So, you’re looking for a Chicago Cubs baseball game score in the middle of January? I get it. The itch for Wrigley Field, the smell of overpriced hot dogs, and the sound of the crack of the bat never really goes away, even when there's snow on the ground in Lakeview.
If you check the ticker right now, you aren't going to see a live box score. We are currently in that weird, quiet pocket of the MLB calendar. The last time the Cubs actually played a meaningful game that counted in the standings was October 11, 2025. It was a heartbreaking 3-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series.
That game officially ended a 92-win season—a year where Craig Counsell finally seemed to get the engine running.
The Last Score That Mattered
That 3-1 score in Milwaukee still stings for most fans. The Cubs went into that NLDS matchup with high hopes after a wild season. They finished second in the NL Central, just five games behind those same Brewers.
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Winning 92 games is nothing to sneeze at, especially considering where this team was a few years ago. But in that final game, the bats just went cold. Justin Misiorowski, the Brewers' fireballer, earned the win, while Colin Rea took the loss for Chicago. It was a classic "pitching wins championships" scenario that left North Siders looking toward 2026.
Why Everyone Is Checking Scores in January
You might think the scoreboard is dead until spring, but it’s actually the most active time for the "front office" scoreboard. Fans are obsessively tracking the Chicago Cubs baseball game score potential by looking at who is joining the roster.
The biggest news? Alex Bregman.
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Yep, the Cubs officially landed the star third baseman on a five-year deal earlier this month. When you’re looking at scores for the upcoming season, his presence in the lineup is going to change the math significantly. Last year, the Cubs ranked 5th in the league in runs scored (793), but they often struggled to find that one clutch hit in October. Bregman is the guy you want at the plate when the game is tied in the eighth.
There’s also the trade for Edward Cabrera from the Marlins. The Cubs gave up some serious talent to get him, but it boosts a rotation that already features Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele.
When Do the Real Scores Start Again?
Mark your calendars for February 20, 2026. That is the first time you will see a fresh Chicago Cubs baseball game score that involves actual players on a field.
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The Cubs open their Spring Training schedule at Sloan Park in Mesa against their cross-town rivals, the Chicago White Sox. It’s an exhibition, sure. The stars usually play three innings and then head to the golf course. But for a fan in the depths of a Chicago winter, a 5-4 Spring Training win feels like game seven of the World Series.
After the desert sun sets on Mesa, the real deal starts on March 26, 2026. Opening Day is at Wrigley Field against the Washington Nationals. There is nothing like a 1:20 PM start on a Thursday in March where it might be 40 degrees or 70 degrees—nobody knows.
The 2025 Scoreboard Recap
If you’re trying to settle a bet or just reminiscing about the 92-70 campaign, here is how the scoring trends looked:
- The Cubs were surprisingly explosive. They hit 223 home runs (6th in MLB).
- They were 8th in the league in ERA (3.79).
- They dominated the Padres in the Wild Card round, winning that series 2-1 before hitting the wall against Milwaukee.
Honestly, the most surprising score of the year wasn't even a win. It was that 16-0 blowout against the Dodgers back in April. Ben Brown looked like an absolute ace that day, and it was the first sign that the 2025 Cubs were actually "for real."
Actionable Next Steps for Cubs Fans
Since there isn't a live game tonight, here is how you can stay ahead of the curve for the 2026 season:
- Check the 40-man roster movements: With the Bregman signing, guys like Matt Shaw might be on the move or shifting positions. Keep an eye on waiver claims like the recent addition of Justin Dean.
- Set your Spring Training alerts: The February 20 opener against the White Sox will be on Marquee Sports Network.
- Review the April schedule: The Cubs have a brutal stretch in late April against the Dodgers and Phillies. Knowing those dates now helps you plan which games are worth the "sick day" from work.
- Track the pitching rotation: Follow the health of Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga through January bullpens. Their health determines whether the scores in 2026 stay under 4 or balloon into the double digits.