New York Mets vs Chicago Cubs Pick and Prediction September 25th, 2025
The Mets look to hold onto their wild card spot as they face the Chicago Cubs on Thursday at 8:05 p.m. EST in Wrigley Field. Check out our New York Mets vs Chicago Cubs pick and prediction here!
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New York Needs to Win
New York earned a crucial 9-7 victory over the Cubs in their latest contest. Francisco Lindor had a homer with three RBI while Brandon Nimmo did the same. Pete Alonso chipped in an RBI and Francisco Alvarez had a homer with two RBI. David Peterson had a horrible start with five runs given up before he could complete two innings, but the bullpen behind him locked it down and gave the Mets a chance for an improbable comeback.
The offseason moves the Mets made were clearly not enough to take this team all the way, so New York chose to add at the deadline. Gregory Soto was sent to New York in exchange for Wellington Aracena and Cameron Foster. Ryan Helsley was then acquired from St. Louis for Jesus Baez, Frank Elissalt, and Nate Dohm. The Giants then traded Tyler Rogers to the Mets for Blade Tidwell, Jose Butto, and Drew Gilbert. Finally, Baltimore traded with the Mets again, this time sending Raimon Gomez, Anthony Nunez, and Chander Marsh. With the Padres headlining the teams making major moves at the deadline, the Mets needed to act. Time will tell if it was enough.
Nolan McLean will take the hill as the starter for the Mets. The 24-year-old is having a dream start to his career with a 4-1 record in seven starts, posting a 1.27 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP. Through 42.2 innings pitched, the righty has 46 strikeouts. Not to jinx it, but he has yet to give up more than two runs in a start so far. The Mets may need him more than they imagined as we get closer to playoff baseball.
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Chicago Clinched a Spot
The Cubs have already clinched a playoff spot, but it still stings to lose the way they did against the Mets in their most recent outing. Ian Happ and Carlos Santana had two RBI each, while Nico Hoerner and Seiya Suzuki also chipped in an RBI each. Cade Horton gave up one run in his start but went only three innings. The bullpen behind him struggled massively, allowing the Mets to come back and win the game.
The Cubs didn't add much to their roster at the deadline, much to the chagrin of their fans. However, there are some names to be mentioned. Willi Castro was acquired from the Twins for Sam Armstrong and Ryan Gallagher. Michael Soroka was acquired from Washington for Ronny Cruz and Christian Franklin. Andrew Kittredge was acquired from Baltimore for Wilfri De La Cruz and Taylor Rogers was acquired from Pittsburgh for Ivan Brethowr. Whether that puts them over the top remains to be seen, but with the Dodgers, Padres, Brewers, Mets, and Phillies in the mix, it is tough for me to see them having a shot.
Shota Imanaga will get the ball as the starter in this contest. So far on the season, the lefty has a 9-7 record with a 3.37 ERA and 0.96 WHIP, quite close to his career averages. Through 24 starts and 139 innings pitched, he has 114 strikeouts to his name. When he's been healthy, Imanaga is effective, posting a 2.65 ERA in August as his best month. September has been a bit of a struggle for him, as he has an ERA just under 5.00 during this month.
Mets vs. Cubs Pick
Spread Pick for Mets vs. Cubs pick
- Mets Money Line (4 units)
McLean has yet to disappoint for the Mets this season (knock on wood) and the Mets have a much greater desire to win this game. The Cubs have a 40-43 record against teams better than .500 this season and Imanaga has struggled a bit during this month. The Cubs essentially have the top wild card spot locked up, so their main focus should be health more than anything else. I wouldn't be shocked if some of the starters are rested to ensure they stay healthy. The Mets still have a talented lineup and they should be able to ride the momentum of their comeback win on Tuesday.
Over/Under Pick for Mets vs. Cubs
- Under
These two pitchers are great when they are at their best. McLean has yet to give up more than two runs in a start this season and Imanaga will want to build off something positive as the Cubs head into the playoffs. The intensity will be apparent as the Mets are fighting to get into the playoffs, and this will represent bragging rights for a possible playoff matchup. Chicago's bullpen should be much better than what they displayed on Tuesday and the Cubs have hit the under more than the over this season.
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