The Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs open a highly anticipated three-game series at Wrigley Field on April 18, 2025, in what promises to be a compelling National League showdown between two clubs eyeing early-season positioning in a competitive playoff landscape. The Cubs come into this matchup with a 12–8 record, building off the momentum of a recent series win and thriving under new manager Craig Counsell’s steady leadership. Offensively, Chicago has leaned on Seiya Suzuki, who’s hitting .283 and consistently getting on base to set the table, while Ian Happ has added significant thump in the middle of the lineup with 25 home runs and 86 RBIs. Their lineup has averaged 5.5 runs per game, with strong situational hitting and clutch performances helping to erase early deficits and close out tight contests. The pitching staff has also delivered, with Japanese import Shota Imanaga posting an impressive 2.91 ERA, showcasing command, deception, and a calm presence on the mound that has translated well to the big leagues. Meanwhile, the Arizona Diamondbacks, at 10–7, are quietly building momentum after stringing together a three-game win streak, including a convincing 10–4 victory over the Marlins that highlighted their offensive depth and aggressive base-running. Arizona’s Ketel Marte remains the engine of the offense with a .292 batting average and power to all fields, while veteran Eugenio Suárez has chipped in as a consistent RBI threat, collecting 101 runs batted in. Pitching-wise, Brandon Pfaadt continues to be an important piece of the rotation, with 185 strikeouts despite a 4.71 ERA that points to occasional inconsistency but undeniable strikeout stuff.

Both clubs have been strong against the spread this season, with the Cubs covering in seven of their last ten games and dominating at home with a 6–4 record. Arizona, too, has been solid ATS on the road, going 4–3, and seems to be trending upward offensively. Friday’s matinee tilt at Wrigley Field will serve as both a measuring stick and an opportunity to set the tone for the weekend, especially as both teams are within striking distance of their respective division leaders. The Cubs will look to assert their home-field advantage early, using their blend of contact hitting and patience to wear down Arizona’s starter, while Arizona will look to leverage their athleticism and power to create scoring chances in bunches. The game could very well come down to bullpen reliability, where Chicago’s relief corps has been more dependable in closing out leads, while Arizona’s late-inning arms have shown flashes but haven’t fully established consistency. Defensively, both teams rank in the upper half of the league in fielding percentage, minimizing unforced errors and making the routine plays that preserve tight leads. With solid starting pitching, star-level hitters on both sides, and strategic managers at the helm, this series opener has the makings of a playoff-style chess match—one where the team that executes better with runners in scoring position and avoids the big inning will likely walk away with the win. Fans at Wrigley should expect a high-energy contest filled with timely hits, key defensive stops, and a glimpse at two teams that could be playing meaningful games well into September.