The Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers are set to renew their fierce NL Central rivalry in the 2025 National League Division Series, kicking off this Saturday at American Family Field. After the Cubs scraped through a gritty three-game Wild Card win over the San Diego Padres, they'll now face off against the Brewers in a best-of-five matchup that promises plenty of tension. Game 1 starts at 5:08 p.m. ET, with the series potentially extending through the week if it goes the distance.
Indeed, the scheduling adds another layer of intrigue. The Brewers, having clinched the division earlier, host the first two games—October 4 and 5—before shifting to Wrigley Field for Games 3 and 4 on October 7 and 8, if necessary. A decisive Game 5 would return to Milwaukee on October 10. For Cubs fans chanting "Go Cubs Go" through the playoffs, this means road challenges first, testing their resolve against a Brewers team that's been solid at home all season.
Craig Counsell's return looms large here. The former Brewers skipper, who holds the franchise record for most managerial wins, bolted to Chicago after 2023 on a blockbuster deal. Now managing the Cubs, he's facing his old squad, complete with that undercurrent of betrayal some Milwaukee faithful still feel. Moreover, ticket demand is surging; seats for the opener are going fast, with resale prices climbing into the hundreds for prime spots. Brewers tickets follow suit, though Wrigley games might offer a slight dip for locals.
Looking at the broader playoff picture, the Cubs' next game is this pivotal opener, while the Brewers aim to build on their regular-season edge—they took the division by four games over Chicago. However, the Cubs' momentum from the Wild Card could shift things. Key dates: Oct. 4 (Game 1, Milwaukee), Oct. 5 (Game 2), Oct. 7 (Game 3, Chicago). It's a classic divisional grudge match, where every pitch might carry extra weight.
As these two teams collide once more, one can't help but ponder how deep this rivalry runs in shaping October baseball's unpredictable path.