New York Mets vs. Chicago Cubs: MLB Showdown in Chicago – Game Preview, Pitching Matchups & Key Players (September 23, 2025)

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025

New York Mets at Chicago Cubs: MLB Showdown at Wrigley Field

The New York Mets (80-76, second in the NL East) will take on the Chicago Cubs (88-68, second in the NL Central) at Wrigley Field in the opener of a three-game series. This key matchup kicks off at 6:40 PM local time in Chicago.

Pitching Probables

The Mets are set to start David Peterson, who holds a 9-6 record with a 3.98 ERA, a 1.34 WHIP, and 149 strikeouts. The Cubs will counter with Cade Horton, coming in strong with an 11-4 record, a 2.66 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts. The betting odds favor the Cubs at -120, with the Mets at -100, and an over/under set at 7.5 runs.

Team Overview and Series Context

Chicago enters the series with an impressive 88-68 overall record and a strong 46-29 home mark. The Cubs are seventh in the majors with 209 home runs, averaging 1.3 per game. The Mets, with an 80-76 overall record and 31-44 on the road, come in just ahead in total home runs in the National League with 215.

This matchup marks the fourth meeting between these two teams during the 2025 season.

Top Performers

Michael Busch has powered the Cubs with 30 home runs and a .494 slugging percentage. Ian Happ has also been in good form, collecting 11 hits, three home runs, and eight RBI in his last 38 at-bats.

For the Mets, Juan Soto anchors their offense with 42 home runs and a .534 slugging percentage. Pete Alonso has contributed 13 hits, four home runs, and nine RBI in his previous 37 at-bats.

Recent Performance

In their last 10 games, the Cubs are 5-5 with a .254 team batting average and a 3.24 ERA, outscoring their opponents by five runs over that stretch. The Mets, meanwhile, are 4-6 in their last 10 games with a .252 batting average and a 3.82 ERA, also having outscored their opponents by five runs.

Injury Report

Cubs

Owen Caissie: 7-Day IL (concussion)
Kyle Tucker: 10-Day IL (calf)
Daniel Palencia: 15-Day IL (shoulder)
Ryan Brasier: 15-Day IL (groin)
Miguel Amaya: 10-Day IL (ankle)
Justin Steele: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Mets

Reed Garrett: 15-Day IL (elbow)
Tyrone Taylor: 10-Day IL (hamstring)
Frankie Montas: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Jesse Winker: 60-Day IL (back)
Max Kranick: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Dedniel Nunez: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Tylor Megill: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Griffin Canning: 60-Day IL (achilles)
Danny Young: 60-Day IL (elbow)
A.J. Minter: 60-Day IL (lat)
Nick Madrigal: 60-Day IL (shoulder)
Drew Smith: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Christian Scott: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Weather

Tonight at Wrigley Field, expect mostly clear skies with temperatures around 68°F at game time. There's no significant chance of precipitation, creating ideal baseball conditions. Winds will be light from the southwest at 7 mph, which could slightly aid right-handed hitters. Overall, it’s a pleasant evening for baseball in Chicago.

In summary

The New York Mets and Chicago Cubs begin an essential late-season series with postseason implications at Wrigley Field. Strong pitching matchups, power hitters on both sides, and ideal weather contribute to a game worth watching. With both teams looking to secure pivotal wins and carrying similar recent records, fans can expect competitive baseball as the series gets underway in Chicago.

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