The Chicago Cubs will be competing for the playoffs on October 8 when they face the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 3 of the NLDS series.
The Cubs need to win three straight games against the top-seeded Brewers if they want to advance to the NLCS, as they were defeated by the Milwaukee Bucks 16-6 in the first two games of this series, both games being played at the Brewers' American Family Field.
The good news for Chicago is that they will now play Games 3 and 4 at home. One would imagine that playing at legendary Wrigley Field would be a distinct advantage for this Chicago team, especially considering they went 50-31 in regular-season home games in 2025 before beating the San Diego Padres in the three-game NL Wild Card Series at Wrigley.
However, anyone who has been to Wrigley Field knows how unpredictable the ballpark can be.
David Banks – Image
Not only are their outfield walls covered in iconic ivy, which creates a level of uncertainty and potential injury, but the even more dangerous (when it comes to how it impacts performance) wind patterns at Wrigley Field.
Every Cubs player, batter or pitcher, has a story about the wind blowing over what was supposed to be a home run ball, turning it into a harmless fly ball and an easy out. In fact, ESPN's Jesse Rogers published an article on Oct. 8 about how wind at Wrigley Field will affect the NLDS series and free agency titled “MLB Playoffs: Why Wrigley Field is a hitter's worst nightmare.”
In this article, Cubs star shortstop Dansby Swanson speaks candidly about the attitude that comes with playing at Wrigley.
“You can't let it eat you up, but that's the reality. As a player, if you don't think about it when you're playing, you'd be stupid,” Swanson said of the wind direction at Wrigley Field.
He later added: “I can’t remember the last time I hit a double to right-center. [at Wrigley]. This must have caused considerable frustration. “
more: Where to watch Chicago Cubs vs Milwaukee Brewers (Game 3): Game time, pitchers, TV channels and streaming
The wind hasn't been a friend to Wrigley's hitters the past two years. “It's a little confusing.”
Regarding the elements, before the third race (btw, windy again is expected): https://t.co/0SxSaFk6qC
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) October 8, 2025
Eventually, Swanson seemed to have come to terms with the fact that he was definitely going to lose his home run to the wind at Wrigley Field. But he also understands the impact this will have on both teams, explaining: “[Juan] Soto and [Giancarlo] Stanton hit some pretty hard balls in the park last season. You can see it in their faces. I laughed and said, 'Not here, man. '”
Swanson and the Cubs hope the stroke works in their favor in Game 3 on Wednesday.
Chicago Cubs Latest News
Cubs face elimination in Game 3, and it all comes down to Jameson Taillon
Chicago Cubs on track to set embarrassing strikeout record this season
MLB Insider Reveals Brutal Truth About Kyle Tucker's Signing and Future with Cubs
The doomed moment for the Cubs in NLDS Game 2 against the Brewers