The Chicago Cubs are set to host the St. Louis Cardinals on September 26, 2025, at Wrigley Field, with the game slated to begin at 2:20 p.m. EDT. The matchup will be broadcast on MLB Network. Although both teams are nearing the end of the season with little at stake, there’s still potential for an exciting game due to vulnerabilities in the pitching line-ups and recent offensive improvements.
The Cardinals will rely on veteran pitcher Miles Mikolas. Despite a challenging season, Mikolas has occasionally found some form with a 4.02 ERA over his past seven starts. However, his performance metrics suggest he’s been fortunate, as his xERA sits at 6.09 with a FIP of 5.13 during that period. Mikolas’s low strikeout rate and moderate walk rate could struggle against a patient Cubs lineup.
Offensively, the Cardinals have shown vulnerabilities. They rank 20th in wRC+ for September, with mediocre overall offensive statistics. While their power is not a standout feature, players like Ivan Herrera have provided notable contributions, accounting for more than half of the team’s home runs this month. The Cardinals excel against right-handed pitchers, which could give them an edge depending on the Cubs’ choice of starter.
On the Chicago side, if Javier Assad takes the mound, there could be opportunities for runs on both sides. Assad’s performance mirrors Mikolas in some respects with an ERA of 4.26 and modest strikeout numbers. The Cubs’ offense could see a boost with potential reinforcements, including the possible return of Kyle Tucker. His presence, despite potential rust from inactivity, would fortify an already improving offensive squad.
The Cubs, demonstrating a high walk rate in September, have rebounded well from a difficult August. They boast several players with wRC+ scores over 105, indicating a robust lineup capable of taking advantage of Mikolas’ vulnerabilities. Moises Ballesteros has emerged as a prominent hitter with elite discipline and outstanding recent performances.
Given the shaky pitching prospects for both teams and the offensive potential on display, a game featuring numerous runs seems plausible. Therefore, betting on a high total score over 9 runs is an attractive option, especially considering both squads’ tendency towards sporadic high-performance evenings. Although this particular matchup might not have playoff implications, it promises an intriguing display of baseball dynamics.