cubs vs dodgers

Few matchups in baseball carry the same electricity as the Chicago Cubs taking on the Los Angeles Dodgers. Whether it's a regular season series at Wrigley Field or a high-stakes postseason clash at Dodger Stadium, this rivalry delivers drama, star power, and storylines worth following all the way to the final out. With the 2025 MLB season well underway, Cubs vs Dodgers is back on everyone's radar — and for good reason.

Why This Rivalry Is Trending Right Now

The Cubs and Dodgers have squared off in some of the most memorable games in recent baseball history. Their 2016 NLCS showdown, which the Cubs won on their way to ending a 108-year World Series drought, still lives rent-free in the heads of fans on both sides. Fast forward to 2025, and both franchises are loaded with talent and legitimate playoff ambitions.

The Dodgers came off a World Series championship in 2024, led by Shohei Ohtani's historic debut season in Los Angeles and Freddie Freeman's clutch October heroics. The Cubs, meanwhile, have been quietly rebuilding into contenders, with a young core anchored by Nico Hoerner, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and a pitching staff that's finally starting to click. Every Cubs-Dodgers series now carries legitimate weight in the NL standings.

Social media spikes every time these two clubs meet, and sportsbooks see heavy action on both sides. This is one of those matchups casual fans tune in for even when their own team isn't playing.

Key Players to Watch in Every Cubs-Dodgers Game

The storylines practically write themselves when these rosters collide.

Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers

Ohtani is simply the most compelling player in baseball. His two-way capability — elite pitcher and feared slugger — means he impacts games in ways no one else can. When Ohtani is on the mound against the Cubs, lineup construction becomes a chess match. When he's in the batter's box against Chicago's pitching staff, the entire ballpark changes energy.

Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs

Crow-Armstrong has emerged as one of the most exciting young outfielders in the National League. His speed, defense, and developing bat make him must-watch material. In a series against a star-studded Dodgers outfield, his moments stand out even more.

Freddie Freeman, Dodgers

Freeman's 2024 World Series performance — hitting a walk-off grand slam in Game 1 while dealing with an ankle injury — turned him into legend. He brings that same clutch reputation into every big series.

Ian Happ, Cubs

Happ is a switch-hitting veteran who the Cubs rely on in critical situations. His ability to work counts and drive in runs makes him a consistent thorn in opposing pitchers' sides.

Beyond individual stars, watch for the bullpen battles. Both teams carry deep relief corps, and late-game leverage situations often decide these close contests.

How to Watch Cubs vs Dodgers in 2025

Catching every pitch has never had more options — or more confusion. Here's a clear breakdown.

Streaming Services

• Apple TV+ carries select Friday night MLB games under its "Friday Night Baseball" package, which is free with an Apple ID. Check if Cubs-Dodgers dates fall on a Friday.
• Peacock streams some exclusive MLB matchups, particularly Sunday games.
• MLB.TV is the go-to for out-of-market fans. A full-season subscription runs around $149.99, though blackout restrictions apply for local markets. If you're in Chicago or LA, you'll need another option for local broadcasts.
• YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV all carry ESPN, TBS, and local sports networks, making them practical cord-cutting alternatives. Prices range from roughly $72 to $83 per month.

Local Broadcast

Chicago-based fans can catch most home games on Marquee Sports Network. Dodgers games in the LA area air on SportsNet LA. Both are regional sports networks, so availability on streaming bundles varies.

If you're heading to Wrigley Field or Dodger Stadium in person, tickets on the secondary market for a Cubs-Dodgers game typically run $60–$250 depending on seating location and the game's significance. Sites like SeatGeek and StubHub are your best bets for real-time pricing and seat maps.

Where the Teams Stand: 2025 NL Standings Context

As of mid-2025, the Dodgers remain one of the favorites to represent the National League in the World Series. Their payroll — north of $300 million with Ohtani's deferred contract factored in — is the largest in baseball history. Their depth from top to bottom makes them dangerous even when key players go on the injured list.

The Cubs sit in an interesting position. They're not a massive-budget team, but their front office under Jed Hoyer has been strategic. A few well-timed trade deadline additions could push them into the thick of the NL Wild Card race. A strong series against the Dodgers — a legitimate measuring stick — would send a clear signal to the rest of the league.

The head-to-head record between these two teams often influences seeding scenarios. Splitting a series at Wrigley in June matters in September when wild card spots are on the line.

Best Ways to Follow the Rivalry All Season

Staying on top of a 162-game season is a lot to manage. A few tools make it easier.

• The MLB App (free on iOS and Android) gives you live scores, highlights, and game recaps. It's the simplest way to check in when you can't watch live.
• Baseball Reference is the gold standard for stats, historical records, and head-to-head data going back decades. Free to use and endlessly useful for the analytically curious fan.
• ESPN's Baseball Tonight podcast offers daily breakdowns during the season, with analysts who cover Cubs and Dodgers storylines regularly.
• For fantasy baseball players, FanDuel and DraftKings both offer Cubs-Dodgers daily fantasy contests on game days. Lineup strategy around matchups like these can be a genuine edge.
• SiriusXM MLB Network Radio (subscription required, around $5–$22/month depending on your plan) broadcasts every MLB game and features dedicated Cubs and Dodgers programming.

For deep dives, beat writers like Patrick Mooney (The Athletic, covering the Cubs) and Fabian Ardaya (The Athletic, covering the Dodgers) consistently break news and offer insider perspective worth following on social media.

Common Mistakes Fans Make When Watching This Rivalry

Even seasoned baseball fans can get caught up in the noise. A few things to keep in mind:

Don't overreact to a single series result. A three-game sweep in May tells you something, but it doesn't define a season. Both rosters are deep enough to bounce back from any short-term result.

Don't sleep on the pitching matchups. When casual fans talk Cubs-Dodgers, the conversation gravitates toward offense. But starting pitching and bullpen management are where these games are often actually won or lost. Pay attention to who's starting before placing too much stock in run total expectations.

Don't ignore the lineup card. Managers use platoon advantages heavily in modern baseball. The specific hitters available — and who's resting — can shift a game's expected outcome significantly.

Avoid relying solely on national broadcast commentary for roster updates. Beat writers and team-specific outlets break news faster and with more accuracy than most national shows.

Conclusion

Cubs vs Dodgers in 2025 is one of the marquee matchups on the MLB calendar. Both franchises have legitimate playoff aspirations, compelling rosters, and fan bases that make every series feel like October. Whether you're streaming from your couch, heading to Wrigley or Dodger Stadium, or tracking it through a fantasy baseball lineup, this is a rivalry worth investing your attention in. Bookmark your preferred streaming service, follow the right beat writers, and settle in — these games deliver.