Mets and Cubs Face Off in Decisive Playoff Push Game

CHICAGO, Illinois — The New York Mets will fight to keep their playoff hopes alive as they face the Chicago Cubs in a crucial game on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Wrigley Field.

This game is the final contest of a three-game series, with the teams tied 1-1 after the Cubs defeated the Mets 10-3 on September 24. First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. ET.

Fans can watch the game on SNY in New York and on Marquee Sports in Chicago. Out-of-market viewers can tune in on MLB Network or MLB.TV.

The Mets enter the matchup with an overall record of 81-77, sitting second in the National League East, while the Cubs are 89-69, in second place in the National League Central.

In a preview of the game, Mets pitcher Nolan McLean (4-1, 1.27 ERA) is expected to take the mound against Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga (9-7, 3.37 ERA).

The Mets are narrowly favored to win with odds of -112, according to DraftKings. The over/under for the game is set at 7.5 runs.

The Cubs solidified their position in the playoff race, holding a 2.5-game lead for the first NL wild card spot over the San Diego Padres. The Mets, however, are clinging to the final wild card position, just one game ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Cincinnati Reds.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell is optimistic about the performance of reliever Daniel Palencia, who returned from the injured list and pitched two outs in a recent game. “It was really good to get Daniel back and he looked good,” Counsell said. “We’ll get him out there as soon as we can for the next one.”

Both teams are eager to secure a win and gain momentum as the regular season draws to a close.