First pitch is scheduled for 2:20 PM ET (first pitch)
Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL (Cubs home; iconic ivy-covered walls, capacity ~41,600; classic wind-influenced ballpark with downtown skyline views and electric afternoon crowds)
Broadcast: Marquee Sports Network (Cubs regional); WPIX/PIX11 (Mets local); MLB.TV (out-of-market)
Weather Updates
Mostly sunny to partly cloudy with temperatures climbing into the mid-70s°F (forecast highs around 72–77°F by first pitch, feeling comfortable in the low-70s). Light southeast winds at 5–8 mph (minimal impact on fly balls early, though Wrigley winds can shift). Humidity moderate (~60–65%), 0–10% chance of precipitation. Perfect early-season conditions—no rain delays expected, with the breeze potentially playing slightly toward the outfield later. Ideal for hitters and a high-energy afternoon at the Friendly Confines.
This kicks off a three-game weekend series at Wrigley Field. The reeling Mets are on the road looking to snap a lengthy losing skid, while the Cubs return home riding momentum and hot bats after a strong showing against the Phillies.
Team Records (2026 Regular Season)
New York Mets: 7-12 (.368), 5th in NL East. Home: 3-6; Away: 4-6. Run differential negative; offense averaging just 3.5 runs per game amid injuries and inconsistency.
Chicago Cubs: 9-9 (.500), 5th in NL Central. Home: 4-5; Away: 5-4. Run differential positive early; pitching depth and timely hitting keeping them competitive.
Recent Team Forms (Last 5–10 Games + Series Context)
Mets: 1-4 in last 5 (deeper skid of 7–8 losses overall). Swept by the Dodgers (0-4, 1-2, 2-8) and shut out by the Athletics (0-1) on the road trip. Offense has been anemic (scoring 3 runs or fewer in multiple recent games), and the bullpen has been taxed.
Cubs: 4-1 in last 5 (including a 2-1 series win over the Phillies). Explosive offense lately—28 runs scored in their last 3 games, with blowout wins of 10-4 and 11-2. Strong momentum entering the homestand.
Injury Report
New York Mets:
Juan Soto (OF): 10-Day IL – Right calf strain (missed 11+ games; return targeted late April/early May).
Jared Young (OF): 10-Day IL – Left knee meniscus tear.
Jorge Polanco (INF): Day-to-Day – Achilles bursitis (recently out of lineup; questionable for today).
A.J. Minter (RP): 15-Day IL – Lat surgery recovery.
Additional: Nate Lavender (RP) and Brandon Waddell (RP) on 7-Day IL; Joey Gerber (RP) 15-Day IL; Dedniel Núñez (RP) 60-Day IL (Tommy John). Thin lineup and bullpen depth.
Chicago Cubs:
Matthew Boyd (SP): 15-Day IL – Left biceps strain.
Porter Hodge (RP): 15-Day IL – Elbow (post-surgery; out for season in some reports).
Hunter Harvey (RP): 15-Day IL – Right tricep inflammation.
Jordan Wicks (SP): 15-Day IL – Forearm.
Additional: Trent Thornton (RP) 7-Day IL; Jaxon Wiggins (SP) 7-Day IL. Rotation and bullpen tested, but position players mostly healthy.
Key Player Matchups & Probable Pitchers
Pitching Duel:
NYM – Kodai Senga (RHP, 0-2, 7.07 ERA, 1.71 WHIP, 19 K in 14 IP) vs. CHC – Edward Cabrera (RHP, 1-0, 1.62 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 13 K in 16.2 IP)
Senga has struggled early with command and has been tagged hard (7 ER in one recent outing). Cabrera has looked sharp in his first starts, posting a low ERA with solid strikeout stuff. Wrigley’s light winds favor Cabrera’s ability to miss bats while Senga must induce weak contact.
Key Position Player Matchups:
Mets’ depleted outfield (without Soto/Young) vs. Cubs’ strong defense and power (Bregman at 3B, Busch at 1B, Conforto in LF).
Cubs middle-order threats (Hoerner, Kelly, etc.) vs. Senga’s ghost fork when it’s working.
Mets’ Polanco (if active) and remaining bats vs. Cabrera’s fastball/slider mix.
Cubs’ hot lineup (recently averaging 9+ runs/game) gives them a clear edge in the batter’s box.
Series History
2026 Season Series: First meeting (start of 3-game set).
Recent Head-to-Head: Mets have gone 5-2 SU in their last 7 games vs. Cubs (across prior seasons).
All-Time: Cubs hold a slight historical edge overall (~82-75 in ~157 games since 1993), but matchups are usually competitive in the NL.
Betting Trends
Cubs have won 5 of their last ~12 as favorites; strong recent home offense.
Mets are 3-6 SU on the road this season and 1-4 in last 5 overall.
Totals have gone Over in several of Cubs’ recent high-scoring games; Senga’s high ERA supports run potential.
Game Odds
New York Mets 10.5
Chicago Cubs – 156
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 16, 2026
