You're looking for the current score of the Cubs game, but honestly? You aren't going to find one. Not today. It’s January 18, 2026. Unless the North Side has suddenly moved to the Caribbean Winter League without telling anyone, Wrigley Field is currently a very expensive, very historic ice box.
Baseball is a summer game.
We’re deep in the "hot stove" season, which is a weirdly cozy name for a time of year that mostly involves fans refreshing Twitter (or X, whatever) and screaming about luxury tax thresholds. If you’re seeing scores pop up on your phone, they’re probably for the Chicago Bears, who are busy dealing with the NFL playoffs right now. Or maybe you're seeing highlights from the 2025 season where the Cubs managed 92 wins but couldn't quite clinch the division.
The Current State of the Chicago Cubs (January 2026)
Since there is no current score of the Cubs game to report, let’s talk about the score that actually matters: the scoreboard of the offseason.
Jed Hoyer just dropped a massive bomb on the league.
On January 10, the Cubs officially signed Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million deal. It’s the kind of move that changes the entire gravity of the NL Central. Bregman is 31 now, but he’s coming off a weird, short stint in Boston where he opted out to find a long-term home. Now, he’s the "Cubs third baseman," a title that has felt a bit cursed or at least "rented" since Kris Bryant left.
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Why does this matter for the 2026 season?
- Reliability: Bregman doesn't just hit; he stabilizes a clubhouse.
- Defense: He’s an AL Gold Glove winner who makes the difficult stuff look routine.
- The Message: You don't spend $175 million in January if you’re planning on "rebuilding" in June.
The vibe at the Cubs Convention this weekend at the Sheraton Grand Chicago has been electric. Fans aren't asking about the score; they’re asking how Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw fit into the infield now that Bregman is taking over the hot corner.
When Will the Next Cubs Game Actually Start?
If you’re itching to see a box score, you have about a month of waiting left.
The first real current score of the Cubs game for 2026 will happen on Friday, February 20. That’s the Cactus League opener. The Cubs are hosting the Chicago White Sox at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona.
Mesa in February is basically heaven for people who hate Chicago winters.
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Key Dates for the 2026 Cubs Schedule
- February 11: Pitchers and catchers report to Mesa.
- February 16: First full-squad workout (the day everyone realizes if the new guys are actually in "best shape of their lives").
- February 20: Spring Training opener vs. White Sox.
- March 26: Opening Day at Wrigley Field vs. the Washington Nationals.
Opening Day 2026 is actually one of the earliest in MLB history. The league is trying to cram in more games before the weather turns, or maybe they just know we're all dying for baseball to return.
Why the Cubs Scoreboards Will Look Different This Year
There is a lot of nuance to this 2026 roster.
Last year, the Cubs were good. 92 wins is nothing to sneeze at. But they finished second in the NL Central because the Milwaukee Brewers seemingly refused to lose a game for three straight months. This year, the projection models (like FanGraphs or Steamer) are already starting to lean toward Chicago.
Bregman is the big name, but keep an eye on the kids.
Pete Crow-Armstrong is no longer a "prospect" in the traditional sense; he’s the guy who needs to prove his bat can stay as hot as his glove. If he hits .260 with 25 bags, the Cubs are a playoff lock. If he struggles at the plate, the current score of the Cubs game might look a lot like it did in late 2025—lots of runners left on base and plenty of frustration.
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How to Follow the Cubs in the Offseason
Since you can't watch a live game today, what should you be doing?
First, follow the Cubs Convention updates. Today, Sunday, January 18, is the final day of the event. They’re running a youth baseball and softball clinic at the Sheraton, and you’ll likely see more "wholesome" content of Bregman and his son, Knox, which has already gone viral among the Wrigley faithful.
Second, keep an eye on the trade market.
With Bregman in the fold, the infield is crowded. Names like Nico Hoerner are being floated in trade rumors. It sounds crazy to trade Nico, but if the Cubs need another top-tier starter to pair with Justin Steele, you have to give up talent to get talent.
Actionable Next Steps for Cubs Fans
- Sync Your Calendar: Go to the official MLB site and download the 2026 schedule to your phone now so you don't get caught looking for scores in the middle of January again.
- Check Marquee Sports Network: They’re replaying "Cubs 360" and press conference highlights of the Bregman signing all week.
- Plan the Mesa Trip: If you want to see the first score of the year in person, tickets for Sloan Park are already on sale. They go fast because, well, it’s the Cubs.
Baseball will be back before you know it. For now, enjoy the fact that the Cubs are actually "winning" the winter for once. That’s a score worth celebrating.