If you’re staring at your phone wondering what time is the Cubs game on today, January 18, 2026, I’ve got a bit of a "good news, bad news" situation for you. The bad news? There isn't a Major League Baseball game happening at Wrigley Field or Sloan Park today. It’s mid-January. It is freezing in Chicago. The grass at Wrigley is likely tucked under a thick layer of frost, and the players are mostly just starting to pack their bags for Arizona.
But don’t close the tab just yet.
While the big league club isn't playing, there is actually some "Cubs" action today if you're willing to look toward the Philippines. The UAAP Season 88 boys' basketball tournament is in full swing, and the UST Tiger Cubs just grabbed a gritty 79-70 win over Adamson University earlier today. If you were looking for the North Siders of Chicago, though, we’re currently in that weird limbo where we’re talking about arbitration and trade rumors rather than box scores.
When Does the 2026 Season Actually Start?
We are officially in the countdown phase. If you're trying to plan your life around the Marquee Sports Network schedule, you need to circle February 20, 2026. That is the day the Cubs kick off their Spring Training slate in Mesa.
They start things off with a crosstown vibe, facing the White Sox at Sloan Park. The first pitch for that one is scheduled for 3:05 PM ET (2:05 PM CT).
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Key Spring Training Times
Arizona time is weird because they don't do Daylight Savings, but for those of us watching from home, here is the basic rhythm of the Cactus League:
- Standard Day Games: Most games at Sloan Park start at 3:05 PM ET.
- Late Afternoon Starts: Occasionally, you'll see a 4:05 PM ET start, like the March 15 matchup against the Dodgers.
- The Rare Night Game: There are a couple of "after dark" games in the desert, specifically on March 16 and 17, with starts at 9:05 PM ET.
Honestly, Spring Training is more about seeing if the new guys like Alex Bregman—who just signed that massive five-year deal—can find their rhythm in a Cubs uniform than it is about the final score.
Opening Day 2026: The Big One
The answer to what time is the Cubs game on becomes a lot more high-stakes on March 26, 2026. That is Opening Day. The Cubs are opening at home this year at Wrigley Field against the Washington Nationals.
While MLB hasn't pinned down the exact minute for the first pitch yet, tradition (and the early season Chicago weather) usually dictates a day game. Expect something in the neighborhood of 1:20 PM CT. There is nothing quite like a 40-degree day at Clark and Addison to remind you that baseball is back.
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Navigating the 162-Game Schedule
Once we hit April, the schedule settles into a fairly predictable pattern, but there are always outliers. If you’re a regular viewer, you’ve probably noticed that the "standard" times have shifted a bit over the last few years to accommodate TV networks and the pitch clock.
Typical Home Game Times
Wrigley Field is famous for its day baseball, but the "lights" era is firmly established.
- Weekday Afternoons: Usually 1:20 PM CT. These are the "sick day" games we all love.
- Weekday Nights: Usually 7:05 PM CT.
- Saturday Games: These vary wildly. You might see a 1:20 PM start, but if it’s the "Baseball Night in America" slot on FOX, it could jump to 6:15 PM or 7:15 PM CT.
- Sunday Games: Almost always 1:20 PM CT, unless ESPN picks it up for Sunday Night Baseball, which moves the start to 6:10 PM CT.
The Road Trip Factor
When the Cubs head west to face the Dodgers, Giants, or Padres, prepare for some late nights. You’re looking at 9:10 PM or 9:40 PM CT starts. It’s a grind for the fans, but watching Shota Imanaga deal under the lights in California is usually worth the lost sleep.
Why the "What Time" Question Is Harder Lately
The pitch clock changed everything. In 2023 and 2024, game durations dropped by nearly 30 minutes. Why does this matter for the start time? Because if you’re used to tuning in 20 minutes late and catching the second inning, you’re going to miss a lot of action now.
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Also, keep an eye on Apple TV+ and Roku. The MLB has been spreading games across different streaming platforms. If the game is an "Apple TV+ Friday Night Baseball" exclusive, the start time might be nudged to 6:30 PM or 7:00 PM to fit their national broadcast window.
How to Check Daily
Since there isn't a game today, January 18, your best bet for staying updated as February approaches is the official MLB At Bat app. It’s the most reliable source for "live" time changes, especially when rain delays in April start messing with the schedule.
If you're heading to the ballpark, remember that gates usually open two hours before the first pitch. If the game is at 1:20 PM, get there by 11:30 AM if you want to catch batting practice or grab a helmet sundae without a massive line.
Summary of Upcoming Milestones
- Feb 11: Pitchers and Catchers report.
- Feb 20: First Spring Training game vs. White Sox (3:05 PM ET).
- March 26: Opening Day vs. Nationals (TBD, likely 1:20 PM CT).
Get your jerseys ready. The offseason is almost over, and soon enough, the answer to what time is the Cubs game on will be "daily at 1:20."
Stay updated on the roster moves this week. With the team store at Sloan Park opening tomorrow, January 19, we're likely to see more merch drops and potentially another bullpen signing before the guys land in Mesa.