If you’re checking your watch and wondering what time do the cubs play today, you might want to take a breath and look at the calendar. It is mid-January. It’s freezing in Chicago.
Honestly, the boys aren't taking the field at Wrigley just yet.
Right now, the "game" is happening in the front office, and it is a high-stakes one. While there isn't a live box score to refresh today, January 14, 2026, has actually turned into one of the biggest days of the year for the franchise. The Cubs just finalized a massive $175 million, five-year contract with All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman.
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Basically, the "game" today is a press conference and a roster overhaul that completely changes the trajectory of the 2026 season.
When Do the 2026 Games Actually Start?
You’ve got a little bit of a wait before the real crack of the bat.
Spring Training 2026 officially kicks off in February. The Cubs are slated to open their Cactus League schedule on Friday, February 20, 2026, against the Chicago White Sox at Sloan Park.
That game is set for 3:05 PM ET (2:05 PM local Arizona time).
If you are planning your life around the regular season, circle Thursday, March 26, 2026, on your calendar. That is Opening Day at Wrigley Field against the Washington Nationals. It's the first time in three years they've opened at home, which is a huge deal for fans who prefer the Ivy to the desert.
Why You’re Searching for Game Times in January
It makes sense why people are already looking. The hype is real.
The Bregman signing is a seismic shift. He’s taking over the hot corner, pushing Matt Shaw into a super-utility role, and likely slotting into the No. 3 hole in the lineup. Because he’s wearing No. 3 (since Nico Hoerner already has No. 2 locked down), there’s a whole new aesthetic coming to the North Side.
Jed Hoyer hasn't just been sitting on his hands. Along with Bregman, the Cubs recently traded for right-hander Edward Cabrera from the Marlins. They gave up Owen Caissie to get him, which was a tough pill for some prospect-watchers to swallow, but it shows they are in "win now" mode.
So, while there is no "first pitch" today, the 2026 season is effectively beginning in the meeting rooms of Clark and Addison.
Breaking Down the 2026 Cubs Schedule Highlights
Since you're clearly eager to know when to tune in, let's look at the blocks of time that will define this year.
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- The Rivalry Games: The annual Crosstown Classic against the White Sox is split this year. You’ve got a three-game weekend series at Guaranteed Rate Field from May 15–17, and the return set at Wrigley from August 17–19.
- Holiday Baseball: There is nothing like a hot dog at Wrigley on the Fourth of July. This year, the Cubs host the St. Louis Cardinals on July 4. They also have a Father’s Day matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays on June 12.
- The Long Hauls: The team has three separate seven-game homestands, which are the longest of the 2026 season. These happen in late April, early May, and late August.
The Pitching Rotation Today
If the season started this afternoon, the rotation would look remarkably different than last year. Shota Imanaga is back as the projected ace, looking to bounce back from some late-2025 command issues. Behind him, you’ve got Matthew Boyd, the newly acquired Cabrera, Jameson Taillon, and the young flamethrower Cade Horton.
It’s a staff built for the long haul, but it lacks a traditional 200-inning workhorse. Everything depends on Horton taking that next step and Cabrera staying healthy.
Actionable Next Steps for Cubs Fans
Since you can't watch a game today, here is how you can actually prepare for the season:
- Secure Spring Training Tickets: Cactus League tickets for Sloan Park are already on sale. Given the Bregman hype, the February 20 opener against the Sox will sell out fast.
- Update Your Gear: If you’re a jersey collector, Bregman is officially switching to No. 3. Don't buy the old No. 2 thinking he'll take it from Nico.
- Monitor the Trade Block: With Bregman at third, keep an eye on Nico Hoerner trade rumors. The middle infield is crowded, and the Cubs might still move a veteran to snag one more high-leverage reliever.
- Set Your Opening Day Alert: March 26 at Wrigley. Most secondary market tickets for the home opener will start hitting their peak price in early February, so if you're going, buy early or wait until the 48-hour "panic window" before the game.
The 2026 Cubs aren't playing today, but they are finally acting like a big-market powerhouse again. That is worth the wait.