Cubs vs. Cardinals Series Preview (June 23–26, 2025): Rivalry Renewed as Division Heats Up

A Historic Rivalry Reignited

One of baseball’s most iconic rivalries resumes as the Chicago Cubs head to Busch Stadium to face the St. Louis Cardinals in a crucial four-game series beginning Monday, June 23, 2025.

With both teams in the thick of the NL Central title race, the outcome of this series could shift momentum in the standings as the midseason approaches.

📈 Where They Stand

The Cubs are looking to bounce back after a rough series against the Seattle Mariners, while the Cardinals enter this showdown riding a five-game winning streak.

🏟️ Game Schedule & Probable Starters

Game 1: Monday, June 23 – 6:45 PM CT

• Cubs: Ben Brown (RHP)

• Cardinals: Matthew Liberatore (LHP)

Game 2: Tuesday, June 24 – 6:45 PM CT

• Cubs: Jameson Taillon

• Cardinals: Sonny Gray

Game 3: Wednesday, June 25 – 6:45 PM CT

• Cubs: Shōta Imanaga (expected return)

• Cardinals: Miles Mikolas

Game 4: Thursday, June 26 – 12:15 PM CT (Matinee)

• Cubs: TBD

• Cardinals: Steven Matz (probable)

🔥 Recent Performances

Cubs Recap (Last Series vs Mariners):

• Lost 2 out of 3

• Allowed 14 runs in the final game

• Bright spot: Seiya Suzuki crushed 2 home runs and drove in 3 RBIs

• Issue: Pitching inconsistency, especially from starters

Cardinals Recap (Last Series vs Pirates):

• Swept Pittsburgh

• Offense clicking, bullpen solid

• Willson Contreras and Alec Burleson contributed key hits

• Defense tight with 0 errors in the last three games

👀 Players to Watch

Chicago Cubs

• Ian Happ: 4 home runs in last 5 games, locked in at the plate

• Kyle Tucker: Hitting .320 in June with 7 RBIs in his last 7 games

• Ben Brown: Needs a strong outing to stabilize rotation

St. Louis Cardinals

• Willson Contreras: The former Cub brings fire against his old team

• Nolan Arenado: Heating up after a slow start, power bat threat

• Jordan Walker: Rookie of the Year candidate, dangerous base-runner

📊 Series Implications

This series matters more than most in the postseason context. Here’s why:

• Cubs can extend their lead atop the division to potentially 7+ games.

• Cardinals can cut the gap to just 1.5 games with a sweep.

• A split keeps things even but benefits the Cubs long-term.

The NL Central has been one of the tightest divisions in 2025, and these four games could set the tone for July.

Also Read: Valorant Masters Toronto 2025: Schedule, Teams, and Live Updates

📺 How to Watch

• TV: Marquee Sports Network (Cubs), Bally Sports Midwest (Cardinals)

• Streaming: MLB.tv (out-of-market), local cable partners

• Radio: WGN 720 AM (Cubs), KMOX 1120 AM (Cardinals)

• Live Stats: MLB.com, ESPN App, team websites

🧠 Final Thoughts

The Cubs vs. Cardinals rivalry never disappoints. With playoff implications, big-name performances, and divisional heat, this week’s four-game stretch could be one of the best matchups of the 2025 MLB season.

Will the Cubs reclaim form or will the red-hot Cardinals catch fire in front of a home crowd?

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