MLB Game Preview: Chicago Cubs (54-37) vs. Minnesota Twins (44-47)

Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Venue: Target Field, Minneapolis, MN
First Pitch: 7:40 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Marquee Sports Network, Bally Sports North, MLB.TV

Team Overview & Recent Form

Team	Record	Last 5 Games	Road/Home Split
Chicago Cubs	54–37	W-W-W-L-L	24–21 (Road)
Minnesota Twins	44–47	W-W-L-W-W	25–18 (Home)

• Twins lead the series 1–0 after an 8–1 win in the opener.
• Cubs are looking to bounce back after a sluggish offensive showing and end their brief losing skid.

Pitching Matchup

Pitcher	Team	Record	ERA	WHIP	Notes
Cade Horton	Cubs	3–2	4.15	1.38	Rookie with 6.08 road ERA; 7 scoreless IP in last start
David Festa	Twins	2–3	5.48	1.36	Struggled with consistency; 5.75 runs/game support over last 4 starts

Both starters have shown flashes but are vulnerable to power-hitting lineups. Expect early offense.

Key Players to Watch

Chicago Cubs

• Pete Crow-Armstrong: 23 HR, 67 RBI, .269 AVG; elite slugger and defensive asset
• Michael Busch: 5 HR in last 10 games; 16-for-34 (.471) during that stretch
• Kyle Tucker: 17 HR, 58 RBI; .930 OPS vs. righties over past 3 seasons

Minnesota Twins

• Byron Buxton: 20 HR, 53 RBI, .270 AVG; team leader in power and clutch hitting
• Trevor Larnach: .353 AVG over last 5 games; 15 doubles, 12 HR on the season
• Ryan Jeffers: .400 AVG in last 5 games; 16 doubles, 7 HR

Statistical Comparison

Category	Cubs	Twins
Team ERA	3.83 (7th NL)	4.15
Batting Average	.267 (last 10)	.214 (last 10)
Home Runs	121	102
Bullpen ERA	3.68	3.62
Run Differential	+19 (last 10)	-2 (last 10)

Chicago holds the edge in offensive efficiency and pitching depth, but Minnesota’s home-field advantage and recent momentum could level the field.

Expect a high-scoring affair with both teams capable of explosive innings. Horton’s road struggles and Festa’s inconsistency suggest early fireworks. The Cubs’ lineup is deeper, but Minnesota’s recent form and Buxton’s leadership give them a slight edge.