You can feel it in the air the second the gates open at Wrigley Field or Chavez Ravine. There’s this specific, high-frequency energy that only hums when the MLB Cubs vs Dodgers matchup hits the schedule. It isn't just about the standings. It’s about the fact that these are two of the most storied, stubborn, and culturally massive franchises in the history of the sport.
Whether it’s a random Tuesday in May or a high-stakes October night, these games carry weight.
Honestly, the 2026 season has added a whole new layer of spice to this thing. With the Cubs recently landing Alex Bregman on a five-year, $175 million deal, the North Siders aren't just "scrappy" anymore. They are built to hunt. On the other side, you have a Dodgers squad that basically functions as a baseball-themed superpower, led by the incomparable Shohei Ohtani.
The Ohtani Factor and the New Cubs Infield
When you talk about the modern MLB Cubs vs Dodgers dynamic, you have to start with the "unicorn." Shohei Ohtani has been a nightmare for Cubs pitching lately. Looking back at the 2025 season, he wasn't always hitting for a high average against Chicago—batting around .207 in seven games—but he has a knack for the big moment. He’s got four career homers against the Cubs, and in a tight game at Dodger Stadium, that’s usually the difference.
But the Cubs aren't rolling over. The addition of Bregman at third base changes the geometry of their defense and the ceiling of their lineup. It’s created a bit of a "good problem" in Chicago. You've got Dansby Swanson at short, Bregman at third, and Nico Hoerner at second. That is a lot of Gold Glove potential in one infield.
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There’s even been talk—kinda wild if you think about it—of the Cubs potentially trading Hoerner to the Dodgers to clear up their "infield logjam." The Dodgers always need elite contact and defense, and these two front offices have a history of deals, like the Michael Busch trade that turned out to be a massive win for Chicago.
Recent Head-to-Head Chaos
If you look at the 2025 results, the Cubs actually had the upper hand. They went 11-9 against the Dodgers over the last few seasons. In April 2025, the Cubs pulled off a wild 16-0 blowout in LA, followed by a tense 7-6 win back at Wrigley.
It’s never predictable. One day it’s a 1-0 pitcher’s duel, and the next day the wind is blowing out at Wrigley and the score looks like a football game.
Scheduled Showdowns for 2026
If you’re trying to catch the MLB Cubs vs Dodgers action this year, mark your calendars for late April. The regular season series kicks off at Dodger Stadium on Friday, April 24, 2026. They play a three-game set in LA before the Dodgers head to the Midwest later in the summer.
- April 24-26, 2026: Three-game series at Dodger Stadium.
- August 3, 2026: A key matchup at Wrigley Field.
- Spring Training: They also meet on February 28 at Camelback Ranch and March 15 at Sloan Park.
Spring training games are usually just for the vibes and the prospect-watching, but the March 15 game at Sloan Park is always a sellout. Cubs fans travel deep in Arizona. It feels like a home game for Chicago even in the desert.
The Vibe Shift: Wrigley vs. Dodger Stadium
There is a massive debate among baseball purists about which stadium offers the better experience for this specific matchup.
Wrigley Field is tight. The fans are packed in. There is no "cool" way to sit at Wrigley; you are on top of the action, and if the Cubs are winning, the ground literally shakes. It’s gritty. It’s ivy. It’s old-school.
Dodger Stadium is different. It’s "Hollywood flair" mixed with mid-century modern architecture. It’s massive. When 56,000 people are cheering for an Ohtani blast, the sound is more of a roar than a rumble. The views of the San Gabriel Mountains are incredible, but the access can be a nightmare compared to the "L" train in Chicago.
What to Watch For Next
The real story for the next few months will be how the Cubs handle their roster surplus. Will they actually trade Nico Hoerner to their rivals in LA? It sounds crazy to help the "Evil Empire," but if the return is right, it could happen.
Also, keep an eye on the pitching matchups. The Cubs trading for Edward Cabrera gives them a high-velocity arm that can actually challenge the Dodgers' hitters. You can't beat the Dodgers with soft-tossing lefties anymore; you need guys who can throw 99 mph with a disappearing slider.
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Actionable Insights for Fans:
If you're planning to attend one of the April 2026 games in LA, buy your tickets early. These are high-demand dates, especially with the Friday night start. For those watching from home, pay attention to the pitching rotations three days out. If the Cubs can avoid facing Ohtani and Yamamoto in the same series, their chances of winning the set go up significantly. Check the wind reports for the August games at Wrigley—if it's blowing out, take the "over" on total runs.