The Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs renew their heated NL Central rivalry on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Wrigley Field. First pitch is set for 8:05 PM ET in what should be one of the most watched matchups of the night. Both clubs are jostling for playoff positioning — the Brewers as they continue to flex their pitching depth, and the Cubs looking to build on a resurgent season behind a revamped lineup. Expect a tight, hard-fought game that has major division implications.
Team Analysis
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers have built their identity around elite pitching, and that continues to be their formula in 2025. The starting rotation, led by Freddy Peralta and a breakout season from Robert Gasser, has been stingy in limiting damage. The bullpen remains one of the league’s best, with Devin Williams anchoring the ninth. Offensively, Milwaukee still relies heavily on timely hitting rather than power, though top prospects like Jackson Chourio have injected much-needed life into the lineup. The Brewers’ ability to manufacture runs and win close games has kept them in contention.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have been one of the pleasant surprises of the summer, driven by a lineup that blends veteran steadiness with youthful energy. Cody Bellinger and Dansby Swanson remain key run producers, while Christopher Morel has blossomed into a dangerous middle-of-the-order bat. On the mound, the Cubs’ rotation has been inconsistent, but Justin Steele has been a true ace and will likely play a pivotal role in this series. The bullpen has improved, but late-game execution remains a question mark against elite opponents like Milwaukee.
Matchup Outlook
The Brewers’ pitching edge is clear, especially in a series-opening matchup. However, Wrigley Field always plays differently depending on the wind conditions, which could level the playing field if the ball is flying out to the bleachers. The Cubs’ lineup has more power upside, but the Brewers’ arms are more reliable in pressure situations. The series could very well hinge on one or two clutch hits in a tight contest.
Best Bets
- Pick: Milwaukee Brewers ML (+ money value if offered). The pitching depth makes them the sharper side, even on the road.
- Total Pick: Under 8.0 runs. With Steele and Milwaukee’s bullpen, run prevention should dominate unless Wrigley’s conditions favor hitters.
- Player Prop: Cody Bellinger to record 2+ total bases. He’s been locked in at the plate and has solid history against Milwaukee pitching.
👉 My lean is on the Brewers to squeak out a low-scoring win, but the under looks like the strongest bet on the board.
