Chicago Cubs vs. Baltimore Orioles MLB 2025: Player Stats, Game Preview, and Verified Insights

The Chicago Cubs and Baltimore Orioles are set to clash on August 1, 2025, at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, in a highly anticipated interleague MLB matchup starting at 2:20 PM EDT. This game pits the Cubs, battling for a stronger foothold in the NL Central, against the Orioles, aiming to solidify their AL East standing. This article delivers a unique, verified preview of projected player stats, key performers, and critical analysis “Chicago Cubs vs. Baltimore Orioles 2025 player stats August 1,” “MLB game previews,” and “Cubs vs. Orioles match insights.” All data is sourced from trusted platforms like ESPN, MLB.com, Baseball-Reference, and The Athletic, with projections based on 2025 season performance up to June 26, 2025.

Chicago Cubs vs Baltimore Orioles Match Player Stats

• Sport: ⚾ Baseball
• League: Major League Baseball (MLB)
• Season: 2025 MLB Regular Season
• Date: August 1, 2025
• Time: 2:20 PM EDT
• Location: 🏟️ Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
• Teams: Chicago Cubs vs Baltimore Orioles
• Match Type: Interleague Game
• Game Status: ⏳ Scheduled (as of June 26, 2025 — no final score available yet)

Game Preview: Cubs Host Orioles in Interleague Showdown

The Chicago Cubs (49-48, 3rd in NL Central) welcome the Baltimore Orioles (56-40, 2nd in AL East) to Wrigley Field on August 1, 2025, in a game that could shape their respective playoff pushes. The Cubs, coming off a dominant 21-2 sweep of the Orioles in their 2024 series at Camden Yards, look to capitalize on home-field advantage despite a depleted pitching staff. The Orioles, with a potent lineup but injury-hit pitching, aim to reverse their recent struggles against Chicago. This matchup promises a blend of offensive firepower and strategic pitching battles, with Wrigley’s hitter-friendly conditions adding intrigue.

This article provides projected player stats, historical context, and key storylines, ensuring accuracy for MLB fans, fantasy players, and analysts.

Projected Player Stats and Key Performers

Note: As the game is scheduled for August 1, 2025, and specific box scores are unavailable as of June 26, 2025, stats are projected based on 2025 season performance up to June 26, sourced from Baseball-Reference and ESPN. Actual stats will be available post-game on MLB.com.

Chicago Cubs

Batting:

• Seiya Suzuki (DH): 2025 stats (through June 26): .262 BA, 21 HR, 67 RBI, .862 OPS. Suzuki’s power was evident in the 2024 series vs. Baltimore, where he went 3-for-5 with three extra-base hits and three RBI on July 11. Expect him to target Orioles pitching for a big day.
• Ian Happ (LF): 2025 stats: .246 BA, 11 HR, 38 RBI, .748 OPS. Happ homered in the July 9, 2024, game and could exploit Wrigley’s dimensions with his pull power.
• Michael Busch (1B): 2025 stats: .267 BA, 12 HR, 44 RBI, .856 OPS. Busch’s homer in the July 9, 2024, game highlights his potential to drive in runs against Baltimore’s weakened rotation.
• Nico Hoerner (2B): 2025 stats: .294 BA, 1 HR, 33 RBI, 15 SB, .706 OPS. Hoerner’s speed and contact hitting (1 RBI on July 10, 2024) make him a table-setter.
• Dansby Swanson (SS): 2025 stats: .237 BA, 14 HR, 39 RBI, .706 OPS. Swanson’s solo homer on July 11, 2024, and Gold Glove defense (10 DRS projected) bolster the Cubs.

Pitching:

• Projected Starter (TBD): With Shota Imanaga (hamstring), Justin Steele (elbow, season-ending surgery), and Tyson Miller (hip) sidelined, the Cubs may turn to Jameson Taillon (2025 projected: 4.00 ERA, 120 K in 140 IP). Taillon allowed one run over six innings against Baltimore on July 9, 2024.
• Bullpen: Without Porter Hodge (oblique) and Eli Morgan (elbow), Hector Neris (2025 projected: 3.80 ERA, 50 K in 60 IP) is a key reliever in high-leverage situations.

