On Wednesday, the Chicago Cubs smacked down the New York Mets by a score of 10-3, and have a one-game lead for the final Wild Card spot in the NL. Before the Mets close out their season with a three-game series against the Marlins, they will try to take down the toasty North Siders.
This contest offers an intriguing starting pitching matchup, with 24-year-old Met Nolan McLean facing the Cubs' 32-year-old vet, Shota Imanaga. Let’s break down what these two starters could mean for our Mets vs. Cubs picks on PrizePicks.
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Mets vs. Cubs Prediction, Preview for 9/25/25
The Cubs have already secured a playoff spot and will likely be the top Wild Card team in the National League, while the Mets are trying to hold off the Diamondbacks and the Reds, who will both be playing home games Thursday.
Mets
The Amazin's are 5-5 over their last 10 games. They are a sparkling 49-32 at home this season, but just 32-45 on the road. One of the main reasons for their struggles is that their pitching staff has a 1.41 WHIP outside of Queens, compared to a 1.26 WHIP at Citi Field.
Cubs
The Cubs are 47-30 at Wrigley Field and are one victory away from reaching 90 dubs. They have scored a total of 17 runs in this series, but despite their success at the plate against the Mets, they have a .730 OPS at home this season, compared to a .761 OPS on the road.
Mets OF Juan Soto vs. Cubs Projection: 6.5 Hitter Fantasy Score
- In his first season with the Mets, Soto has already reached career-highs in home runs (43) and stolen bases (36). This is also his third straight season with at least 105 RBIs.
- The slugger is 11-for-31 (.355) with a .444 OBP, 3 home runs, 7 RBIs, and 5 runs scored during his current eight-game hitting streak.
- After posting a 19.7% barrel rate and a 56.8% hard-hit rate last season, Soto has an 18.1% barrel rate and a 55.3% hard-hit rate this year.
- While the Mets have struggled to win games on the road, it’s not because of Soto. He has a .408 wOBA and a .279 ISO away from NYC.
Mets SS Francisco Lindor vs. Cubs Projection: 1.5 Hits+Runs+RBIs
- Lindor needs 1 more home run to reach at least 30 dingers and 30 swipes for the second time in the last three seasons.
- As the Mets make a push for a playoff spot, Lindor is 15-for-48 (.313) with a .400 OBP, 3 home runs, 6 RBIs, and 14 runs scored over his last 12 games.
- The star shortstop does a good job of making contact, posting an 18.0% strikeout rate this season. For his career, he has a 16.4% strikeout rate.
- Imanaga has given up at least 1 home run in each of his last eight starts. That has been an area of concern for him, as he has given up 1.9 HR/9 for the season.
Mets SP Nolan McLean vs. Cubs Projection: 5 Strikeouts
- McLean posted a 27.8% strikeout rate at Double-A and a 27.0% strikeout rate at Triple-A this year.
- Across seven starts with the Mets, he has a 27.9% strikeout rate, with at least 6 strikeouts in six of those outings.
- The young right-hander has a whiff rate of at least 40.0% on both his curveball and his four-seam fastball.
- The Mets have not been limiting their former third-round pick, allowing him to throw at least 90 pitches in each of his major league starts.
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With only four days left in the regular season, the Mets are trying to punch their postseason ticket. Standing in their way Thursday will be the Cubs, who have already clinched a playoff spot. Lindor and Soto will try to be productive against the homer-prone Imanaga, while the Mets will be relying on another strong outing from McLean on the mound.
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