The 2026 MLB season rolls with another full slate of games. Let’s dive into the MLB Best Bets Today for Tuesday, May 26th. We have a loaded day of baseball on tap and plenty of ways to go for our MLB picks. Enjoy these MLB predictions as you lock in your own bets ahead of today’s games. Note that all odds and betting lines are accurate as of this writing, but are always subject to change. 

MLB Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 5/26

Our MLB best bets today begin with the Pittsburgh Pirates hosting the Chicago Cubs in a divisional showdown. Plus, our MLB picks feature the Miami Marlins taking on the Toronto Blue Jays. Check out even more MLB predictions below, including some player props and other game picks. Good luck! 

 

 

 

Cubs vs. Pirates Prediction: Tuesday, May 26th

Let’s lead off the MLB best bets today with an NL Central matchup. Earlier this month, the Chicago Cubs had a 27-12 record and sat atop the division. Since then, though, they’re just 2-13 over the past two weeks while currently riding a 9-game losing streak. Those struggles may continue today against the Pittsburgh Pirates. 

Pirates starter Braxton Ashcraft is having an excellent season. The right-hander boasts a 2.89 ERA and 1.03 WHIP over his first 10 starts. He’s allowed 2 earned runs or fewer in 8 of 10 outings as well. Plus, he brings in some trustworthy advanced stats, headlined by a .211 xBA (82nd MLB percentile), 35.5% chase rate (88th), and 6.5% walk rate (81st). 

Ashcraft faced the Cubs earlier this season and allowed only 1 run with 9 strikeouts over 5 strong innings. He should have similar success in today’s game. Over the past two weeks, Chicago has had a league-low .177 batting average against right-handed pitching. In the past week, the Cubs have struggled to a .252 wOBA and a .154 batting average vs. righties. 

The lineup also simply isn’t scoring many runs these days, in general. The Cubs are averaging only 1.9 runs over their last 7 games. They’re also plating just 2.6 runs per game over the past 15 contests. It’s an ideal matchup for Ashcraft, who owns a 1.91 ERA across his 4 starts this month. 

Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh offense should provide some run support. Jordan Wicks will get the start and make his season debut for Chicago. The lefty had a 4.44 ERA and 5.95 FIP across 7 Triple-A outings before this call-up. Last year, he posted a 6.28 ERA over 8 relief appearances with the Cubs. He also has a 5.12 ERA as a starter in the majors (17 career starts). 

Admittedly, the Pirates have a below-average offense against left-handed pitching. However, Wicks hasn’t proven he can be a reliable big-league starter. Plus, behind him is a Cubs bullpen that has a 4.50 FIP this month, which ranks 27th in the MLB. 

Marlins vs. Blue Jays Prediction: Tuesday, May 26th

Let’s focus on an interleague matchup for our second round of MLB best bets today. The Toronto Blue Jays host the Miami Marlins in what should be a lower-scoring contest. Count on both pitching staffs having the edge as we grab the under for the first five innings and the full game. 

The Blue Jays will use Braydon Fisher as the opener, with Spencer Miles expected as the bulk reliever. Both right-handers have pitched well this season. Fisher owns a 2.73 ERA and 1.01 WHIP across 29.2 innings, while Miles boasts a 2.17 ERA and 1.03 WHIP over his 29 frames. 

Miles has also posted a 1.37 ERA over his last 12 appearances. That includes no runs allowed across his last 3 outings, which were all 3-5 innings of work. He’s shown he can handle the bulk role well, and it’s working for Toronto. Meanwhile, the Marlins are batting just .199 against right-handed pitching over the past week. 

On the other side, Sandy Alcantara is on the mound for Miami. The righty has had an up-and-down season with a 4.00 ERA thus far. However, he’s allowed 2 earned runs or fewer in 7 of his 11 starts. His 3.35 xERA is also encouraging moving forward. He’ll be looking to bounce back after giving up 6 runs to the Braves last time out. 

Alcantara can limit Toronto’s offense, even on the road. The Blue Jays have a below-average .292 wOBA against right-handed pitching over the past three weeks, which ranks 22nd in the majors. Plus, Alcantara has tossed a quality start in 3 straight road outings. 

 

 


 

Best MLB Player Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 5/26