The Chicago Cubs arrive in Phoenix to face the Arizona Diamondbacks on Opening Day with renewed determination following a rollercoaster 2024 season that ended at 83-79 and just shy of the postseason. The early disappointment in Tokyo, where they dropped both games of the international series to the Los Angeles Dodgers, has only sharpened the focus of a team that believes it has the pieces to be a playoff contender in 2025. Despite facing questions about injuries, including the uncertain status of second baseman Nico Hoerner after offseason surgery, the Cubs bring a balanced, veteran-infused roster anchored by developing stars and newly added depth. Left-handed starter Justin Steele gets the nod for Opening Day and is coming off back-to-back seasons with sub-3.20 ERAs and exceptional control, emerging as the true ace of the staff with his ability to neutralize lefties and pitch deep into games. Steele will need to be at his best against a Diamondbacks lineup filled with speed and power, and he’ll rely on the defensive prowess of Gold Glove shortstop Dansby Swanson and slick-fielding third baseman Nick Madrigal.

Offensively, the Cubs are led by Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, and Cody Bellinger, the latter returning on a restructured deal after posting 26 home runs and 97 RBIs in 2024 while splitting time between center field and first base. The addition of veteran utilityman Garrett Cooper and former top prospect Michael Busch provides much-needed pop in the corners, while Christopher Morel remains a dynamic presence who can play multiple positions and serve as an X-factor at the plate with his aggressive approach and 25-homer upside. Behind the dish, Miguel Amaya and Yan Gomes form a capable catching tandem, bringing strong defensive skills and leadership to guide a rotation that also includes Jameson Taillon, Jordan Wicks, and a soon-to-return Marcus Stroman. The bullpen, while shaky in stretches last season, has been fortified with the return of Adbert Alzolay in the closer role and the additions of Yency Almonte and Julian Merryweather to handle high-leverage innings. Manager Craig Counsell, in his first full season with the Cubs after being lured away from Milwaukee, is widely regarded as one of the sharpest minds in the game and is expected to bring a new level of tactical awareness and player development focus that this team has often lacked in recent years. With a lineup that can manufacture runs, a defense capable of preventing them, and a pitching staff anchored by one of the best lefties in the league, the Cubs are positioned to contend—but must prove they can do it on the road and in tight games. Opening against the Diamondbacks will be no easy task, especially at Chase Field, where Arizona posted one of the best home records in 2024, but if the Cubs can strike early with Steele setting the tone and the bats finding holes against Zac Gallen, they have a real opportunity to notch a statement win and build early momentum in a tightly contested National League.