So, you’re hitting Google and asking what is the score of Cubs game only to find a whole lot of nothing on the live ticker. Honestly, it’s frustrating when you just want to know if they won. But here’s the thing: if you're looking for a live score today, January 16, 2026, you won't find one.
The Chicago Cubs aren't playing a game today.
It’s the middle of January. Wrigley Field is likely covered in a light dusting of Chicago frost, and the ivy is definitely dormant. We are deep in the MLB offseason. While there is no "score" to report in the traditional sense, there is actually a ton of action happening behind the scenes that basically changes the entire outlook for the North Side this year.
The Cubs Scoreboard Is Quiet, But the Front Office Isn't
If we’re talking about "wins" today, the Cubs just put up a massive one on the metaphorical scoreboard. Yesterday, January 15, the team officially introduced Alex Bregman at a press conference that basically set the internet on fire.
The "score" of that deal? A five-year, $175 million contract.
It’s huge. It’s the second-biggest contract ever given to a Jewish ballplayer, trailing only Max Fried’s massive deal from a couple of seasons ago. Bregman opted out of his contract with the Red Sox to come to Chicago, and he’s already making waves by choosing jersey No. 3.
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Why 3?
He told reporters he’s got two World Series rings and he wants a third. That’s the kind of energy the Cubs need after finishing 92-70 last year—a solid record, sure, but they still ended up second in the NL Central behind the Brewers.
When Do the Real Scores Start Coming In?
If you’re itching to see a box score, you’ve got a little bit of a wait. Pitchers and catchers haven't even reported to Mesa yet.
Here is the timeline for when you can actually start asking what is the score of Cubs game and get a real-time answer:
- Mid-February 2026: Spring Training begins. This is when we get those weird afternoon scores where the starters play two innings and then some guy named "Non-Roster Invitee" strikes out the side.
- March 4, 2026: The World Baseball Classic (WBC) kicks off. While not a Cubs game per se, Bregman is suiting up for Team USA, so Cubs fans will be watching that closely.
- March 26, 2026: Opening Day. This is the big one. The Cubs face the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field.
Basically, we are about ten weeks away from a game that actually counts.
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The Roster Shuffles You Might Have Missed
While there’s no game today, the transaction wire is moving fast. Just yesterday, the Cubs claimed Ben Cowles back off waivers from the White Sox. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s been bouncing back and forth like a ping-pong ball lately.
Then there’s the Nico Hoerner situation.
Since the Bregman signing, everyone is wondering what happens to Nico. There’s talk about Matt Shaw—the young stud—potentially moving to the outfield to keep the infield from getting too crowded. Jed Hoyer is playing a high-stakes game of Tetris with this roster right now.
Why the "Live Score" Search Is Tricky in January
Google and other search engines sometimes get confused this time of year. You might see "Cubs vs. Guardians" pop up in some old search results. That's usually just the system pulling up historical data from the 2016 World Series or maybe a Spring Training match-up from three years ago that hasn't been cleared from the cache.
Don't let it fool you.
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The only "Cubs game" happening this weekend is the 2026 Cubs Convention, which starts today, January 16, and runs through the 18th. It’s an emotional one this year because they are doing a massive 10-year reunion for the 2016 World Series team. Expect a lot of tears and "Go Cubs Go" singalongs, but zero actual home runs.
Actionable Steps for Cubs Fans Today
Since you can't watch a game, here is how you can actually stay updated on the team's progress before Spring Training:
- Check the 40-man roster status: Keep an eye on the waiver wire. The Cubs have been aggressive with depth pieces like Justin Dean and Corbin Martin lately.
- Follow the WBC announcements: See which other Cubs might join Bregman on the international stage.
- Monitor the trade rumors: With a surplus of infielders, the "score" of the next big trade could be a top-tier starting pitcher to help Justin Steele (who is currently dealing with an elbow issue).
The next time you search for the score, hopefully, it’s a lopsided win at the Friendly Confines this April. Until then, the "score" is simply: Cubs 1, Offseason 0.
Stay tuned to the local beat writers like Brett Taylor or the crew at Marquee Sports Network for the actual minute-by-minute updates from the Cubs Convention today.