The Chicago Cubs and the Arizona Diamondbacks wrap up their season-opening four-game series on March 30, 2025, at Chase Field in Phoenix, and both teams have already demonstrated the competitive energy that will define their 2025 campaigns. The Cubs, now under the full-time direction of manager Craig Counsell, have arrived in 2025 with clear playoff aspirations after finishing 83-79 in consecutive seasons. After falling just short of the postseason last year, Chicago spent the offseason retooling their roster with the goal of adding offensive firepower and rotational depth. Their opponent, the Diamondbacks, also narrowly missed the playoffs in 2024 and return this season with most of their core intact, but with the key addition of ace pitcher Corbin Burnes (though not scheduled to pitch in this series). Sunday’s finale is about more than winning the series—it’s about laying down an early marker in a National League that’s expected to be tightly contested from top to bottom. The Cubs’ front office made headlines during the offseason by pulling off a blockbuster trade to acquire Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros, immediately slotting him into right field and the middle of the batting order. A proven power hitter and All-Star talent, Tucker’s presence upgrades a Cubs offense that at times lacked punch in 2024. Supporting Tucker are established bats like Seiya Suzuki and Nico Hoerner, while the emergence of catcher Miguel Amaya has been a pleasant surprise. Since July of last year, Amaya has batted .287 with an .815 OPS, displaying a solid blend of contact and power while managing a young pitching staff. On the mound, Chicago counters with a rotation that includes Shōta Imanaga, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, and veteran Matthew Boyd. While Sunday’s starter hadn’t been confirmed, Ben Brown or Jordan Wicks may get the call depending on bullpen usage.

The Cubs’ depth on the mound will be tested, especially in a hitter-friendly ballpark like Chase Field. Arizona, meanwhile, is trying to pick up where they left off during their competitive 2024 campaign. While the Diamondbacks just missed the postseason, their foundation remains strong. Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly front a rotation that has been among the best in the NL in terms of innings and strikeout-to-walk ratio, and with Corbin Burnes eventually joining the staff, expectations are high. Corbin Carroll continues to be a game-changer in the leadoff spot, batting .400 in spring training and bringing elite speed and defense. Ketel Marte, who clubbed 36 home runs last year, remains a force in the heart of the order, particularly against lefties. Eugenio Suárez adds more pop at third base, and rookie outfielder Druw Jones—if called up this season—could add another dimension to the outfield in the months ahead. Historically, the Cubs have struggled in Arizona, especially in the middle games of the series, but they’ve fared better in series finales. Both teams have split the first few games of this series with closely contested matchups, highlighting how evenly matched they are. With playoff races often decided by single games, every early-season win counts, particularly head-to-head battles between potential Wild Card rivals. Sunday’s game is expected to be tight, possibly hinging on bullpen performance in the late innings. Chicago’s reliable closer Adbert Alzolay and Arizona’s Paul Sewald will likely be key in securing a series-deciding win. With big bats and deeper rotations on both sides, this matchup could prove to be an NL playoff preview in the making.