The Pittsburgh Pirates are projected by oddsmakers at PA sportsbooks to be one of the worst teams in baseball in 2022. It’s not surprising this ship is at the bottom of Major League Baseball with a projected $37.9 million payroll, one of the lowest in the league.
There are other – more reasonable ways – to bet on the Pirates besides the longshot odds to win the World Series or National League Pennant.
Depending on how you think the Pirates will fare with their budget roster, you can wager on if they will go over or under their win total. And there will be chances to cheer and raise the Jolly Roger. Oneil Cruz is an early contender for NL Rookie of the Year. However, the shortstop will start the season in Triple-A.
Pittsburgh Pirates 2022 odds World Series, NL Pennant, NL Central
The Pittsburgh Pirates have not won a World Series since 1979 and they haven’t the playoffs since 2015.
Oddsmakers are expecting the Milwaukee Brewers to repeat as NL Central Champions (-165 at DraftKings PA Sportsbook) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (+230) are the favorites to win the National League Pennant.
Pittsburgh Pirates win total odds
FanDuel PA sportsbook set Pirates win total at 64.5 wins, the lowest win total of any team.
Pittsburgh Pirates record over the last 10 years
- 2021: 61 – 101
- 2020: 19 – 41 (COVID-shortened season)
- 2019: 69 – 93
- 2018: 82 – 79
- 2017: 75 – 87
- 2016: 78 – 83
- 2015: 98 – 64 (clinched Wild Card)
- 2014: 88 – 74 (clinched Wild Card)
- 2013: 94 – 68 (clinched Wild Card)
- 2012: 79 – 83
Pittsburgh Pirates playoff odds
The Pirates will need a lot of things to fall into place to make the playoffs in 2022. A lineup that has a lot of question marks will need to produce. A pitching staff that lacks dominant starters must perform well.
At present, DraftKings has the Pirates at +1800 to make the playoffs. A “No” wager on the playoffs is -10000.
Oneil Cruz Rookie of the Year odds
Oneil Cruz will not start the 2022 season on the Pittsburgh Pirate’s Opening Day roster. The 23-year old shortstop was sent to Triple-A to get “a little more experience” according to manager Derek Shelton. Cruz played two games in the majors last year. As of March 31, PA sportsbooks list Cruz as one of the favorites to win NL Rookie of the year. Cruz is +400 at BetMGM, second to the favorite Seiya Suzuki (+350). At DraftKings, Cruz is +380.
2022 Pittsburgh Pirates player prop season betting preview
Outfielder Bryan Reynolds figures to be one of the Pirates’ best players this season. Last year, he hit .302 with 169 hits, 24 home runs and 90 RBI. In futures bets, he’s +2800 at DraftKings to lead the league in hits this year.
DraftKings also has a prop bet based on his season hit total.
Bryan Reynolds Regular Season Total Hits props
- Over 156.5: -110
- Under 156.5: -110
2022 NL Central Odds
Surprisingly, the Pirates have not won the National League Central since the division was created in 1994. The odds are not in the team’s favor this year either, with most sportsbooks setting the Pirates’ odds to win the NL Central near +5000.
Lead image Philip G. Pavely/AP
