If you’re refreshing your phone or scanning the Marquee Sports Network hoping to find the score of Cubs game tonight, you might be a little early—or technically, a few months late.
It is mid-January. Chicago is buried under that specific brand of slushy, gray winter that makes you forget what sunlight feels like. There is no box score. There are no home runs landing on Waveland Avenue today.
Basically, the only "score" you’re going to find right now is at the 2026 Cubs Convention, which kicked off today, Friday, January 16. It’s the dead of the offseason. But for a die-hard fan, this is actually one of the busiest days on the calendar.
The Reality of the Cubs Schedule Right Now
Let’s get the logistics out of the way. Major League Baseball doesn't start for real until the end of March.
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The Cubs don't take the field for a meaningful game until Thursday, March 26, 2026, when they host the Washington Nationals for Opening Day at Wrigley Field. That is when the hunt for a real score begins.
If you’re desperate for any kind of live Cubs action, Spring Training is your next stop. The first preseason game is set for February 20, 2026, against the Chicago White Sox at Sloan Park in Mesa. Until then, the diamonds are empty, and the players are mostly busy signing autographs at the Sheraton Grand Chicago.
What’s Happening Tonight Instead of a Game?
Since there isn't a score of Cubs game tonight to report, the city is focused on the 2026 Cubs Convention. It’s a massive deal this year.
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The team is celebrating its 150th anniversary as a National League franchise. Think about that. A century and a half of "wait 'til next year," goats, black cats, and eventually, that glorious 2016 trophy. Tonight specifically, the team is holding its star-studded opening ceremony. They are introducing the Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
If you’re at the hotel or watching the coverage, you’re seeing:
- The Hall of Fame Induction: Honoring the legends who actually put numbers on the scoreboard in years past.
- Off the Mound with Ryan Dempster: Always a weird, fun mix of comedy and baseball talk.
- Harry Carayoke: Exactly what it sounds like. Fans singing and probably a few former players regretting their song choices.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
While we wait for the first pitch in March, the front office hasn't been sitting still. Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins have been active.
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The biggest news hitting the wire this week? The Cubs reportedly landed Alex Bregman on a massive five-year, $175 million deal. That’s a move designed to change the score of games in October, not just January. Adding that kind of veteran presence at third base suggests the Cubs are tired of finishing second in the NL Central.
The 2026 schedule is also unique because of how it ends. The Cubs will finish the regular season at Fenway Park against the Red Sox in late September. It’s rare. It’s historic. It’s the kind of series that might determine if they’re heading back to the postseason.
How to Track Cubs Scores Once the Season Starts
When the calendar finally flips to March and the games actually count, you’ll want a reliable way to stay updated.
- Marquee Sports Network: The primary home for almost every game.
- 670 The Score: Pat Hughes is still the voice of summer. If you can't watch, listening to Pat and Ron Coomer is the next best thing.
- MLB Gameday: For the "at-work" fans who need a pitch-by-pitch breakdown.
Honestly, the offseason is just a long waiting room for the smell of Old Style and grilled onions at Clark and Addison. We're getting closer.
Actionable Next Steps for Cubs Fans
Since you can't check a box score tonight, do these three things to prep for the 2026 season:
- Vote for the 150th Anniversary Team: Voting officially opened today, Jan. 16, at noon on the Cubs' website. Pick your all-time greats.
- Check Your Calendar for March 26: Opening Day at Wrigley is the earliest in history. Make sure you've cleared your schedule for the 1:20 PM (likely) first pitch.
- Update Your App: Ensure your MLB or Marquee app is updated now so you don't run into technical glitches when Spring Training starts in Mesa next month.