New York Mets vs. Chicago Cubs Picks and Prediction for Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Our Mets vs. Cubs prediction sees the New York Mets (80-76) getting ready to take on the Chicago Cubs (88-68) in National League action at Wrigley Field on Tuesday evening in the opening game of a three-game series. Both teams were off on Monday, so they are entering this game well-rested. Left-hander David Peterson gets the start for the Mets while rookie righty Cade Horton pitches for the Cubs. Cover the diamond — MLB picks for New York Mets vs. Chicago Cubs in a fast read.
Mets Trying to Make the Playoffs
The New York Mets are looking to bounce back after their 3-2 home loss on Sunday against the Washington Nationals to close out their series. The lineup was able to go 8-for-33 with two walks and seven strikeouts as Francisco Lindor hit a home run. New York was 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position and stranded six men on base. Sean Manaea struggled in the loss as he pitched three innings and allowed three runs.
Southpaw David Peterson is getting the start for the New York Mets and has only made 29 starts this season. He is 9-6 with a 3.98 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP in 167.1 innings of work. He has been keeping the ball in the park as he allowed 11 after giving up eight in 121.0 innings of work. Peterson last faced the Cubs once in 2023, as he did not factor into the decision, as he pitched 3.2 innings and allowed two runs on four hits with two walks and five strikeouts.
Injury Report for New York
- Pitcher Reed Garrett: Elbow (OUT)
- Left fielder Jesse Winker: Back (OUT)
- Center fielder Tyrone Taylor: Hamstring (OUT)
- Pitcher Frankie Montas: Elbow (OUT)
- Pitcher Max Kranick: Elbow (OUT)
- Pitcher Dedniel Nunez: Elbow (OUT)
- Pitcher Tylor Megill: Elbow (OUT)
- Pitcher Griffin Cannnig: Achilles (OUT)
- Pitcher Danny Young: Elbow (OUT)
- Pitcher AJ Minter: Lat (OUT)
- Pitcher Christian Scott: Elbow (OUT)
- Third baseman Nick Madrigal: Shoulder (OUT)
- Pitcher Drew Smith: Elbow (OUT)
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Cubs Looking to Lock Up Top NL Wild Card Seed
The Chicago Cubs are coming off a 1-0 road loss on Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds last time out. The team was limited offensively as they were able to go 6-for-33 with three walks and six strikeouts as a whole, with Dansby Swanson stealing a base. Chicago was 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and left nine men on base. Jameson Taillon pitched well in a loss as he allowed one run over seven innings.
The Cubs are going to be sending rookie right-hander Cade Horton to the mound, and he is currently 11-4 with a 2.66 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP in 115.0 innings. He has been able to limit the amount of hits against him as he has a .220 batting average against. Horton faced the Mets once this season in a win out of the bullpen as he gave up three runs on four hits with one hit by pitch, zero walks, and five strikeouts.
Injury Report for Chicago
- Right fielder Owen Caissie: Concussion (OUT)
- Right fielder Kyle Tucker: Calf (OUT)
- Pitcher Daniel Palencia: Shoulder (OUT)
- Pitcher Ryan Braiser: Groin (OUT)
- Catcher Miguel Amaya: Ankle (OUT)
- Pitcher Justin Steele: Elbow (OUT)
New York Mets vs. Chicago Cubs Pick
Spread Pick for Mets vs. Cubs
- Chicago Cubs ML (5 units)
The Mets have been brutal as since June 13, they are 35-52 overall. When looking at the last seven starts, these pitchers are on opposite sides of the spectrum as David Peterson is 2-1 with a 7.86 ERA and a 1.75 WHIP in 34.1 innings, while Cade Horton is 5-1 with a 1.51 ERA and a 0.81 WHIP in 35.2 innings in that span. These bullpens are limiting the amount of runs allowed as the Mets are 14th in the sport with a 3.98 reliever ERA while the Cubs are 12th with a 3.80 bullpen ERA up to this point. All in all, go with the Chicago Cubs to secure the win to open the series.
Over/Under Pick for Mets vs. Cubs
- Over (5 units)
These offenses in the last seven days have been excellent offensively as New York is fifth with a .840 team OPS while scoring 5.83 runs per game, while Chicago is tied with the San Diego Padres for 16th with a .699 team OPS while averaging 3.17 runs per game in that stretch. Hitting with runners in scoring position this season shows the ability to dominate as the Mets are third in baseball with a .801 team OPS with runners in scoring position, while the Cubs are eighth with a .773 team OPS in those at-bats. Go with the over as the better bet for this game as well.
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