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Cubs-Padres playoff rematch flips the script — and home field could change everything

The Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres are set for a postseason rematch on Tuesday night, shifting the venue to Petco Park after Chicago eliminated San Diego at Wrigley Field during the previous year's National League Wild Card Series. The Cubs dominated the regular season head-to-head matchups by winning five out of six games, including a lopsided 23-3 victory in July, backed by an offense featuring likely NL MVP Pete Crow-Armstrong and recently acquired Alex Bregman.

Despite Chicago claiming the top offensive metrics in the majors, San Diego surged over the final two months by posting a 41-18 record in their last 59 contests to secure home-field advantage. The Padres counter with a dominant relief corps featuring Adrian Morejon, Bradgley Rodriguez, and Mason Miller designed to shorten games, while Michael King is anticipated to take the mound for the opening starter duties against a Cubs lineup boasting strong home-run totals and a star-studded roster.

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