2025-07-12 Cubs at Yankees Matchup Preview

Pitching Matchup Preview

The Chicago Cubs will send left-hander Matthew Boyd to the mound, while the New York Yankees will counter with their own left-handed ace, Max Fried. Boyd brings a veteran presence to the Cubs rotation and relies on his experience to navigate through opposing lineups. Fried, on the other hand, is known for his stuff, with a fastball that generates swings and misses, coupled with a plus curveball. This left on left matchup is certain to be a battle that keeps the offenses on their toes.

Cubs Offensive Outlook

The Chicago Cubs' offense has posted a combined weighted on-base average that suggests they can be a threat to any opposing pitcher, but it will be important to see how they perform against Fried. The Cubs' offensive strength stems from their ability to generate power and maintain a high batting average with runners in scoring position. Key contributors to the Cubs' offensive success include players who have demonstrated the ability to hit for average and drive in runs consistently.

Yankees Offensive Outlook

The New York Yankees' offense showcases a similar profile to the Cubs when it comes to scoring runs. The Yankees will present a challenge for Matthew Boyd. The Yankees lineup boasts a blend of power hitters and high-contact players, making them a difficult opponent for any pitcher. Their overall offensive success is highlighted by their ability to drive the ball with authority and maintain a disciplined approach at the plate. The team's power numbers and on-base percentage are key indicators of their offensive prowess.

Matthew Boyd Pitching Analysis

Matthew Boyd will need to be precise and unpredictable against the Yankees' potent lineup. He will try to induce soft contact and prevent hitters from getting comfortable in the box. Boyd's success hinges on his ability to locate his pitches effectively and keep the Yankees' hitters off balance. By mixing his pitches and changing speeds, Boyd aims to disrupt the Yankees' rhythm and limit their opportunities to generate runs. It will be essential to see how well he can control the strike zone and avoid walks, as the Yankees' offense is adept at capitalizing on any free passes.

Max Fried Pitching Analysis

Max Fried will leverage his fastball to control the strike zone and set up his secondary pitches against the Cubs. His curveball is a weapon that he uses to generate swings and misses and keep hitters guessing. Fried's ability to maintain his velocity and command throughout his outing will be crucial for limiting the Cubs' offensive output. By effectively mixing his pitches and varying his location, Fried aims to keep the Cubs' hitters off balance and prevent them from stringing together hits. Given the Cubs' talent, limiting the hard contact and maintaining composure will be paramount to Max Fried's success.

Matchup Analysis

This game is shaping up to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams boasting strong pitching and potent offenses. The Cubs will need to find ways to manufacture runs against Fried, while the Yankees will aim to take advantage of Boyd's mistakes and capitalize on any opportunities. The performance of each team's bullpen will also play a significant role in determining the outcome of the game. Both managers will be closely monitoring their pitchers' pitch counts and making strategic decisions to maximize their team's chances of success. Ultimately, the team that executes better in key moments and makes fewer mistakes will likely emerge victorious. The impact that Fried has on the Cubs ability to hit is much more significant than the impact Boyd has on the Yankees ability to hit, Fried's ability to stifle offense is much higher than that of Boyd.

Final Thoughts

The Cubs and Yankees both have the ability to score, but given Fried's overall impact on the game, it is expected that the Yankees will squeak out a victory and contain the Cubs offense. It will be important to watch how the Cubs batters handle Fried's curve ball and how well Boyd can keep the ball inside the stadium.