The August 31, 2025 matchup at Coors Field between the Chicago Cubs and the Colorado Rockies highlights two teams living vastly different realities, with the Cubs entering at approximately 77–58 and firmly entrenched in the National League playoff chase while the Rockies sit near the bottom of the league at around 38–96, playing only for pride and development as their season winds down. For Chicago, this series finale is about maintaining momentum in a crowded NL Wild Card and possibly pushing for a divisional surge, as their mix of veteran experience and youthful contributions has kept them steady despite setbacks earlier in the year. Their offense has been a key driver, with Riley Greene’s trade addition providing balance alongside consistent bats like Seiya Suzuki, Dansby Swanson, and Christopher Morel, all of whom give manager Craig Counsell versatility in how he constructs his lineups. On the mound, the Cubs will turn to veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd, who has been excellent this season with a 12–7 record and a 2.82 ERA, giving them a reliable arm capable of navigating even the altitude-inflated conditions at Coors Field. His ability to mix pitches and induce weak contact will be particularly important against a Rockies team that, while struggling overall, has occasionally taken advantage of its home park’s hitter-friendly dimensions to manufacture offense. Colorado counters with Tanner Gordon, a rookie making a spot start with a 6.44 ERA, and while the Rockies hope to evaluate his future role in their rotation, he faces a steep challenge against a Cubs lineup that is disciplined, patient, and adept at punishing mistakes.

The Rockies’ offensive production has been among the weakest in baseball, ranking near the bottom of the league in batting average, OPS, and runs scored, though they have seen flashes from young bats like Hunter Goodman, whose power potential provides hope for the future, and Brenton Doyle, who has shown defensive excellence and occasional offensive spark. Defensively, Colorado relies heavily on players like Ezequiel Tovar and Doyle to stabilize a team that has otherwise been plagued by inefficiency and errors, and while their gloves can shine, their pitching staff’s struggles have too often left them with insurmountable deficits. Oddsmakers have the Cubs as –128 favorites with the Rockies listed at +106, a reflection of Chicago’s superiority but also an acknowledgment that Coors Field always brings volatility into the equation, while the run total is set at nine, suggesting that bookmakers expect moderate offense without the kind of slugfest traditionally associated with Denver. For Chicago, the formula for success is simple: score early against Gordon, let Boyd control the pace through the middle innings, and hand the game to a bullpen that has been steady and reliable in high-leverage situations. For Colorado, the upset path involves Gordon limiting damage through five innings, their young bats generating timely hits, and the defense playing flawlessly behind him. While the Rockies’ season has been lost for months, games like this offer their fanbase a chance to glimpse the foundation of a future core, while for the Cubs, the focus remains on building consistency, avoiding letdowns against weaker opponents, and ensuring they carry winning momentum into September’s stretch run.