The Chicago Cubs enter their three-game series against the newly relocated Oakland Athletics on March 31, 2025, looking to build on a 2024 campaign that fell just short of playoff contention. After finishing last season with a 77-75 record and missing the postseason by a narrow margin, the Cubs spent the offseason focused on improving roster depth, solidifying the rotation, and continuing the development of their young core. Led by manager Craig Counsell in his second year at the helm, the Cubs have positioned themselves as a legitimate contender in the National League Central, hoping to start strong in a season where the margins will again be razor-thin. The series opener against Oakland represents not only a chance to face a rebuilding club but an opportunity to set a winning tone on the road. At the center of the Cubs’ offensive game plan is Ian Happ, who ended 2024 on a high note with multiple clutch performances, including a two-homer game that helped seal a late-season victory. Happ provides switch-hitting power, defensive flexibility in the outfield, and leadership that’s become central to the Cubs’ clubhouse culture. Alongside him, Seiya Suzuki is expected to take on a larger offensive role in 2025 after adjusting to MLB pitching in his first two seasons. Suzuki brings a disciplined approach and doubles power that complements Happ and emerging star Christopher Morel, whose dynamic energy and ability to play multiple positions give the Cubs added flexibility. Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson form one of the most defensively reliable middle infields in baseball. Hoerner’s glove, speed, and ability to make contact at the top of the order are crucial to manufacturing runs, while Swanson adds power and leadership at shortstop. Together, they provide not just defensive stability but consistent at-bats that help lengthen the lineup. Cody Bellinger, re-signed in the offseason, brings elite upside with his left-handed bat and center field defense, giving Chicago a potential MVP-caliber presence if he can maintain health and productivity throughout the season.

The pitching staff is another area where the Cubs have taken significant steps. Justin Steele returns as the ace after posting a sub-3.00 ERA in 2024 and receiving Cy Young consideration. Steele combines excellent command with the ability to induce weak contact, making him a perfect tone-setter for a rotation that also features the newly acquired Shōta Imanaga. Imanaga, signed from Japan during the winter, brings a deceptive arsenal and extensive international experience, and the Cubs are optimistic he’ll adjust quickly to the MLB environment. The rotation depth is rounded out by Kyle Hendricks and Jameson Taillon, providing a mix of veteran presence and innings-eating reliability. In the bullpen, Adbert Alzolay continues to serve as the primary closer after a breakout season in 2024. His increased velocity and sharp slider have made him a dependable option in the ninth inning. Julian Merryweather and Mark Leiter Jr. round out a relief corps that, while not dominant, is capable of handling late-inning leverage situations if managed carefully. The Cubs will be focused on minimizing bullpen fatigue early in the season by getting deeper starts from their top arms. Defensively, Chicago is among the most efficient in baseball, consistently ranking near the top in team fielding percentage and defensive runs saved. Their alignment, communication, and use of analytics in positioning allow them to optimize their run prevention—a crucial asset, especially in low-scoring road games. Counsell has emphasized playing clean baseball, capitalizing on situational hitting, and running the bases aggressively when opportunities arise. As they head to Sacramento for the Athletics’ first home series in a new city, the Cubs recognize the unique atmosphere that awaits them. However, they also understand the importance of maintaining focus and executing their game plan. With a well-rounded roster and the motivation of unfinished business from last season, the Cubs are poised to take care of business and make a strong early push in the National League. A series win on the road would be a meaningful first step in their 2025 playoff pursuit.