Game Details:
- Matchup: Seattle Mariners vs. Chicago Cubs
- Date & Time: Sunday, June 22, 2025 | 7:05 PM CT
- Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
- Betting Line: Cubs -1.5 | Over/Under: 8.5
Key Storylines
Mariners Seeking Offensive Rhythm: Seattle has struggled with consistency at the plate this season, currently hovering in the bottom five in team batting average. They’ve leaned heavily on their pitching to stay competitive, but they’ll need more timely hitting if they want to beat a Cubs squad that thrives at home.
Cubs Riding Momentum: Chicago enters Sunday’s game after winning 5 of their last 7, including impressive victories over top-tier teams. Their offense has caught fire lately, averaging 6.2 runs per game during that stretch. Look for the Cubs to exploit Seattle’s inconsistent bullpen late in the game.
Pitching Matchup: The Mariners will send veteran right-hander Logan Gilbert (6-4, 3.42 ERA) to the mound, while the Cubs counter with lefty Justin Steele (5-3, 3.76 ERA). Gilbert has enjoyed success against NL teams, limiting them to a .216 batting average this season. Steele, however, has been lights out at Wrigley, posting a 2.91 ERA in home starts.
Injury Report
Seattle Mariners:
Out: J.P. Crawford (hamstring), Andres Munoz (shoulder), Dylan Moore (wrist)
Questionable: Ty France (back tightness)
Chicago Cubs:
Out: Cody Bellinger (knee), Keegan Thompson (elbow)
Questionable: Christopher Morel (oblique soreness)
Betting Trends
- Mariners are 15-21 on the road this season
- Cubs are 22-15 at home and 9-2 in their last 11 games at Wrigley
- The total has gone under in 9 of the last 12 Mariners games
- The total has gone over in 6 of the last 8 Cubs games
Player Prop to Watch
Julio Rodriguez (Mariners) – Hits + Runs + RBIs: 2.5
Rodriguez has at least 3 combined hits, runs, and RBIs in 4 of his last 6 games. With the Cubs vulnerable to right-handed power, the over could be a smart play here.
Dansby Swanson (Cubs) – Home Runs: 0.5
Swanson is heating up and has homered in two straight. Facing a fly-ball pitcher like Gilbert at Wrigley could be the perfect recipe for another long ball.
Prediction & Best Bets
- Spread: Cubs -1.5 → Chicago has been dominant at home and their offense is in rhythm.
- Total: Under 8.5 → Seattle’s offensive struggles and strong starting pitching should keep this a lower-scoring game.
- Player Prop: Julio Rodriguez Over 2.5 Hits + Runs + RBIs → High usage and potential for big moments in a tight game.
Expect a competitive game where both starting pitchers keep things close early. But the Cubs’ bullpen and home batting advantage could tilt it late in their favor. Seattle needs a bounce-back offensive performance, but with key injuries, they could fall short.
Final Score Prediction: Cubs 5, Mariners 3