are Connor Gillispie, Max Meyer and Valente Bellozo. The bullpen is led by three relievers, Calvin Faucher, Jesus Tinoco, and Anthony Bender, who will battle to be the top closer. 

The Miami Marlins will struggle this season as they are in a rebuilding mode, while Pittsburgh has a talented pitching staff but needs to find ways to produce more runs. Pittsburgh has dominated Miami, winning each of the last eight head-to-head versus the Marlins. Miami has lost four of the last five played at home and the Marlins have dropped four of the last five at home versus Pittsburgh. Final Score Prediction, Pittsburgh Pirates win 5-2.