MLB Game Preview: Chicago Cubs (48-33) vs. Houston Astros (48-33)

Match Details

• Fixture: Chicago Cubs vs Houston Astros
• Competition: Major League Baseball – Regular Season
• Date: Friday, June 27, 2025
• First Pitch: 8:10 PM ET / 7:10 PM CT
• Venue: Daikin Park, Houston, TX
• Broadcast: Marquee Sports Network, AT&T SportsNet Southwest, Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)

Match Significance

This Cubs vs Astros MLB 2025 opener features two division leaders with identical records, both looking to gain momentum heading into July. The Cubs are atop the NL Central, while the Astros lead the AL West. With both teams sending young starters to the mound, this game could be a tone-setter for a tightly contested weekend series.

Chicago Cubs – Team Overview

• Record: 48-33 (1st in NL Central)
• Last 10 Games: 5-5
• Manager: Craig Counsell
• Probable Starter: Cade Horton (RHP, 3-1, 3.73 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 31 K)

Strengths

• Top-tier offense: .256 AVG (6th in MLB), .444 SLG (4th), 119 HR (3rd)
• Kyle Tucker leads the team with 16 HR, 49 RBI, and a .287 AVG
• Michael Busch is red-hot: 12-for-37 with 2 HR and 7 RBI in last 10 games

Concerns

• 5.66 team ERA over last 10 games
• Injuries to Miguel Amaya, Javier Assad, and Justin Steele
• Horton allowed 4+ runs in 2 of last 3 starts

Keys to Victory

The Cubs must give Horton early run support and avoid late-inning bullpen collapses. If Tucker and Busch stay hot, Chicago can outslug Houston in a hitter-friendly park.

Houston Astros – Team Overview

• Record: 48-33 (1st in AL West)
• Last 10 Games: 7-3
• Manager: Joe Espada
• Probable Starter: Brandon Walter (LHP, 0-1, 3.80 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 25 K)

Strengths

• Pitching dominance: 3.41 team ERA (2nd in AL)
• .255 team batting average (4th in MLB)
• Mauricio Dubón: 10-for-34 with 4 HR and 6 RBI in last 10 games

Concerns

• Injury list is extensive: Yordan Álvarez, Lance McCullers Jr., Cristian Javier, and more
• Walter allowed 7 ER in his last start vs Angels
• Middle relief has been shaky in high-leverage spots

Keys to Victory

Walter must bounce back and keep the Cubs’ power bats in check. If Isaac Paredes (16 HR) and Dubón can spark the offense, Houston’s bullpen can close it out at home.

Head-to-Head & Betting Insights

• Season Series: First meeting of 2025
• Last Meeting: Cubs swept Astros in 3-game series (April 2024)

Recent Trends

• Cubs: Averaging 5.2 runs/game, but allowing 5.6 over last 10
• Astros: Averaging 4.8 runs/game, 3.23 ERA over last 10
• Over/Under: Cubs games have gone OVER in 6 of last 10

Tactical Insight & Prediction

Expect a high-scoring affair early with both starters looking to rebound. The Cubs’ power advantage and recent success against lefties give them a slight edge, but Houston’s home-field dominance (30-13) and bullpen depth could swing it late.