Chicago Cubs vs Chicago White Sox – Series Preview (May 16-18): Overview, Game and Broadcast Info, Starting Pitchers, W2W4
The Cubs (25-19) began the softer portion of their schedule by winning two out of three against the Marlins at Wrigley Field. Chicago came up short of a sweep by losing the final game of the series, which has been a recurring problem so far in 2025. Despite that nagging issue, Craig Counsell‘s squad remains in first place as the White Sox travel across town for a weekend set at the Friendly Confines starting Friday afternoon.
The South Siders (14-30) may have Pope Leo XIV on their side, but they aren’t blessed with much talent on the roster after record-breaking futility in 2024. Even if they don’t lose 121 games again this season, they already find themselves 15 back of the Tigers in the AL Central just a month and a half into the campaign.
The White Sox pitching staff has been at least decent so far with a 4.04 team ERA that is right behind the Cubs (4.02) for 20th in MLB. Young starter Shane Smith has been the ace so far with a 2.08 ERA, and the overall rotation has a 3.78 mark. Mike Vasil has been the most reliable arm in the bullpen so far, but the Sox only have three saves as a team.
The offense has been absolutely dreadful so far in 2025, with a .613 team OPS that stands as the worst in baseball. Andrew Benintendi is the team leader with five home runs, but he is currently on the injured list. They have just one regular player with an OPS above .700, catcher Matt Thaiss, who has a .228 batting average and one home run. Luis Robert Jr. is the most dangerous hitter in the lineup, and he has struggled mightily so far.
If the Cubs can score early, it will be very hard for the White Sox to catch up with them with such a weak lineup. The North Siders can’t lose focus, however, because their rivals treat the Crosstown Cup like it is the World Series and would love to steal the series. If the bats come to play this weekend, it should be a pretty fun time at Wrigley.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Friday, May 16 at 1:20pm CT on MLB Network and Marquee.
- Saturday, May 17 at 1:20pm CT on Marquee.
- Sunday, May 18 at 1:20pm CT on Marquee.
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 5/16 | Cade Horton | 23 | R | 6.75 | 1-0 | 4.60 | |
| Shane Smith | 25 | R | 2.08 | 1-2 | 3.03 | 2.53 | |
| 5/17 | Matthew Boyd | 34 | L | 2.78 | 3–2 | 3.74 | 3.46 |
| Sean Burke | 25 | R | 4.15 | 2–4 | 5.97 | 1.32 | |
| 5/18 | Colin Rea | 34 | R | 2.48 | 3-0 | 3.32 | 3.22 |
| Jonathan Cannon | 24 | R | 3.60 | 2–4 | 4.30 | 2.29 |
What to Watch For
- Horton makes his first start on Friday after having an opener in his first appearance in New York.
- Dansby Swanson has six hits and two home runs in his last five games.
- Kyle Tucker has been struggling lately, going just 11-for-49 with two home runs in May.
