The Chicago Cubs are gearing up for another exciting year of Major League Baseball in 2025. With a new season comes renewed hope, thrilling rivalries, and the promise of unforgettable moments on the diamond. Whether you’re a long-time Cubs fan or a casual follower of American baseball in the UK, the 2025 Cubs schedule offers plenty to look forward to.
The Cubs, one of MLB’s most storied franchises, will open their 2025 campaign with high expectations after a mixed 2024 season. Let’s break down their key fixtures, opponents, and what the season ahead might mean for the North Side faithful.
Opening Day and Early Season Matchups
The 2025 MLB season officially kicks off on 27 March 2025, and the Chicago Cubs will start their campaign on the road against the Atlanta Braves, one of the league’s top contenders. This opening clash sets a high bar, with both teams looking to make an early statement.
The Cubs’ home opener at Wrigley Field is scheduled for 3 April 2025, when they face the Pittsburgh Pirates. The return to Wrigley always marks a festive occasion for fans, as the friendly confines come alive with optimism and the buzz of a new season.
April also includes several marquee matchups, including series against the Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals, two teams that have long defined the Cubs’ biggest rivalries.
Rivalries That Define the Cubs’ Season
Few rivalries in baseball carry as much emotion as Cubs vs Cardinals. The two sides will meet a total of 13 times across the 2025 season, with key games scheduled in May, July, and September.
Their meetings are often intense, with every game feeling like a playoff clash. The Cardinals have dominated recent matchups, but the Cubs will be eager to reclaim their edge, especially with home advantage at Wrigley.
Another must-watch series is against the Milwaukee Brewers, who continue to challenge the Cubs in the National League Central standings. These fixtures could prove decisive in shaping the division by midseason.
Interleague Play: Cubs Take on the American League
In 2025, the Cubs will once again face American League teams as part of MLB’s balanced schedule. This means fans will see matchups that don’t often happen, such as clashes with the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Houston Astros.
These interleague series are always special, bringing a unique blend of styles and star power to the field. The Cubs’ trip to Yankee Stadium in June 2025 is already generating buzz, promising to be one of the highlights of the season.
It’s also worth noting that MLB continues to expand its global reach. After the success of the London Series in recent years, UK fans have grown increasingly invested in following MLB fixtures. Though the Cubs aren’t part of the London Series 2025, their schedule aligns well with prime-time UK viewing hours for several weekend games.
Summer Stretch: The Road Ahead
The midseason period, particularly June to August, will test the Cubs’ consistency. During this stretch, they’ll face a challenging run of away series, including tough trips to San Diego, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles.
The All-Star break in mid-July offers a brief respite. If the Cubs can maintain form heading into that period, they could position themselves as genuine contenders in the National League.
Young stars such as Pete Crow-Armstrong and Christopher Morel are expected to play key roles, while veteran leadership from Dansby Swanson and Ian Happ remains vital.
September: The Push for the Playoffs
As always, September could define the Cubs’ season. The final month features several crucial division matchups, including a potentially decisive series against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium and a season-ending set against the Cincinnati Reds.
If the Cubs remain within reach of the top spot in the NL Central, these games could determine their playoff destiny. After narrowly missing out on postseason baseball in 2024, the team will be eager to make amends.
Manager Craig Counsell, entering his second full season with the Cubs, has emphasised the importance of consistency and adaptability. His focus on player development and rotation depth could be the difference between a wildcard spot and another missed opportunity.
Key Players to Watch in 2025
The Cubs’ 2025 roster blends youth with experience, creating an exciting mix of talent. Seiya Suzuki is expected to continue his impressive form, while Justin Steele anchors the pitching rotation with the reliability that made him a Cy Young contender in 2024.
Fans are also keeping a close eye on the progression of Cade Horton, one of the most promising young pitchers in the system. His potential debut could be a turning point for the Cubs’ rotation later in the season.
Offensively, the Cubs will rely on contact hitting and defensive solidity rather than pure power. With Counsell’s strategic approach, expect the team to grind out close games — a trademark of his managerial style from his time with Milwaukee.
MLB’s Growing UK Audience
The Cubs’ schedule doesn’t just excite fans in Chicago — it has also caught the attention of UK baseball enthusiasts. MLB’s continued investment in broadcasting rights, merchandise, and live events in Britain has expanded the sport’s footprint.
The London Series and increased coverage on BT Sport and Apple TV+ have given UK fans easier access to live games. More people are following American baseball than ever before, and teams like the Cubs, Yankees, and Dodgers have become familiar names across the UK sports landscape.
The crossover of fan cultures between British and American sports is growing. Just as fans follow football transfers and boxing events — such as the upcoming bout covered in Roman Fury’s latest update — MLB’s structured drama over a long season appeals to those who enjoy tactical narratives and rivalries.
Wrigley Field: A Summer Destination
For fans planning a trip to the United States, Wrigley Field remains one of baseball’s crown jewels. The historic ballpark offers a unique atmosphere that blends nostalgia with modern comfort.
The Cubs’ 2025 home schedule features several weekend series, making it ideal for international visitors. The mix of summer baseball, music events, and Chicago’s vibrant city life ensures that Wrigley remains a global sports destination.
It’s a cultural experience as much as a sporting one — something that resonates with UK travellers who’ve embraced other international stars and events, such as Katie Boulter’s tennis career and Diletta Leotta’s sports broadcasting journey.
The Cubs’ Long-Term Outlook
While 2025 promises excitement, the Cubs’ ambitions stretch beyond a single season. Their farm system ranks among MLB’s top ten, and their management has shown commitment to long-term success rather than short-term gambles.
Expect the Cubs to continue developing homegrown talent while targeting smart free-agent signings. This strategy has already paid dividends in creating a balanced roster with depth across key positions.
The front office’s focus remains clear: build sustainably, compete annually, and restore Wrigley Field’s postseason magic.
Expert Insights and Fan Reactions
Baseball analysts in both the US and UK have noted the Cubs’ steady progress under Counsell. According to data from Baseball Reference, the Cubs improved their run differential and defensive metrics in 2024, despite missing the playoffs by a narrow margin.
Fan communities, particularly those on social platforms in the UK, are optimistic about the 2025 campaign. Many see parallels between the Cubs’ development and the kind of structured rebuilds familiar to football fans, such as Manchester United’s youth-driven resurgence covered in Harry Amass’s profile.
The sense of cautious optimism is widespread — a belief that the Cubs are close to turning potential into performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When does the Chicago Cubs 2025 season start?
The Cubs begin their 2025 MLB season on 27 March 2025 against the Atlanta Braves.
2. Who are the Cubs’ biggest rivals in 2025?
The Cubs’ most intense rivalries are with the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers.
3. When is the Cubs’ home opener?
Their home opener at Wrigley Field takes place on 3 April 2025 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
4. Will any Cubs games be played in the UK?
No Cubs games are part of the London Series 2025, but UK fans can watch live broadcasts via MLB’s official channels.
5. Who are the players to watch this season?
Expect strong performances from Seiya Suzuki, Justin Steele, and Pete Crow-Armstrong, alongside emerging prospects.
Final Thoughts
The Cubs’ 2025 schedule promises drama, competition, and moments that will define their pursuit of playoff glory. Whether they can convert potential into results remains to be seen, but the excitement around the new season is unmistakable.
As MLB continues to win new fans across the UK, the Chicago Cubs stand as a symbol of tradition, resilience, and hope — values that resonate beyond baseball. For UK followers of global sports stories — from Sophie Habboo’s recent announcement to rising stars across disciplines — the Cubs’ 2025 journey is one worth watching closely.
