MLB Playoffs Preview: Chicago Cubs

Boyd, Tucker carry Chicago into Wild Card series

Cubs lean on veteran starter and star outfielder with rookie Horton sidelined

CHICAGO, Illinois — The Cubs open the postseason Tuesday afternoon at Wrigley Field, hosting the San Diego Padres in a Wild Card Series that will test both their resilience and their depth. The spotlight belongs to left-hander Matthew Boyd on the mound and outfielder Kyle Tucker in the lineup.

Boyd sets the tone

The Cubs will hand the ball to Matthew Boyd in Game 1. The 34-year-old veteran went 14–8 with a 3.21 ERA this season, providing the kind of steady presence manager Craig Counsell values in short series settings. Boyd doesn’t overpower hitters, but he has shown the ability to limit damage and keep games under control.

With rookie Cade Horton sidelined, Boyd’s assignment carries even greater weight. The Cubs had counted on Horton as a rising force in the rotation, and his absence leaves Chicago leaning harder on Boyd, Shōta Imanaga, and a bullpen that has been asked to do heavy lifting before.

Horton’s absence

Cade Horton’s breakout rookie year made him one of the most important arms on the staff. His 11–4 record and 2.67 ERA gave the Cubs a reliable option behind Boyd and Imanaga. Losing him this week reshapes the pitching picture, forcing the team to spread innings among Colin Rea, Jameson Taillon, and the relief corps.

Tucker anchors the order

On offense, the Cubs turn to Kyle Tucker, who returned from a calf strain in late September and reestablished himself as the centerpiece of the lineup. Tucker batted .266 with 22 home runs, 73 RBIs and an .841 OPS this season, giving Chicago the left-handed power threat it needed.

Chicago is expected to keep Tucker at designated hitter to reduce the physical toll, but his bat remains the focal point. Surrounded by Seiya Suzuki, Nico Hoerner, Michael Busch and Pete Crow-Armstrong, Tucker’s ability to deliver in the middle innings is essential.

Cubs’ outlook

The path for Chicago is simple. Boyd must give them a strong start in Game 1. Tucker must provide the power in the middle of the order. And the bullpen must hold steady without Horton’s innings to rely on.

The Cubs have played with resilience all season. In October, one start and one big swing can swing a series. Chicago is counting on Boyd and Tucker to deliver both.

Game 1: Cubs vs. Padres
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025
Time: 3:08 p.m. ET (2:08 p.m. CT)
TV: ABC
Pitching matchup: Matthew Boyd (Cubs, 14–8, 3.21 ERA) vs. Nick Pivetta (Padres, 13–5, 2.87 ERA)