It is mid-January in Chicago, and the "Cubs game today" isn't being played on the grass at Wrigley Field under a blistering sun. Honestly, the real game is happening inside the front office and across the desks of agents. While the ivy is dormant and the Friendly Confines are likely dusted with a layer of lake-effect snow, the North Siders just pulled off a move that has the entire league staring at 1060 West Addison.
They finally did it. They landed Alex Bregman.
For a long time, fans have been grumbling about "small-market" behavior from a big-market team. That talk basically died on Saturday night. While everyone was glued to the Bears and Packers game, news broke that the Cubs signed Bregman to a massive five-year, $175 million deal. It’s the kind of splash that changes the temperature of an entire city. If you're looking for the score of a physical ballgame today, you won't find one—but in the win-loss column of the offseason, the Cubs are currently undefeated.
Why the Cubs Game Today is All About the Hot Corner
The biggest story right now isn't about a pitcher's ERA or a specific box score. It's about the "logjam." By signing Bregman, Jed Hoyer has created a fascinating problem for manager Craig Counsell.
You've got Dansby Swanson at short and Nico Hoerner at second. Then there’s Matt Shaw, the young gun who everyone thought was the future at third base. Shaw isn't just some prospect; he hit 11 homers in the second half of last year and looked like he belonged. Now? He might be the most expensive bench piece in baseball, or more likely, the centerpiece of a trade that hasn't happened yet.
It’s kinda wild to think about how much this shifts the vibe. Just a week ago, the Cubs were mourning the loss of Kyle Tucker to free agency and wondering if they’d ever spend like a top-tier franchise again. Then, boom. They trade for Edward Cabrera—a guy with a 100-mph heater and "stuff" for days—and follow it up by snagging the best third baseman on the market.
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Breaking Down the Bregman Impact
Let’s be real for a second. Alex Bregman isn't the 2018 version of himself who was flirting with MVP awards every year. He’s 31. He had a bit of a weird second half last season. But he brings something the Cubs have lacked since the 2016 core dissolved: postseason ice water in his veins.
He’s a two-time World Series champ. He doesn't blink in October.
When you look at the projected lineup for 2026, it suddenly looks… deep?
- Ian Happ leading off or hitting second.
- Seiya Suzuki providing that consistent power.
- Bregman anchoring the middle.
- Cody Bellinger (if he stays healthy and productive).
- Dansby Swanson being the stabilizing force.
It’s a lineup that doesn't have many "easy outs." That is how you win the NL Central. The Brewers are always scrappy, and the Cardinals are… well, they’re the Cardinals. But the Cubs are currently the only team in the division acting like they want to be a powerhouse.
The Pitching Revolution Nobody is Talking About
While everyone is obsessed with the $175 million man, the "Cubs game today" is also about the arms. Trading Owen Caissie to the Marlins for Edward Cabrera was a gutsy move. Caissie was a top prospect, the kind of guy you hate to lose. But Cabrera? He’s the high-ceiling arm this rotation desperately needed to pair with Cade Horton.
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If you haven't seen Cade Horton pitch lately, you're missing out. He finished last year with 27 consecutive scoreless innings. Twenty-seven. That is dominance.
The rotation is shaping up to be:
- Cade Horton (The future Ace)
- Matthew Boyd (The veteran stability)
- Shota Imanaga (The fan favorite who just took his qualifying offer)
- Jameson Taillon (The reliable workhorse)
- Edward Cabrera (The wildcard with elite stuff)
That is a legitimate playoff rotation. Throw in a revamped bullpen featuring guys like Hunter Harvey and Phil Maton, and suddenly the "blown lead" heartbreaks of 2024 and 2025 feel like a distant memory.
The Nico Hoerner Dilemma
We have to talk about Nico. He is the heartbeat of this team in many ways. He’s a Gold Glover. He’s a clubhouse leader. But he’s also a free agent after 2026.
With Bregman taking over third, Matt Shaw needs a home. If the Cubs don't trade Shaw for another starter or a lockdown closer, they almost have to move Nico to second and let Shaw rotate in. Or, and this is the rumor that won't die, they trade Nico now while his value is sky-high to fill another hole. Honestly, it would hurt to see him go. But baseball is a business, and the Cubs are currently in the business of winning a ring.
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What Most Fans Get Wrong About This Offseason
A lot of people are saying the Cubs are "buying" a championship. That’s a lazy take. Look at the roster. This isn't just free agent signings; it’s a mix of savvy trades (Cabrera), internal development (Horton, PCA, Shaw), and targeted spending.
People also forget about the bench. Last year, Craig Counsell ran his starters into the ground. Six guys played over 150 games. That’s how you get late-season collapses. This year, with additions like Tyler Austin and the waiver claim of Justin Dean from the Giants, the depth is actually there. They have options. They have "insurance."
Practical Next Steps for Cubs Fans
If you're looking to stay ahead of the curve as Spring Training approaches, here’s what you should actually be watching:
- Check the 40-man roster updates: The Cubs are currently at 39 spots after the Bregman signing becomes official. That last spot is likely for a depth pitcher or a surprise minor league invite.
- Keep an eye on the trade market: The "infield logjam" isn't a season-long solution. Expect movement before pitchers and catchers report.
- Watch the Cubs Convention news: This weekend is the big fan event in Chicago. Expect more clarity on Matt Shaw’s role and maybe even a surprise announcement.
- Monitor Edward Cabrera's health: He’s the key. If he stays healthy, this rotation is top-5 in the NL. If he doesn't, the depth gets tested early.
The Cubs game today isn't about the score on a scoreboard. It's about a franchise finally deciding to act like the giant it is. The North Side is buzzing, and for the first time in a decade, it feels like the expectation isn't just "be competitive"—it's "win it all."
The winter is cold, but the stove is absolutely on fire.