The upcoming game between the Chicago Cubs and the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 29, 2025, at Chase Field, presents an intriguing contest between two teams with postseason aspirations. Both organizations have made significant offseason moves to bolster their rosters, setting the stage for a competitive series. The Cubs enter this matchup with a revamped lineup featuring key additions aimed at enhancing both their offensive and defensive capabilities. The departure of Cody Bellinger in the offseason raised concerns among fans, but the front office addressed these by strengthening the bullpen and adding depth to the rotation. Players like Kyle Tucker, Miguel Amaya, and Pete Crow-Armstrong are expected to make significant contributions this season. The starting rotation, featuring Shōta Imanaga, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, and Ben Brown, is anticipated to perform well. The Cubs’ bullpen, which was a major issue in 2024, has seen improvements and is expected to be more reliable this season. With the National League Central division appearing relatively weakened, the Cubs are poised for a potential 90-win season, aiming for a postseason run. On the other side, the Diamondbacks are determined to return to the postseason after narrowly missing out in 2024. Their offseason was highlighted by the acquisition of ace right-hander Corbin Burnes, who signed a significant $210 million contract to lead the rotation alongside Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. Offensively, the Diamondbacks are banking on the continued development of young outfielder Corbin Carroll, who had a promising rookie season, and the consistent performance of veterans like Ketel Marte and Eugenio Suárez.

The team aims to capitalize on their home-field advantage at Chase Field, where they have historically performed well against the Cubs. The pitching matchup for this game features Cubs’ left-hander Shōta Imanaga making his season debut against Diamondbacks’ right-hander Brandon Pfaadt. Imanaga, a highly touted acquisition from Japan, brings a diverse pitch arsenal and is expected to play a pivotal role in the Cubs’ rotation. Pfaadt, on the other hand, is looking to build upon his experiences from the previous season and establish himself as a reliable starter for Arizona. Defensively, both teams have made adjustments to enhance their fielding efficiency. The Cubs’ infield defense is bolstered by the presence of Nico Hoerner at second base, although he is currently recovering from forearm surgery and is expected to miss the early part of the season. In his absence, players like Jon Berti or Vidal Brujan may fill in. The outfield defense is strengthened by the addition of Pete Crow-Armstrong, known for his exceptional range and glove work. The Diamondbacks counter with a solid defensive lineup featuring Marte’s versatility and Carroll’s speed in the outfield, aiming to limit the Cubs’ offensive opportunities. In terms of betting trends, the Diamondbacks have a slight historical edge over the Cubs, winning six of their last ten meetings. Additionally, seven of those ten games have gone under the projected total, indicating a tendency towards lower-scoring affairs when these teams clash. Bettors may consider these trends when evaluating over/under wagers for this matchup. Overall, this game promises to be a closely contested battle between two teams eager to assert themselves early in the season. Fans can anticipate a blend of strategic pitching, dynamic offense, and solid defense as the Cubs and Diamondbacks vie for supremacy in this pivotal early-season matchup.