Chicago Cubs

Wrigley’s Legacy and a New Era

The Chicago Cubs are one of Major League Baseball’s most beloved and historic franchises. Founded in 1876, the Cubs are a charter member of the National League and play home games at the iconic Wrigley Field. With ivy-covered outfield walls and a loyal fan base, Wrigley is a landmark for the sport.

The Ricketts family owns the franchise, having purchased the team in 2009. Jed Hoyer serves as President of Baseball Operations, and Carter Hawkins is the General Manager. Craig Counsell was named manager in 2024, joining the team from the division rival Milwaukee Brewers. His arrival signaled a serious push toward returning to postseason relevance.

Cubs fans have long considered the St. Louis Cardinals their primary rival. These matchups are among the most intense in MLB and often dominate discussions in MLB betting. The heated atmosphere, history, and divisional implications make Cubs-Cardinals games a frequent highlight in MLB Lines each season.

Historic Highs and Heartbreaking Lows

Few franchises carry a history as dramatic as the Cubs. Their infamous 108-year World Series drought ended in 2016 when they defeated the Cleveland Guardians in a seven-game thriller. That team, managed by Joe Maddon and powered by stars like Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Jon Lester, became legendary.

The Cubs’ early 20th-century teams also found success, winning back-to-back titles in 1907 and 1908. Hall of Famers like Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Ron Santo, and Ryne Sandberg have defined decades of Cubs baseball.

The franchise is renowned for its enduring fan loyalty, despite decades of struggle. The “Lovable Losers” moniker once reflected heartbreak, but now it represents resilience and pride in the team’s renewed identity.

Present Day Stars and Key Contributors

The 2025 Cubs are built on a mix of homegrown players and strategic acquisitions. Dansby Swanson leads the infield with elite defense and steady offense. The former All-Star shortstop hit .254 with 22 home runs in 2024.

Seiya Suzuki emerged as a cornerstone outfielder. He hit .284 with 26 home runs and 87 RBIs last season. His disciplined approach and gap power are valuable in middle-order situations. Ian Happ remains a versatile outfield bat and a strong clubhouse presence.

Christopher Morel brings excitement with his power-speed combination. He hit 23 home runs and stole 17 bases in 2024. Nico Hoerner offers contact hitting and defensive range at second base.

In the rotation, Justin Steele stands as the ace. He posted a 3.18 ERA over 175 innings in 2024. Jameson Taillon provides innings and experience, while recent additions add depth.

Adbert Alzolay anchors the bullpen. He recorded 26 saves in 2024 and showcased a 2.73 ERA. Key setup arms include Julian Merryweather and Mark Leiter Jr., giving the Cubs solid leverage options.

These players are frequently discussed in MLB odds, especially in player props and matchup-specific bets. Their consistency and matchups impact totals and spreads across the league.

2024 Season Recap: Close, But Just Short

Chicago ended the 2024 campaign with an 83–79 record, finishing second in the NL Central. They narrowly missed the playoffs, falling short in the final week. Their run differential was +29, indicating more quality than their record suggested.

Offensively, the Cubs scored 775 runs, ranking ninth in the National League. They hit 192 home runs and stole 102 bases, demonstrating a well-rounded approach to the game. Suzuki, Morel, and Hoerner all posted OBPs over .340.

Pitching was mainly reliable. Steele’s 3.18 ERA led starters, and the staff struck out 1,389 batters. However, inconsistency in the back-end rotation and late-inning bullpen lapses cost the Cubs several close games.

Their defense ranked among the top five in fielding percentage (.988), with Swanson and Hoerner excelling up the middle. Wrigley Field attendance averaged over 35,000, reflecting fan optimism and engagement.

From an MLB betting perspective, the Cubs were a solid play as home underdogs. Their ability to outperform MLB Lines at Wrigley gave bettors profitable spots, especially against top-tier teams.

2025–2026 Preview: Playoffs or Bust

The Cubs enter 2025 with clear expectations for the postseason. The addition of manager Craig Counsell aims to maximize efficiency in close games. His track record with Milwaukee proved his ability to guide underdog teams to overachievement.

Offseason acquisitions included a mid-rotation starter and left-handed reliever. These moves aimed to improve late-season durability and matchups against lefty-heavy lineups. Prospect Cade Horton may debut this year and is viewed as a potential midseason difference-maker.

The lineup should see more production from Swanson and Suzuki, while young bats like Pete Crow-Armstrong may also emerge. If Happ and Morel remain healthy, this offense can sustain a top-ten run rate.

Pitching depth is improved. Taillon, Steele, and the back-end now benefit from better health management and matchup planning. The bullpen could become elite if Alzolay stays consistent and Merryweather repeats his 2024 strikeout rate.

For those tracking MLB Odds, the Cubs are expected to contend for a Wild Card. Their early-season schedule includes winnable series that may allow bettors to capitalize before the market adjusts.

Culture, Leadership, and Wrigley Factor

The Cubs’ leadership under Jed Hoyer focuses on sustainability. They blend analytics with scouting and prioritize versatile athletes. The Wrigley Field factor also influences in-game strategy due to unpredictable wind and park dimensions.

Counsell emphasizes fundamentals, base running, and bullpen sequencing. His postseason experience adds gravitas to a roster on the brink of playoff contention.

Fan support remains unwavering. Wrigley Field is often sold out, and local media keep the team under constant scrutiny. This pressure shapes how the Cubs approach roster management, trade deadlines, and lineup consistency.

From a betting angle, Wrigley’s day-game schedule and weather sensitivity frequently impact over/under totals. MLB betting experts closely monitor wind direction for totals markets, especially in April and May.

Back on Track in the North Side

The Chicago Cubs are not rebuilding—they’re retooling with purpose. Their farm system is strong, the core is intact, and the manager is elite. With smart roster moves and internal growth, they are poised to challenge for the October title.

They are one of the more balanced teams in the NL. Bettors interested in MLB Odds should note that the Cubs offer favorable value, especially in the divisional series.

Their performance will hinge on staying healthy, executing in high-leverage spots, and winning against playoff-caliber opponents. But the pieces are in place.

Chicago’s North Side franchise is ready for its next great run. And in the world of MLB Lines, they remain a team with sharp upside and historical heart.