The Chicago Cubs (89-69) host the New York Mets (81-77) Thursday evening at Wrigley Field in what’s essentially a pick ’em game, with Chicago slightly favored at -119 and New York at -101. This 7:40 p.m. ET contest on MLB Network could provide the Cubs with another opportunity to build momentum heading into the season’s final stretch.
Game Details
Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 7:40 p.m. ET / 6:40 p.m. CT
Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago
TV Coverage: MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network, SNY
Betting Lines: Cubs -119, Mets -101
Run Total: 7 runs
Spread: Mets -1.5 (+172)
Pitching Matchup: Imanaga vs McLean
Shota Imanaga Chases Double Digits
Shota Imanaga takes the mound for his 25th start looking to reach 10 wins with a 9-7 record and 3.37 ERA across 139⅔ innings. His 114 strikeouts demonstrate consistent effectiveness, and pitching at Wrigley should give him additional confidence in this crucial matchup.
Imanaga’s steady performance throughout the season has been a reliable component of Chicago’s rotation, making him a solid choice for this important late-season game.
Nolan McLean Gets Opportunity
The Mets counter with Nolan McLean for his eighth start, carrying a 4-1 record. While his limited sample size creates some uncertainty, the young pitcher gets another chance to prove himself against a quality Cubs lineup.
This represents exactly the type of experience that could accelerate McLean’s development, regardless of the outcome.
Cubs Offensive Balance
Nico Hoerner Sets the Pace
Nico Hoerner continues leading the Cubs with a .301 batting average while contributing 6 home runs and 60 RBIs. His consistent contact ability creates scoring opportunities and sets the tone for the entire lineup.
Power Production Throughout
Michael Busch paces the team with 31 home runs while driving in 84 runs and slugging .499. Pete Crow-Armstrong adds solid production with a .473 slugging percentage, while Ian Happ provides veteran leadership with a .342 on-base percentage.
The Cubs rank 8th in baseball with 767 runs scored while maintaining excellent plate discipline, striking out just 7.8 times per game (6th best in MLB).
Mets Looking to Stay Competitive
Juan Soto Provides Star Power
Juan Soto leads New York with 43 home runs, giving the Mets a legitimate superstar who can change games with one swing. His presence forces opposing pitchers to attack carefully throughout at-bats.
Solid Supporting Cast
Pete Alonso leads the team with 123 RBIs and a .271 batting average, while Francisco Lindor contributes 29 home runs with steady all-around play. Brandon Nimmo adds 25 homers and veteran experience.
The Mets rank 4th in baseball with 220 home runs, showing they can match Chicago’s power potential in the right situations.
Statistical Comparison
The matchup appears competitive across key categories:
- Runs scored: Cubs 767 vs Mets 751
- Home runs: Cubs 211 vs Mets 220
- Team ERA: Cubs 3.82 (8th) vs Mets 4.04 (18th)
- Batting average: Cubs .249 vs Mets .250
Chicago’s superior team ERA provides their clearest advantage heading into the contest.
Betting Analysis
The Cubs have been excellent as favorites this season, going 71-42 (62.8%) when favored. When favored by similar odds to Thursday’s -119, they improve to 67-32 (67.7%).
The Mets continue struggling as underdogs, winning just 19 of 47 games (40.4%) in that role. When facing similar underdog odds, they drop to 10-20.
The 7-run total seems conservative given both teams’ offensive capabilities, though quality pitching could keep scoring manageable.
Key Injuries
Cubs: Kyle Tucker and Miguel Amaya remain on shorter-term IL, while Cade Horton is day-to-day with back issues affecting rotation depth.
Mets: New York faces significant pitching depth challenges with multiple arms on long-term injured reserve.
Home Field Advantage
Wrigley Field typically provides additional energy for Cubs players, especially during nationally televised games. The atmosphere should favor Chicago as they look to continue their strong late-season play.
Game Prediction
Final Score: Cubs 5, Mets 3
Total: Over 7 runs
Imanaga’s pursuit of his 10th win, combined with Chicago’s home field advantage and superior pitching staff, makes the Cubs the logical choice. Their excellent record as favorites suggests they handle expectations well.
Both offenses have enough firepower to push this total over 7 runs, especially if either starter struggles early. The Cubs’ ability to work counts should help them get to McLean while their consistent offensive production creates multiple scoring opportunities.
Chicago should take advantage of this opportunity to continue building momentum for the season’s final week.
Go Cubs gooo!!