The Dodgers remain the team to beat in the National League, but before anyone starts dreaming about a World Series run, two clubs with unfinished business will square off in San Diego.
The Padres and Cubs meet again in the NL Wild Card Series, renewing a postseason matchup that went the distance last year. This time, however, the series shifts to Petco Park, where San Diego will look to take advantage of home-field advantage and erase the memory of last year's elimination at Wrigley Field.
Game 1 is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 29, with right-hander Michael King expected to start for the Padres.
Padres and Cubs meet again with a trip to the NLDS on the line
Chicago won last year's wild-card showdown by taking the decisive third game, but both teams enter this postseason looking significantly different.
Chicago
enters the series with questions surrounding Alex Bregman, who suffered multiple facial fractures after being struck by a foul ball late in the regular season. Although he returned to the lineup and played before the postseason, his status and effectiveness remain worth monitoring as the Cubs prepare for San Diego.
The Padres, meanwhile, are once again built around a deep lineup and one of baseball's most dangerous bullpens. San Diego hasn't advanced beyond the wild-card round since its run to the National League Championship Series in 2022 and will be eager to change that at home.
Why the Padres may have the edge
Neither club enters October with a rotation considered among baseball's elite, which could put extra pressure on relief pitching.
That's where San Diego may hold an advantage.
The Padres feature one of the deepest bullpens in baseball, anchored by closer Mason Miller. San Diego can throw power arms from both sides and shorten games when holding a late lead, a critical advantage in a best-of-three series where every inning carries added weight.
If the Padres starters can hand over leads or keep games close through the middle innings, San Diego's bullpen could become the deciding factor.
Three Padres players to watch
Fernando Tatis Jr.
Few players can change a postseason game faster than Tatis. Whether it's a leadoff homer, a stolen base or a highlight-reel defensive play, the Padres star remains the club's most dynamic player and emotional spark.
Manny Machado
The veteran third baseman has been the centerpiece of San Diego's postseason runs and remains one of baseball's most dangerous hitters in high-pressure moments. The Padres will look to Machado for both production and leadership.
Mason Miller
Wild-card series often come down to a handful of late innings. Miller's ability to overpower hitters and lock down close games could be one of the biggest factors in the entire matchup.
Three Cubs players to watch
Pete Crow-Armstrong
Crow-Armstrong can influence a short series with his combination of speed, power and elite defense in center field. He led the Cubs in hits as of Sept. 20 and gives Chicago a potential momentum-changing presence on both sides of the ball.
Nico Hoerner
Hoerner gives the Cubs a steady bat and an ability to create scoring opportunities near the top of the lineup. In a series that could feature close, low-scoring games, his contact skills and baserunning could become especially important.
Seiya Suzuki
Suzuki provides needed power in a Chicago lineup that will have to find ways to score against San Diego’s deep bullpen. He homered in the Cubs’ playoff-clinching victory and could be one of Chicago’s most important run producers in the series.
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Padres vs. Cubs predictions
- Bob Nightengale: Padres in 2
- Gabe Lacques: Padres in 3
- Kristie Ackert: Cubs in 3
- Jesse Yomtov: Padres in 3
Padres vs Cubs schedule
Wild card series at Petco Park in San Diego. Game 3 time subject to change
- Game 1, Tuesday: Cubs at Padres – buy tickets – 7 p.m. on Peacock & NBCSN
- Game 2, Wednesday: Cubs at Padres – buy tickets – 7 p.m. on Peacock & NBCSN
- Game 3*, Thursday: Cubs at Padres – buy tickets – 7 p.m. on Peacock & NBCSN
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How to listen to Padres vs. Cubs on radio and streaming
Fans who can't watch the games on TV will have several options to follow the Wild Card Series on radio and streaming platforms. Check local blackout and subscription requirements before game time.
Padres radio broadcast
In the San Diego area, listeners can tune into 97.3 The Fan (KWFN) for English-language coverage. The broadcast is also available through the Audacy app. Spanish-language coverage of Padres games is available on XEMO 860 AM (La Poderosa).
Cubs radio broadcast
In the Chicago market, Cubs fans can listen on WSCR 670 AM / 104.3 The Score. Fans can also stream the broadcast through the Audacy app.
National radio coverage
The Wild Card Series will also be carried nationally on ESPN Radio. Fans can listen through participating local radio affiliates, the ESPN app, SiriusXM, or through MLB Audio with an active subscription.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: How to watch Cubs vs. Padres as a trip to the NLDS is at stake
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