Mets vs. Cubs prediction: Lindor set to lead Mets against left-hander Matthew Boyd
With New York's rotation unsettled, Francisco Lindor could be the biggest swing for the Mets as they visit Chicago
New York’s Mets enter a key midweek clash with the Chicago Cubs amid a season-long slide from early optimism. After posting a 45-24 record on June 12, the Mets have gone 35-52 since, a stretch that has cooled expectations of a deep playoff run. Chicago visits on Wednesday with left-hander Matthew Boyd lined up to start for the Cubs, a matchup that could test New York’s lineup against a steady veteran in Boyd. The Mets have not officially announced a probable starter for the night game, and there has been public speculation that youngster Jonah Tong could get the ball for New York, though no confirmation has been provided by team officials. In the context of the series, the Mets’ rotation has been a question mark, and the bullpen has kept pressure on the lineup to score early and often.
Against Boyd, Francisco Lindor has produced the most consistent small-sample success for the Mets. In the limited history between Lindor and Boyd, Lindor has hit .361 with two home runs in 13 hits over 36 at-bats. Starling Marte has hit .222 with no homers in nine at-bats; Juan Soto is at .200 with one homer in five at-bats; Pete Alonso is 0-for-3 in his encounters with Boyd; Mark Vientos has thrived at a .333 clip with one homer in three at-bats; and Brandon Nimmo is 1-for-2. Those matchups help frame a narrative in which Lindor remains the likely focal point when the Mets need a clutch moment, especially during a period when New York has leaned on its core star to carry the offense.
Analysts from The Post Betting have outlined a streamlined betting angle for Wednesday, centering on Lindor as the driver of New York’s offense in a game that could hinge on timely hitting against a seasoned lefty. The recommended plays include Francisco Lindor over 1.5 total bases and Lindor to hit a home run at +300 or better. The case for Lindor rests on his track record against Boyd and his role as the Mets’ normalization force in high-leverage moments, particularly as New York tries to stabilize a lineup that has shown flashes but not consistency in recent weeks. The betting guidance comes from Erich Richter, a The Post betting analyst who has emphasized long-shot opportunities with measurable returns since 2022, noting a clear appetite for Lindor in big-game scenarios.
Beyond the immediate matchup, the Mets’ season narrative continues to be defined by a stark contrast between their hot start and the current downturn. The absence of a firm pitching plan for Wednesday adds another layer of uncertainty, heightening the importance of Lindor’s approach at the plate and the ability of the rest of the lineup to produce in short bursts. Chicago, meanwhile, is hoping Boyd can set a steady tone early, allowing the Cubs’ offense to settle in behind him. The dynamic reflects a broader theme of the season: when New York’s stars deliver, the club can still compete; when they falter, opponents seize the moment and momentum snowballs against them.
The Mets’ offense has faced multiple adjustments as front office decisions, player acquisitions, and injuries shape the roster. While Soto’s arrival in the offseason reshaped expectations and altered roles across the lineup, Lindor remains the most reliable indicator of the Mets’ offensive pulse in crunch time. The current sequence of games against divisional rivals and interleague opponents will test whether New York can rekindle the factory-floor efficiency that carried them through their best stretches earlier in the year. Still, Bauer’s absence and the unresolved rotation question underscore the challenge: the Mets must maximize every at-bat, and Lindor’s performance against Boyd on Wednesday could set the tone for the series.
