7 Shocking Player Stats That Defined The Pirates Vs. Cubs 2024 Rivalry

The NL Central rivalry between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago Cubs delivered some of the most compelling and statistically significant matchups of the 2024 MLB season. As of the current date, December 13, 2025, a deep dive into the head-to-head player statistics reveals a fascinating narrative of rookie dominance, offensive power surges, and clutch defensive plays that ultimately defined the season series, which the Cubs narrowly won with a 7-6 record against the Pirates. This in-depth statistical breakdown goes beyond the final scores to spotlight the individual performances that truly shaped the divisional battle.

The intensity of the Pirates-Cubs games is often a microcosm of the entire National League Central race, and the 2024 season was no exception. From Paul Skenes's electric fastball duels to Shota Imanaga's baffling split-finger, the statistical output of key players provides a clear, fresh look at who rose to the occasion and who struggled under the pressure of the divisional spotlight.

The Rookie Pitching War: Skenes vs. Imanaga Statistical Showdown

The most captivating subplot of the 2024 Pirates vs. Cubs matchups was the clash of two elite rookie pitchers: Pittsburgh's flamethrower Paul Skenes and Chicago's Japanese sensation Shota Imanaga. Their performances against the rival club were not just good; they were statistically dominant, setting a high bar for the entire division.

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• Paul Skenes (PIT P): In his appearances against the Cubs, Skenes proved he could handle the pressure of the NL Central rivalry. In a pivotal 5-0 victory for the Pirates on September 3, 2024, Skenes delivered a masterful performance, recording six strikeouts across five scoreless innings to earn the win. His career record against the Cubs is a solid 2-2 with a 2.94 ERA and 43 strikeouts in seven total appearances, demonstrating his consistent ability to neutralize Chicago's lineup.
• Shota Imanaga (CHC P): The Japanese import was arguably the most dominant pitcher in the rivalry. Imanaga's numbers against the Pirates were historically good, posting a 2-0 record with a minuscule 0.35 ERA and 23 strikeouts in four career appearances. In a standout game on May 18, 2024, Imanaga struck out seven batters through seven scoreless innings, completely silencing the Pirates' bats and illustrating his incredible command and poise.

This statistical contrast—Skenes's high strikeout rate and Imanaga's near-perfect ERA—highlights how crucial the starting pitching was in determining the outcome of the 2024 series.

Power and Exit Velocity: Oneil Cruz and Michael Busch's Defining Offensive Metrics

While pitching dominated at times, the offensive fireworks were often driven by the young power hitters on both sides. Advanced metrics like Exit Velocity and Launch Angle reveal the true impact of these sluggers in the head-to-head matchups.

The Pirates' Exit Velocity King: Oneil Cruz

Oneil Cruz, the Pirates' dynamic shortstop, consistently registered the hardest-hit balls of the series, showcasing his elite power potential. In the September 3, 2024, game, Cruz topped the Exit Velocity Leaders list, registering hits at a blistering 116.7 MPH and 114.0 MPH. This raw power is a key reason why he was the Pirates' home run leader for the season, with 19 HRs, a threat the Cubs constantly had to manage.

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Michael Busch's Clutch Power for the Cubs

Cubs first baseman Michael Busch also made his presence felt with timely power. Busch, who had a strong rookie season, delivered a crucial leadoff home run in a recent matchup, underscoring his ability to change the game with a single swing. While his overall seasonal batting average was .258 against left-handed pitchers, his ability to connect with power against the Pirates' staff was a consistent offensive boost for Chicago.

The Hidden Heroes: Clutch Defense and Improved Metrics

Not all defining player statistics appear on the traditional box score. The 2024 series was also marked by key defensive plays and subtle statistical improvements that swung momentum.

Dansby Swanson and Nick Madrigal: Defensive Anchors

The Cubs' middle infield provided crucial defensive stability. Shortstop Dansby Swanson was a consistent threat, not just with his 106.4 MPH exit velocity on a hard-hit ball, but also with his flawless glove work. However, it was third baseman Nick Madrigal who provided one of the most memorable non-pitching highlights, making a stunning diving grab to rob the Pirates of a hit in a close game, demonstrating the importance of defense in tight divisional battles.

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Rowdy Tellez's Late-Season Surge

Pirates first baseman Rowdy Tellez showed a significant, though often overlooked, statistical improvement late in the season. Compared to his seasonal average, Tellez posted a dramatically improved launch angle of 27.4° over a recent 14-day span, indicating a mechanical adjustment that led to more impactful contact. This metric suggests that while the Pirates may have struggled overall, Tellez was trending upward, a positive sign for the end of the series.

Summary of Key Player Entities and Statistics (2024 Matchups)

The 2024 Pirates vs. Cubs rivalry was a statistical goldmine, rich with high-leverage performances. The following entities and metrics were critical to the series:

• Paul Skenes: 5 scoreless IP, 6 K (Sept 3, 2024)
• Shota Imanaga: 0.35 ERA, 23 K in 4 appearances vs. PIT
• Oneil Cruz: 116.7 MPH Max Exit Velocity (Sept 3, 2024)
• Michael Busch: Leadoff Home Run, .258 BA vs. LHP
• Rowdy Tellez: 27.4° Recent Launch Angle
• Dansby Swanson: 106.4 MPH Exit Velocity
• Nick Madrigal: Clutch Diving Grab (Defensive Entity)
• NL Central Rivalry: Context of all matchups
• Divisional Standings: Overall 6-7 Pirates record vs. Cubs
• Kyle Hendricks: Cubs veteran pitcher who faced Skenes (Sept 3, 2024)
• Pete Crow-Armstrong: Cubs outfielder who contributed an RBI single
• Nico Hoerner: Cubs infielder, a key entity in the rivalry
• Willi Castro: Pirates player struck out by Skenes
• Braxton Ashcraft: Pirates pitcher who took a loss
• May 11, 2024: Date of Pirates 10-9 victory
• September 3, 2024: Date of Skenes's dominant win
• May 18, 2024: Date of Imanaga's dominant win

The statistical battle between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago Cubs in 2024 was a testament to the talent brewing in the NL Central. The performances of rookie pitchers Paul Skenes and Shota Imanaga were generational, while the power output of Oneil Cruz and the defensive efforts of the Cubs' infield proved that every single play and every single metric mattered in this intense divisional feud.