Chicago Cubs Series Preview

Date: June 21-23, 2024

Upcoming Series: New York Mets @ Chicago Cubs

Location: Home (Wrigley Field)

Series Overview

• Current Cubs Record: The Cubs are heading into this series with a 36-39 record, sitting at 4th place in the NL Central. They just won 2 of 3 from the Giants at Wrigley Field. It would have been a sweep if Hector Neris could have finished the game.

• Current Mets Record: The Mets have a 35-38 record and are currently 4th place in the NL East. They've won 8 of their last 10 games and are 11-5 in June.

• The Storylines:

  • Mets' Momentum Check: After a blistering 7-game win streak that reignited their season, the Mets were finally cooled down by the Rangers on Wednesday. They held a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the 6th, but the Rangers rallied for a 5-3 victory.

  • Nido's New Nest: Tomas Nido, a former Mets catcher, is making a swift return to the majors, this time with the Cubs. How quickly can he adjust and make an impact behind the plate?

  • Post-Streak Blues: The Cubs are riding a modest 2-game winning streak. Can they keep that positive energy rolling against a Mets team eager to bounce back?

  • Familiar Foes: These teams split their earlier season series, so there's a sense of familiarity and unfinished business in the air.

Key Matchups

• Pitching Matchups:

  • Game 1:

    • Cubs: Shota Imanaga (LHP) - 7-1, 1.89 ERA, 78 SO

    • Mets: Jose Quintana (LHP) - 2-5, 4.98 ERA, 50 SO

  • Game 2:

    • Cubs: **Unofficial** Jameson Taillon (RHP) - 3-3, 3.08 ERA, 43 SO

    • Mets: Tylor Megill (RHP) - 2-3, 3.52 ERA, 37 SO

  • Game 3:

    • Cubs: **Unofficial** Javier Assad (RHP) - 4-2, 2.75 ERA, 79 SO

    • Mets: David Peterson (LHP) - 3-0, 3.97 ERA, 12 SO

Hitter to Watch on the Cubs

Ian Happ

Why They’re Important: Ian Happ is riding a 10-14 day hot streak, hitting .366 with an OPS of .955 in June. His recent performance has been a significant boost to the Cubs' offense.

Hitter to Watch on the Mets

Pete Alonso

Why They’re Dangerous: Pete Alonso, after a slow start, has found his groove in June, hitting .273 with an OPS of .890 and 4 home runs. He's currently on a 5-game hit streak, making him a key player to watch.

What to Watch For

Key Strategies:

• Cubs Offensive Approach:

  • Maximize Contact: The Cubs' lineup will look to capitalize on their contact hitters like Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ, who have been seeing the ball well. Expect them to focus on putting the ball in play and utilizing their speed on the bases to manufacture runs.

  • Patience at the Plate: With Mets pitchers like Jose Quintana and Tylor Megill known for their control, the Cubs will aim to be patient, drawing walks, and getting into favorable hitting counts to drive up pitch counts.

• Cubs Defensive Approach:

  • Strong Infield Defense: The Cubs' infield, led by Gold Glove winner Dansby Swanson, will be critical in turning double plays and preventing the Mets from gaining momentum on the base paths.

  • Bullpen Management: With some key relievers returning from injury, Manager Craig Counsell will need to strategically manage bullpen usage to ensure effectiveness across the series.

Superfan Series Prediction:

• Predicted Outcome:

  • Game 1:

    • Prediction: Cubs Win

    • Score Prediction: Cubs 4, Mets 2

    • Reasoning: With Shota Imanaga on the mound and his impressive 1.89 ERA, the Cubs have a strong chance to stifle the Mets' offense. Ian Happ's hot streak should provide the necessary run support.

  • Game 2:

    • Prediction: Cubs Win

    • Score Prediction: Cubs 5, Mets 3

    • Reasoning: Jameson Taillon's consistent performance and the Cubs' ability to exploit Tylor Megill's occasional struggles give them the edge. Look for contributions from the middle of the lineup.

  • Game 3:

    • Prediction: Cubs Lose

    • Score Prediction: Mets 6, Cubs 4

    • Reasoning: David Peterson's solid season and the Cubs' TBD starter create an uphill battle. Pete Alonso's resurgence could be the difference-maker in this game.

Superfan Notes:

What Excites Us About This Series:

• The return of Tomas Nido and how he will fare against his former team is an intriguing storyline. His familiarity with the Mets' pitching staff could provide the Cubs with a tactical advantage.

• Ian Happ's scorching form in June is something every Cubs fan should be thrilled about. Watching him continue his hot streak could be a highlight of the series.

• The potential debut of some key relievers returning from injury, like Yency Almonte, adds another layer of excitement. Seeing how the bullpen shapes up could be crucial for the Cubs moving forward.

Concerns Going In:

• The uncertainty around the Cubs' starters for Games 2 and 3 is a bit worrisome. While Taillon and Assad have shown promise, consistency has been an issue at times.

• The Mets' recent form and their ability to bounce back from losses make them a formidable opponent. The Cubs will need to be at their best to secure the series.

• Injuries to key players like Mike Tauchman and Nick Madrigal could affect the depth and versatility of the Cubs' lineup and defense.