Can the Cubs offense truly challenge baseball's powerhouse Dodgers? We break down key matchups to see if Chicago has an offensive edge.
Every team is looking up to the Los Angeles Dodgers this season.
The Dodgers are back-to-back World Series champions and got better this offseason by acquiring four-time All-Star Kyle Tucker in free agency. Tucker signed a four-year, $240 million deal with Los Angeles in January.
The Dodgers will enter the season with a projected over/under win total of 103.5. The next closest over/under win total is the New York Yankees at 90.5. The Chicago Cubs come in with an 88.5 over/under win total.
If the Cubs want to make it back to the World Series, they will likely have to get past the Dodgers in the postseason.
So, how does the Cubs offense stack up against this Dodgers offense when both teams are at full strength? Let’s dive into each of the team’s lineups to determine where the Cubs might have an edge on offense.
Catcher: Carson Kelly vs. Will Smith
The Dodgers have the edge at the catcher position. Will Smith is a better-hitting catcher than Carson Kelly. Smith hit .296 with 17 home runs, 61 RBI, and two stolen bases for Los Angeles last year.
Verdict: Dodgers
First Base: Michael Busch vs. Freddie Freeman
This one is super close between two of top first basemen in the National League. But the Cubs get the edge here. Busch had more home runs (34), a better slugging percentage (.523), a better OPS+ (147), and a better offensive WAR (4.4) than Freeman last year.
Verdict: Cubs
Second Base: Nico Hoerner vs. Tommy Edman
When healthy, Tommy Edman is the Dodgers starting second baseman. However, Nico Hoerner is a better all-around hitter than him. Hoerner hit .297 with seven home runs, 29 doubles, 61 RBI, and four triples en route to a 4.5 offensive WAR season in 2025.
Verdict: Cubs
Shortshop: Dansby Swanson vs. Mookie Betts
This one is closer than fans might realize, considering Mookie Betts is coming off sort of a down year at the plate. But the Dodgers have the edge at the shortstop position. Betts slashed .258/.326/.406 with 20 home runs and 82 RBI last year.
Verdict: Dodgers
Third Base: Alex Bregman vs. Max Muncy
The Cubs have the edge at the third base position after acquiring Alex Bregman this offseason. Bregman is simply a better all-around hitter than Muncy. He hit .273 with 18 home runs and 62 RBI across 114 games with the Red Sox last season.
Verdict: Cubs
Left Field: Ian Happ vs. Teoscar Hernandez
This is another close one between two solid hitters. Ian Happ is one of just four players to hit at least 20 home runs, drive in at least 75 runs, score at least 80 runs, and draw at least 80 times in each of the past three seasons. But Teoscar Hernandez’s offensive power makes him slightly more valuable.
Verdict: Dodgers
Center Field: Pete Crow-Armstrong vs. Andy Pages
This one is an easy one and favors the Cubs. Pete Crow-Armstrong is a better offensive player than Andy Pages. Crow-Armstrong hit .247 with 31 home runs, 37 doubles, and 95 RBI across 157 games for the North Siders last year.
Verdict: Cubs
Catcher: Seiya Suzuki vs. Kyle Tucker
Although Seiya Suzuki is coming off a career year in 2025, the Dodgers get the edge at right field. Kyle Tucker is a better offensive player, with the potential to hit somewhere around .285 with close to 30 home runs and 100 RBI.
Verdict: Dodgers
Designated Hitter: Moises Ballesteros vs. Shohei Ohtani
No explanation needed here.
Verdict: Dodgers
Total: Dodgers 5-4