The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds close out their three-game series on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at Great American Ball Park in what shapes up to be a crucial divisional matchup for both clubs. The Cubs enter the finale with a 30–20 record, sitting atop the NL Central and looking to further distance themselves from the rest of the pack, while the Reds stand at 25–26, seeking to climb back to .500 and stay within striking distance. Chicago has been one of the most balanced and quietly dangerous teams in baseball this season, combining a consistent offense with dependable defense and pitching, particularly in matchups against divisional rivals. Sunday’s starter, Ben Brown, comes in with a 3–3 record and a 5.44 ERA, aiming to rebound after a stretch of uneven performances. Though Brown has been hit-or-miss, the Cubs have countered that volatility with a lineup that has torched left-handed pitching, holding an .827 OPS against southpaws—a stat that bodes well as they face Reds lefty Nick Lodolo (4–4, 3.22 ERA). Chicago’s offensive depth has been further boosted by the return of top prospect Matt Shaw, who rejoined the club after a short stint in Triple-A where he retooled his swing and now brings added versatility to the infield and lineup. Kyle Tucker continues to provide pop in the middle of the order, while Nico Hoerner, Seiya Suzuki, and Michael Busch round out a productive and well-disciplined lineup.

The Cubs have also been reliable defensively and effective on the basepaths, making them a complete team even when the power isn’t fully on display. The Reds, meanwhile, continue to battle through injury and inconsistency. Their pitching staff ranks third in the league in fWAR, led by strong performances from Lodolo and others in the rotation, but the offense hasn’t been able to support them consistently. Cincinnati has been shut out eight times this season and has scored one or fewer runs in 14 games—stark reminders of the team’s offensive volatility. The Reds’ lineup features Elly De La Cruz, one of the most dynamic young players in the league with his speed and power, but without key contributors like Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Jeimer Candelario—both sidelined due to injury—opposing pitchers have been able to pitch around him. The Reds’ defense has been solid, but their situational hitting remains a problem, particularly against well-rounded teams like the Cubs. Cincinnati has also struggled ATS lately, going just 2–4 in their last six games, while the Cubs have covered the run line in eight of their last ten road games against NL Central opponents. With Chicago favored on the moneyline at -120 and the over/under set at 9 runs, oddsmakers expect a competitive game that could tilt on a few key swings. For the Cubs, this is an opportunity to finish the series strong and maintain control of the division, while for the Reds, it’s a must-win to keep their season from slipping further into mediocrity. Both teams will lean heavily on their starters and timely hitting, but the Cubs’ overall depth and edge against left-handed pitching make them the more complete team heading into the finale.