If you’re staring at your phone wondering are cubs playing today, I have some news that might make you want to hibernate for a few more weeks. Honestly, if you look outside at the Chicago skyline right now, it’s pretty obvious. The Ivy is brown, the bleachers are empty, and there isn't a hot dog in sight.
Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026.
No, the Cubs are not playing a baseball game today. Not in the "nine innings, three outs, let’s get some runs" kind of way. But if you’re a die-hard fan, today is actually one of the biggest days of the year for the franchise. It’s the final day of the 2026 Cubs Convention at the Sheraton Grand Chicago.
While they aren't swinging bats for real points, the team is very much "active" right now. The lobby of the Sheraton is basically a sea of blue jerseys and people frantically trying to get an autograph from Shota Imanaga or the newly signed Alex Bregman.
The Reality of the January Schedule
Baseball has a rhythm. January is the month of talk, not action. You’ve got players sitting on stages answering questions about their off-season workouts instead of actually working out.
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It’s weirdly quiet on the field, but the front office is usually screaming into their phones. If you’re asking about a game because you want to watch some sports, you’re about a month early. The equipment trucks haven’t even left for Mesa yet. That usually happens in early February.
When Do the Games Actually Start?
If you want to see the Cubs in a jersey, you have to wait until February 20, 2026. That’s the Cactus League opener.
Basically, the schedule looks like this:
- Right Now (Mid-January): Cubs Convention and fan events.
- Mid-February: Pitchers and catchers report to Sloan Park in Arizona.
- February 20: The first Spring Training game against the White Sox.
- March 26: Opening Day at Wrigley Field.
It’s a long wait. I know.
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Why Everyone is Talking About the Cubs Today
Even though they aren't playing, the vibe around the team is actually pretty electric. The big news that everyone is buzzing about at the Convention is the Alex Bregman signing. Five years, $175 million. That’s a lot of dough for a guy who’s 31, but the Cubs are clearly tired of finishing just outside the postseason.
There’s also this weird tension with Matt Shaw. He was the guy at third base, and now with Bregman in town, he’s basically being told to grab an outfield glove. He spoke to reporters yesterday at the Sheraton and sounded pretty professional about it, but you could tell he was a bit caught off guard.
Then there’s the 2016 reunion. Part of the reason the Convention is so packed this weekend is that it’s a massive anniversary celebration for the World Series team. Seeing Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant back in the same room—even if they’re in street clothes—is enough to make a grown fan cry.
Where to Find "Action" Right Now
Since you can't watch a game, what do you do?
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Most fans are glued to Marquee Sports Network today. They’re running live coverage from the Convention panels. You can watch the "Kids Only" press conference, which is usually hilarious because kids ask the questions the beat reporters are too scared to ask.
You can also check out the minor league updates. The Cubs’ farm system is actually ranked pretty high going into 2026. Guys like Moises Ballesteros are the names you'll be hearing all summer, so today is a good day to actually look up who these kids are.
What You Should Do Next
Since there’s no game to watch, you should probably start planning for Mesa. Tickets for Spring Training at Sloan Park are already on sale. If you’re planning to head down for that February 20 opener against the Sox, you’d better book your flight now. Phoenix prices during the Cactus League are absolutely brutal if you wait until the last minute.
Actionable Steps for Cubs Fans:
- Check your calendar for February 20: That’s your first chance to see the new-look roster in a real-ish game.
- Download the MLB At Bat app: Turn on notifications for "Transactions." With the way Jed Hoyer is moving this month, another trade for a relief pitcher wouldn't surprise anyone.
- Watch the Convention Archives: If you missed the Bregman or Imanaga panels from Friday and Saturday, Marquee usually puts the highlights on their app by Sunday evening.
- Update your gear: If you’re still wearing a jersey of a guy who got traded three years ago, the Cubs Store at the Sheraton (or online) is dumping a lot of new 2026 merch today.
The wait for April at Wrigley is long, but February in Arizona is right around the corner. Hang in there.