Baltimore Orioles vs Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 04/03/26

The clear and obvious headline for this game involves Konnor Griffin, as the top prospect in all of baseball is set to make his MLB debut Friday in Pittsburgh. Unlike many debuts, Griffin is not working to earn a big payday, as his payday came yesterday when reportedly signing a 9-year $140 million extension with the club. As a lifelong Pirates fan, that transaction felt like a shift in the operations of this franchise that has been stuck in the mud for far too long. The entire city and state are buzzing, and Friday’s environment in PNC Park is going to be absolutely electric.

Kyle Bradish is the first starting pitcher that Griffin will face, and Bradish is a tough arm. The right-hander battled injury in both 2025 and 2024, but his health is back and he is set to make an impact on Baltimore’s rotation this season. He was a bit rusty in his season debut, however, lasting just 4.2 innings while walking 3 batters and allowing a home run to the Twins. I actually think the Pirates lineup is a step up in competition from Minnesota’s, especially considering Griffin is now in Pittsburgh.

Mitch Keller is the scheduled starter for Pittsburgh in this game. Keller was sharp in his first outing, tossing 6 efficient innings across just 77 pitches, allowing just 3 base hits and zero runs to a tough Mets lineup. Now Keller will pitch in front of his home crowd in what should end up being a sellout. I don’t fully trust this Pirates bullpen yet, but at current pricing I still side with the underdog home club in this matchup.

Orioles vs Pirates prediction: Pittsburgh Pirates ML (+112) available at time of publishing. Playable to +105.