Chicago Cubs vs Seattle Mariners Picks and Predictions June 22nd 2025

Happ’s Power Surge Leads Cubs into Rubber Match Against Mariners and a Grateful Gilbert

A wild, windy, and powerful series at Wrigley Field all comes down to a rubber match on Sunday afternoon. The Chicago Cubs, led by an unlikely power source at the top of their lineup, will look to win the series against a Seattle Mariners team that is handing the ball to their ace as he continues his return from a long injury layoff. After two games filled with home runs and defensive adventures, the finale promises to be a compelling battle between two teams trying to build momentum.

The Unconventional Leadoff Man

Traditionally, a leadoff hitter is supposed to be a “table setter,” a player who gets on base to start a rally. Lately, however, Ian Happ has been clearing the table himself. The Cubs’ leadoff man has been on an incredible power surge, launching four home runs in his last three games. He has hit a home run in the first inning of the last two contests, becoming the first Cubs player to accomplish that feat since Anthony Rizzo back in 2017. Happ, who now has two multi-homer games this season, is providing a jolt of instant offense from the moment the game begins. He credits the unique conditions at his home ballpark for some of his recent success.

“When the wind is blowing out like this, getting the ball in the air, you’ve got a chance,” Happ said after Saturday’s 10-7 slugfest victory. “It’s changing balls coming down. It’s going an extra 10-20 feet in those last fractions of seconds.” His performance has been a massive boost for a Cubs team that thrives on the long ball.

Weather Havoc at the Friendly Confines

The story of Saturday’s game wasn’t just the offense; it was the chaotic weather conditions at the historic ballpark. A swirling, unpredictable wind made life difficult for every player on the field. In total, six home runs left the yard, including one from Seattle’s Cal Raleigh, who now leads all MLB teams with 30 homers on the season. But the wind did more than just carry baseballs over the fence; it wreaked havoc on defense. At least four routine fly balls were misplayed by outfielders on both teams who were battling the wind and a difficult sun. The conditions were so extreme that they even claimed a couple of human casualties; home plate umpire Chad Whitson had to leave the game due to the heat, as did Seattle reliever Trent Thornton. Understanding the unique and often volatile weather at Wrigley Field is a key factor for any fan or bettor, a topic often discussed in our expert betting guide.

A Grateful Gilbert Returns to the Mound

For the Mariners, Sunday’s game is about more than just winning a series; it’s another significant step for their ace, Logan Gilbert (1-2, 2.55 ERA). The right-hander will be making just his second start after a seven-week stint on the injured list with an elbow flexor strain. His return to the mound last Monday was an emotional one, and even in a loss, Gilbert found a deeper appreciation for the game.

“I was just really grateful just to play and be out there and do something I love and do it for a job,” Gilbert said, reflecting on his time away. “There’s a lot more than just going out there, middle-of-the-season baseball game. It felt like a bigger deal than that for me.”

That perspective has given him a simplified, focused approach. He pitched beautifully in his return against Boston, allowing just two runs over five innings while striking out ten. The only thing missing was the run support. Now, he looks to build on that performance and get his first win since coming off the IL.

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The Ever-Present Threat of Cal Raleigh

While Gilbert tries to keep the Cubs’ bats quiet, Chicago’s pitchers will have to deal with the most prolific home run hitter in the game this season. Catcher Cal Raleigh’s 30th home run on Saturday was another reminder of the immense power he brings to the middle of the Seattle lineup. Gilbert, his batterymate, knows firsthand how valuable Raleigh is, not just with his bat, but with his mind. Gilbert has immense trust in Raleigh’s ability to call a game and read opposing hitters’ tendencies.

“I feel like he reads batters really well,” Gilbert said. “Knows when to go splitter, when to go opposite directions, all that kind of stuff.” This connection between pitcher and catcher will be crucial as they try to navigate a powerful Cubs lineup in a hitter-friendly environment.

A Duel of Right-Handers

Sunday’s pitching matchup is a fantastic one. The Cubs will counter the returning Gilbert with a steady veteran of their own in right-hander Colin Rea (4-2, 3.84). Rea isn’t overpowering, but he has been a reliable presence in the Chicago rotation all season. He is coming off a quality start against the Pirates where he allowed just two runs over six innings. This battle between the emotionally-driven ace and the steady veteran will be the top story on the scores and odds board. To see which pitcher our experts think will lead their team to a series victory, check out our daily MLB picks.