It is January 17, 2026. If you’re checking the TV guide looking for a channel number, let’s get the big news out of the way first.
The Chicago Cubs do not play a game today.
Baseball is a seasonal beast. While the itch for ivy and the sound of a crackling radio is real, the North Siders are currently in the thick of the "hot stove" season. They are exactly 34 days away from their first Spring Training matchup. No dirt is being kicked up at Wrigley Field today. Instead, the action is happening in the front office where Jed Hoyer and Craig Counsell are essentially playing a high-stakes game of Tetris with the 40-man roster.
Who Do the Chicago Cubs Play Today? The Wait for Spring Training
If you are asking who do the chicago cubs play today, you’re likely looking for the start of the 2026 campaign. We aren't there yet.
The Cubs open their exhibition schedule on Friday, February 20, 2026, against the Chicago White Sox at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. That’s the first time you’ll see the new-look roster in a game environment.
The Early 2026 Schedule Breakdown
- Spring Training Opener: February 20 vs. Chicago White Sox (Sloan Park).
- First Road Game: February 22 @ San Francisco Giants (Scottsdale Stadium).
- The Big Arrival: March 23-24 vs. New York Yankees (a rare Mesa visit for the Bronx Bombers).
- Opening Day: March 26 vs. Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field.
Waiting sucks. Honestly, it’s the worst part of being a baseball fan. But while there isn't a box score to check this afternoon, the team actually made some massive moves this week that change everything about how they'll play when the games finally start.
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The Alex Bregman Era Begins
The biggest reason people are asking about the schedule is the massive news that dropped on January 14. The Cubs officially signed Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million contract.
This isn't just another signing. It’s a signal.
Bregman was introduced at Wrigley Field just two days ago, on January 15. Standing there with Scott Boras and Jed Hoyer, he talked about bringing that "World Series DNA" to Clark and Addison. For years, the Cubs have lacked a definitive answer at third base. They’ve cycled through prospects and stopgaps, but Bregman provides a Gold Glove vacuum at the hot corner and a bat that rarely misses in October.
If they were playing today, Bregman would likely be hitting third or fourth. But since they aren't, he’s probably in a gym somewhere getting ready for February.
Recent Roster Shakeups You Might Have Missed
The front office hasn't been sleeping. While fans were focused on the Bregman signing, several other pieces moved on the board this week.
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On January 15, the Cubs claimed Ben Cowles, a middle infielder, off waivers from the White Sox. They also signed a slew of international free agents and minor league depth pieces including guys like Jaims Martinez and Anderson Carias.
More importantly, the trade for Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins is finally settling in. To get Cabrera—a pitcher with a ceiling higher than the Sears Tower—Hoyer had to part with top outfield prospect Owen Caissie. It was a "win-now" move. Cabrera joins a rotation that suddenly looks formidable with Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga.
Current Pitching Outlook
- Justin Steele: The de facto ace who just avoided arbitration by signing a one-year deal on January 8.
- Shota Imanaga: Back after accepting his qualifying offer.
- Edward Cabrera: The new fireballer in town.
- The Bullpen: Rebuilt with veterans like Phil Maton and Hoby Milner.
Is the Offseason Finished?
Not quite.
During the Bregman presser, Jed Hoyer was pretty blunt. He said, "By no means are we done."
The team still has a glaring hole when it comes to outfield depth. With Owen Caissie gone to Miami and Kyle Tucker still lingering in free agency (though a reunion seems unlikely given the Bregman price tag), the Cubs need a fourth outfielder. Rumors are swirling about a potential reunion with Mike Tauchman, who spent last year with the White Sox.
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The Cubs’ 40-man roster currently sits at 39 players. That means there is exactly one spot left for a major move before someone has to be cut or traded.
What to Do While You Wait for February 20
Since the answer to who do the chicago cubs play today is "nobody," here is how you can actually prep for the season:
- Check the Marquee Sports Network: They’ve been replaying the 2025 Wild Card series win over the Padres. It’s a good reminder of how close this team is.
- Grab Spring Training Tickets: Single-game tickets for Sloan Park are already on sale. If you want to see the Yankees game on March 23, buy them now. They won't last.
- Watch the Waiver Wire: The Cubs have been aggressive with waiver claims this month (Justin Dean and Ben Cowles). Expect more minor shuffling.
The road to the 2026 World Series doesn't start with a game today. It started in a conference room with a $175 million contract. When they finally take the field against the White Sox in February, we’ll see if the investment pays off.
Your Next Steps:
- Sync your digital calendar to the February 20 start date.
- Monitor the MLB Transactions page for that final 40-man roster spot to be filled.
- Review the Opening Day pitching matchups once Spring Training starts to see if Cabrera or Steele gets the nod for March 26.