Cubs vs. Royals: Series Preview and Key Matchups (July 2025)

11 months agoUS
Cubs vs. Royals: Series Preview and Key Matchups (July 2025)Source: royalsreview.com
The Kansas City Royals visit Wrigley Field to face the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series starting July 21, 2025. The Cubs, with the second-best record in baseball (59-40), look to continue their strong season, while the Royals (48-52) aim to play spoiler and assess potential trade targets. This series provides a good look at both teams before the trade deadline.

Key Insights

Cubs' Offensive Power:: Chicago boasts a potent offense, ranking second in MLB with 5.28 runs per game. Pete Crow-Armstrong is having a breakout season, potentially reaching 30/30 status. Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki also contribute significantly.

*Why this matters:* The Royals' pitching staff will be tested against a lineup filled with power hitters.

Royals' Pitching Matchups:: Veteran Rich Hill is expected to start for the Royals on Tuesday against All-Star Matthew Boyd. Seth Lugo, a potential trade candidate, is scheduled to pitch on Wednesday.

*Why this matters:* These matchups could significantly impact the Royals' chances of winning games and Lugo's trade value.

Streaming Options:: Games will be broadcast on MLB Network and Marquee Sports Network. Streaming options include DirecTV, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling.

*Why this matters:* Fans have multiple ways to watch the series, ensuring accessibility.

Cubs' Bullpen Strength:: The Cubs' bullpen has a 3.60 ERA, ranking seventh in MLB, despite a lower strikeout rate. Daniel Palencia features a 99 mph fastball.

*Why this matters:* The Royals will face a tough challenge in late-game situations.

In-Depth Analysis

Cubs' Key Players and Performance

The Cubs' offense is driven by several standout players:

Pete Crow-Armstrong:: A breakout season with potential 30/30 numbers, making him a key player to watch.

Kyle Tucker:: An All-Star outfielder acquired in the offseason, known for his ability to draw walks.

Seiya Suzuki:: Leading the team with 26 home runs, Suzuki's power is crucial to the Cubs' offensive success.

However, Matt Shaw has struggled at Wrigley Field, and Dansby Swanson has a poor career record against Seth Lugo.

Royals' Strategy and Potential Trades

The Royals are likely to be sellers at the trade deadline, with Seth Lugo being a prime candidate. This series provides an opportunity for the Cubs to evaluate Lugo firsthand. The Royals need strong performances to avoid being sellers and potentially make a playoff push.

Pitching Matchups

Monday:: Noah Cameron (Royals) vs. Ryan Brasier (Cubs) - Brasier will serve as an opener, with Ben Brown expected to follow as a bulk reliever.

Tuesday:: Rich Hill (Royals) vs. Matthew Boyd (Cubs) - Boyd is having an All-Star season, making this a challenging matchup for the Royals.

Wednesday:: Seth Lugo (Royals) vs. Colin Rea (Cubs) - Rea has been performing well recently, but lefties have had success against him.

FAQs

Where can I watch the Cubs vs. Royals series?

** - A: The games will be broadcast on MLB Network and Marquee Sports Network. Live streaming options include FuboTV, DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling.

Who are the key players to watch for the Cubs?

** - A: Pete Crow-Armstrong, Kyle Tucker, and Seiya Suzuki are key offensive players for the Cubs.

Are the Royals expected to be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline?

** - A: The Royals are likely to be sellers, with Seth Lugo as a potential trade candidate.

Key Takeaways

This series provides a crucial look at both the Cubs and Royals as they approach the trade deadline. For Cubs fans, it's a chance to see their team continue its strong performance. For Royals fans, it's an opportunity to evaluate potential trade scenarios and see how their team matches up against one of the best in baseball. Key players like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Matthew Boyd will be pivotal in determining the outcome of the series.

Discussion

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