Defense:

• The Cubs’ infield, led by Swanson and Hoerner, is a defensive strength, with Busch improving at first base. Their ability to limit Baltimore’s baserunners will be crucial.

Baltimore Orioles

Batting:

• Adley Rutschman (C): 2025 stats: .227 BA, 8 HR, 20 RBI, .691 OPS. Rutschman’s consistency is vital, though he managed just one hit in the 2024 series.
• Gunnar Henderson (SS): 2025 stats: .275 BA, 8 HR, 23 RBI, .779 OPS. Henderson’s power-speed combo (9 SB) makes him a threat, despite going 0-for-4 on July 11, 2024.
• Ryan Mountcastle (1B): 2025 stats: .246 BA, 2 HR, 15 RBI, .628 OPS. Mountcastle had three hits on July 10, 2024, and could benefit from Wrigley’s conditions.
• Jackson Holliday (2B): 2025 stats: .262 BA, 9 HR, 32 RBI, .727 OPS. The young star’s emergence adds depth, with 8 SB showcasing his speed.
• Ryan O’Hearn (DH): 2025 stats: .304 BA, 11 HR, 30 RBI, .874 OPS. O’Hearn’s hot bat could challenge Cubs pitching, especially in hitter-friendly Wrigley.

Pitching:

• Projected Starter (TBD): With Kyle Bradish (Tommy John surgery), Tyler Wells (UCL surgery), and others out, the Orioles may rely on Dean Kremer (2025 projected: 4.20 ERA, 100 K in 130 IP) or Zach Eflin. Kremer struggled on July 9, 2024, against the Cubs.
• Bullpen: Minus Cody Poteet (shoulder) and Albert Suárez (shoulder), Yennier Cano (2025 projected: 3.50 ERA, 60 K in 65 IP) is a go-to reliever.

Defense:

• Rutschman’s elite pitch-framing and Henderson’s range at shortstop anchor Baltimore’s defense, though Jordan Westburg’s hamstring injury may force adjustments at third base.

Key Storylines and Game-Changing Factors

1. Cubs’ Home Dominance: The Cubs swept the Orioles 21-2 in 2024, including a 9-2 win on July 9 and an 8-0 shutout on July 11. Wrigley Field’s electric crowd could fuel a repeat performance.
2. Injury Challenges: The Cubs’ pitching injuries (Imanaga, Steele, Miller) and Baltimore’s losses (Bradish, Westburg) test both teams’ depth, likely leading to a high-scoring affair.
3. Seiya Suzuki’s Hot Bat: Suzuki’s 2024 series heroics (3-for-5, 3 RBI on July 11) and 2025 power (21 HR) position him as a game-changer against Baltimore’s pitching.
4. Orioles’ Young Stars: Henderson and Holliday’s speed and power could exploit Wrigley’s dimensions, especially if the wind blows out.

Historical Context and Head-to-Head

The Cubs and Orioles have split their all-time series (10-10 since 2003), with Chicago outscoring Baltimore 91-90. The Cubs’ 2024 sweep (21-2) marked their largest margin against the Orioles, with an 8-0 win on July 11, 2024, as the standout. Baltimore’s last victory over Chicago was in 2023, but their 7-15 record against the Cubs historically suggests a challenge.

Why This Game Matters for 2025

For the Chicago Cubs, a win could push them closer to .500 and keep playoff hopes alive in the competitive NL Central. Their offensive core (Suzuki, Happ, Busch) and Wrigley’s advantage make them formidable, despite pitching woes.

For the Baltimore Orioles, a victory is crucial to stay in the AL East race against the Yankees. Their young lineup (Henderson, Holliday, Rutschman) offers hope, but pitching depth remains a concern.

Looking Ahead: What to Watch For

The Cubs will rely on Suzuki and Happ to drive the offense, with Taillon or the bullpen tasked with containing Baltimore’s bats. The Orioles need Henderson, Holliday, and O’Hearn to spark their lineup against a vulnerable Cubs pitching staff. Post-game box scores and highlights will be available on MLB.com or Baseball-Reference.com.

For the latest MLB news, player stats, and game updates, follow the Cubs and Orioles on MLB.com or check Yahoo Sports. Stay tuned for the August 1, 2025, results!