MLB Playoffs Preview: Chicago Cubs

Published: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 8:08 am

Cubs Face Padres in Wild Card Series, Relying on Veterans

The Chicago Cubs are set to begin their postseason journey on Tuesday afternoon at Wrigley Field, facing the San Diego Padres in a crucial Wild Card Series. The team will lean heavily on veteran pitcher Matthew Boyd and star outfielder Kyle Tucker to lead the charge.

Boyd, a 34-year-old left-hander, will take the mound for Game 1. He had a strong regular season, posting a 14-8 record with a 3.21 ERA. Manager Craig Counsell values Boyd's ability to control games and limit damage, especially in the high-stakes environment of a short series. The Cubs' pitching strategy has been further complicated by the absence of rookie Cade Horton, who was sidelined. Horton's absence forces the team to spread innings among other pitchers and rely more on the bullpen.

On the offensive side, the Cubs will look to Kyle Tucker to anchor the lineup. Tucker, who returned from a calf strain in late September, has re-established himself as a key player. He batted .266 with 22 home runs, 73 RBIs, and an .841 OPS this season. The team is expected to use Tucker as the designated hitter to manage his physical workload, but his offensive contributions remain vital. He will be surrounded by other key players in the lineup.

The Cubs' path to success is clear: Boyd needs to deliver a strong start in Game 1, Tucker must provide power in the middle of the order, and the bullpen must hold steady without Horton's innings. The team has demonstrated resilience throughout the season, and they are hoping that Boyd and Tucker can deliver in the postseason.

BNN's Perspective: The Cubs face a tough challenge in the Wild Card Series. While the loss of Horton is significant, the team has the experience and talent to compete. The performance of Boyd and Tucker will be critical, and the bullpen's ability to step up will be a key factor in determining their fate.

Keywords: MLB Playoffs, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Matthew Boyd, Kyle Tucker, Cade Horton, Wild Card Series, Baseball, Postseason, Pitching, Offense, Wrigley Field

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