If you’re looking for the chicago cubs current score on a snowy Saturday in mid-January, I’ve got good news and bad news.
The bad news? There isn’t a game. Wrigley Field is currently a frozen tundra, and the Ivy is basically just a collection of sticks.
The good news? The "score" that actually matters right now is happening in the front office. Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins are currently putting up numbers that would make the 2016 squad do a double-take. Honestly, if we’re grading the offseason scoreboard, the Cubs are winning by a landslide.
The $175 Million Answer to the Third Base Problem
Forget the Grapefruit League for a second. The real chicago cubs current score is the massive five-year, $175 million contract they just handed to Alex Bregman.
It’s official. As of January 14, 2026, the two-time World Series champ is officially a Cub. This isn't just another veteran signing to "bridge the gap." This is a "we are going for it" move. Bregman spent 2025 with the Red Sox, but he opted out and chose the North Side for his long-term home.
He’s 31. He’s a winner. He’s exactly the kind of high-contact, high-IQ bat this lineup has been missing since... well, since the last time they were relevant in October.
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The deal is a bit of a shocker for the Ricketts family. They actually allowed $70 million in deferred money. That’s a huge shift in how they do business. Usually, the Cubs front office treats deferred money like a bad case of the flu. Not this time. They wanted their man.
The Rotation Scoreboard: Edward Cabrera is In
While everyone was tracking the Bregman rumors, the Cubs pulled a fast one and traded for Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins.
They gave up Owen Caissie to get him. That hurts. Caissie was a top-50 prospect and a fan favorite in the minors. But you have to give up talent to get talent. Cabrera brings a ceiling that this rotation hasn't seen in years. Imagine him pairing up with Shota Imanaga, who—by the way—just accepted his qualifying offer to stay in Chicago.
The current rotation "score" looks something like this:
- Shota Imanaga
- Justin Steele
- Edward Cabrera
- Matthew Boyd (who was sneaky good last year with a 3.21 ERA)
- Javier Assad or Jameson Taillon
That’s a group that can actually compete with Milwaukee.
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Why the Infield is a "Good Problem" Right Now
The chicago cubs current score in terms of roster depth is getting a little crowded.
With Bregman taking over third base, what happens to Matt Shaw? What about Nico Hoerner?
Rumors are flying that the Giants, Mariners, and Yankees are blowing up Jed Hoyer’s phone asking about Hoerner. It’s scary. Nico is the heartbeat of the defense. But Hoyer mentioned at the Bregman presser that Shaw might actually see some time in the outfield.
Think about that. A natural infielder moving to the grass just to keep his bat in the lineup. It shows you how much they value Shaw’s development.
The Bullpen Overhaul
Last year’s bullpen was... let's just say it was an adventure. Not the fun kind. More like the "I’m hiding behind the couch" kind.
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The front office has clearly learned its lesson. They’ve been scooping up arms like they’re going out of style.
- Phil Maton (2-year deal)
- Hunter Harvey
- Hoby Milner
- Jacob Webb
- Caleb Thielbar
They aren't just signing one "closer" and hoping for the best. They are building a wall of veteran arms. It’s a volume approach. If two of these guys flam out, they still have three more who can handle high-leverage innings.
Looking Ahead to the Real Scoreboard
The first time you'll see an actual chicago cubs current score on a Jumbotron is February 20, 2026.
That’s when Spring Training kicks off at Sloan Park in Mesa. They’ll be facing the White Sox. It’s basically a neighborhood scrimmage in the desert, but for Cubs fans, it’ll be the first look at Bregman in the home pinstripes.
The regular season starts March 26 at Wrigley against the Washington Nationals.
Actionable Next Steps for Cubs Fans
If you're trying to stay ahead of the curve before Opening Day, here is what you need to do:
- Monitor the Hoerner Trade Buzz: The next two weeks are critical. If the Cubs land another top-tier starter by moving Nico, the "score" of this offseason goes from an A- to an A+.
- Check the 40-Man Roster: It’s currently at 39. That means there is exactly one spot left for a surprise signing or a waiver claim. Keep an eye on the wire.
- Watch the Prospect Rankings: With Owen Caissie gone, guys like Kevin Alcantara and Moises Ballesteros are the next men up. Their performance in Mesa will determine if the Cubs need more outfield help.
- Grab Spring Training Tickets: If you’re heading to Arizona, games against the White Sox (Feb 20) and Yankees (early March) are already seeing high demand.
The 2025 season saw the Cubs win 92 games and finish second in the NL Central. This offseason proves they aren't satisfied with second place anymore. They're playing for a different kind of score now.