The Chicago Cubs (88-69) host the New York Mets (81-76) Wednesday evening at Wrigley Field in what should be an entertaining matchup between two teams with different late-season goals. With the Cubs favored at -125 and Francisco Lindor riding an 11-game hitting streak, this 8:05 p.m. ET game on ESPN has all the makings of quality primetime baseball.
Game Details
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Time: 8:05 p.m. ET / 7:05 p.m. CT
Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago
TV Coverage: ESPN
Betting Lines: Cubs -125, Mets +105
Run Total: 7 runs
Spread: Cubs -1.5
Pitching Matchup: Boyd vs Tong
Matthew Boyd Brings Veteran Experience
Matthew Boyd takes the mound for his 31st start with a solid 13-8 record and 3.20 ERA across 174⅓ innings. His 151 strikeouts show he can still miss bats effectively, and pitching at Wrigley should give him additional comfort in this important late-season contest.
Boyd’s consistency has been a reliable asset for the Cubs throughout the season, making him the perfect choice for a nationally televised game.
Jonah Tong Gets Prime Time Opportunity
The Mets counter with Jonah Tong for his fifth start of the season, carrying a 2-2 record. While his limited sample size creates some uncertainty, the young pitcher gets a chance to prove himself on the big stage against a quality Cubs lineup.
This represents exactly the type of experience that could accelerate Tong’s development, regardless of the outcome.
Cubs Offensive Strengths
Nico Hoerner Continues Hot Hitting
Nico Hoerner leads the Cubs with a .302 batting average while contributing 6 home runs and 60 RBIs. His consistent contact ability sets the tone for the entire lineup and creates scoring opportunities throughout games.
Power Production Throughout
Pete Crow-Armstrong contributes 141 hits with a .476 slugging percentage, while Ian Happ provides veteran leadership with a .343 on-base percentage. Seiya Suzuki adds punch with 27 home runs and 92 RBIs.
The Cubs rank 8th in baseball with 757 runs scored and maintain excellent plate discipline, striking out just 7.9 times per game (6th best in MLB).
Mets Looking to Stay Competitive
Francisco Lindor’s Hot Streak
Lindor brings an 11-game hitting streak into Wednesday’s contest, batting .268 with 29 home runs and solid all-around production. His hot streak provides momentum for a Mets team still fighting for relevance.
Star Power in the Lineup
Juan Soto leads New York with 42 home runs, while Pete Alonso paces the team with 123 RBIs and a .273 batting average. Brandon Nimmo adds 25 homers and veteran presence throughout the lineup.
The Mets rank 5th in baseball with 218 home runs, showing they can match Chicago’s power potential when things click.
Statistical Comparison
The matchup appears fairly even across key categories:
- Runs scored: Cubs 757 vs Mets 748
- Home runs: Cubs 209 vs Mets 218
- Team ERA: Cubs 3.82 (7th) vs Mets 4.01 (17th)
- Batting average: Cubs .249 vs Mets .251
Chicago’s superior pitching staff ERA provides their clearest advantage heading into the contest.
Betting Trends Analysis
The Cubs have been excellent as favorites this season, going 70-42 (62.5%) when favored. When favored by similar odds to Wednesday’s -125, they improve to 58-31 (65.2%).
The Mets have struggled as underdogs, winning just 19 of 46 games (41.3%) in that role. When facing similar underdog odds, they drop to 8-15.
The 7-run total seems conservative given both teams’ offensive capabilities, though quality pitching could keep scoring down.
Key Injuries
Cubs: Cade Horton is day-to-day with back issues, while Kyle Tucker and Miguel Amaya remain on shorter-term IL stints.
Mets: New York continues dealing with significant pitching depth issues, with multiple arms on long-term injured reserve.
Prime Time Atmosphere
Playing under the Wrigley Field lights on ESPN creates additional energy that should benefit the home Cubs. The atmosphere for nationally televised games at the Friendly Confines typically brings out strong performances from Chicago players.
Game Prediction
Final Score: Cubs 6, Mets 4
Total: Over 7 runs
Boyd’s veteran experience and the Cubs’ home field advantage should prove decisive in what projects as a competitive game. Chicago’s superior record and better overall pitching staff make them the logical choice.
Both offenses have enough firepower to push this total over 7 runs, especially if either starter struggles early. The Cubs’ ability to work counts and create pressure should help them get to Tong, while their home crowd provides additional motivation.
Lindor’s hitting streak will eventually end, and Wrigley Field might be the place where the Cubs snap it while continuing their push toward a strong finish to the regular season.
Go Cubs gooo!