St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs Prediction, Odds, and Key Players: NL Central Rivals Clash on September 26, 2025

Friday, September 26th, 2025

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs: MLB Showdown at Wrigley Field

The St. Louis Cardinals (78-81) travel to Chicago to take on the Cubs (89-70) in a key NL Central matchup at Wrigley Field, beginning a three-game weekend series. Both teams are looking to finish their season strong, with the Cubs holding the second spot in the division and the Cardinals aiming to end on a positive note.

Pitching Matchup

The expected starters are Miles Mikolas for the Cardinals and Colin Rea for the Cubs. Mikolas comes into the game with an 8-10 record, a 4.76 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 96 strikeouts. Rea has posted a 10-7 record, a 4.10 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 120 strikeouts. Oddsmakers currently list the Cubs as favorites with a -179 moneyline, Cardinals at +149, and an over/under set at 9 runs.

Team Comparisons

Chicago boasts a solid 89-70 overall record and a strong 47-31 mark at home. Cubs hitters are collectively batting .249, ranking eighth in the National League. The Cardinals, meanwhile, are 34-44 away from Busch Stadium, batting .264 over their last ten games, and have had a tough time in games where they have allowed at least one home run, going 38-62 in those contests.

Season Series

This Friday matchup marks the 11th meeting between these NL Central rivals this season, with the season series deadlocked at 5-5. Every game has been competitive, adding extra weight to this late-season face-off.

Key Players to Watch

Chicago Cubs

Michael Busch continues to be a force for the Cubs, leading the team with 58 extra-base hits, including 23 doubles, four triples, and 31 home runs. Matt Shaw has also been productive lately, going 10-for-34 with two doubles, two homers, and three RBIs in his last ten games.

St. Louis Cardinals

Ivan Herrera has chipped in significantly with 13 doubles and 19 home runs. Alec Burleson is swinging a hot bat, collecting 16 hits, four doubles, and a home run in his last 38 at-bats.

Recent Performance

Over their last ten games, the Cubs are 4-6, hitting .249 as a group with a 3.56 ERA, and have outscored their opponents by five runs. The Cardinals are 6-4 during the same stretch with a stronger .264 team average, a 3.50 ERA, and an identical +5 run differential.

Injury Report

Chicago Cubs

Cade Horton (back, day-to-day), Owen Caissie (concussion), Kyle Tucker (calf), Ryan Brasier (groin), Miguel Amaya (ankle), and Justin Steele (elbow) are all sidelined.

St. Louis Cardinals

Willson Contreras (shoulder), Masyn Winn (meniscus), and Zack Thompson (lat) are listed on the IL and expected to miss this game.

Weather

Today at Wrigley Field, expect mild baseball weather with temperatures in the upper 60s, mostly clear skies, and no significant chance of precipitation. Winds will be light and variable, providing ideal conditions for both pitchers and hitters.

In summary

The matchup between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs promises an exciting contest given their even season series and solid recent performances. With strong pitching, batting talents on both sides, and perfect weather conditions, this game sets up as a must-watch late-season battle in the NL Central at historic Wrigley Field.

Related Links

• St. Louis Cardinals News & Updates
• St. Louis Cardinals Schedule & Scores
• Chicago Cubs News & Updates
• Chicago Cubs Schedule & Scores
• MLB News