Nobody won. If you’re checking the ivy at Wrigley Field or frantically refreshing your sports app to see who won Cubs game today, you’re going to find a whole lot of nothing. It’s January 18, 2026. The Friendly Confines are currently buried under a layer of Chicago frost, and the only things "winning" right now are the snowplows on Addison Street.
Baseball is a summer game, but the hunger for a North Side victory never really sleeps.
The Cubs didn't play today because the 2026 MLB season is still a solid two months away. But don’t let the empty diamond fool you. While the actual scoreboard is dark, Jed Hoyer and the front office have been putting up numbers in a different way. Honestly, the "win" today isn't a box score; it's the fact that the roster actually looks like a contender again.
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The Big Alex Bregman News Everyone is Buzzing About
If you’ve been living under a rock—or just ignoring the stove because it’s too cold outside—the Cubs just pulled off the heist of the winter. They signed Alex Bregman. We’re talking five years and $175 million.
People were skeptical. Most pundits thought he was a lock to stay in Boston or maybe head back to Houston. Instead, he’s coming to Clark and Addison. Just this week, Bregman was spotted shaking hands with Jed Hoyer, officially donning the blue pinstripes. He even caused a minor stir on social media by posting a photo with his son, Knox, both decked out in Cubs gear.
It’s the kind of move that changes the gravity of a clubhouse.
Bregman isn't just a bat. He’s a guy with over 100 games of postseason experience. He’s a leader. The "win" for fans today is knowing that when Opening Day finally rolls around on March 26, 2026, against the Washington Nationals, the hot corner is finally settled. No more rotating door. No more "what ifs."
Where the Cubs Stand Right Now
You might remember the 2025 season. It was... okay. A 92-70 record is nothing to sneeze at, and a Wild Card berth felt like progress. But getting bounced in the NLDS left a bitter taste in everyone's mouth.
Craig Counsell hasn't been shy about it. He wants more than just a five-game playoff cameo. He wants three more weeks of baseball. That’s why the "game" being played right now in January is so critical.
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- Edward Cabrera is here: The Cubs traded for the hard-throwing righty from the Marlins. He’s got "ace" written all over his 97-mph fastball, assuming he can stay healthy.
- The Bullpen Makeover: Phil Maton, Jacob Webb, and Hoby Milner have all signed on. The bullpen was a literal fire hazard last year, giving up home runs at the worst possible moments.
- Shōta Imanaga’s Return: He took the $22 million qualifying offer. That was a huge sigh of relief for the rotation.
When Do the Games Actually Start?
If you’re itching for real baseball, you have to wait for the desert sun. Spring Training is the next milestone on the calendar. The Cubs will be heading back to Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona, in late February.
That is when you can actually start asking "who won" and get a real answer.
Until then, the competition is happening in the weight room and the negotiation suites. Dansby Swanson recently noted that the team feels "forward-thinking." They know they aren't just building a team to win a few games in July; they are trying to replicate the 2016 magic. Some fans are already calling 2026 "the new 2016." That’s a heavy mantle to carry, but with Bregman in the fold, it feels a lot less like a pipedream and a lot more like a plan.
Your Offseason Game Plan
Since there’s no game to watch today, here is what you should actually be doing to stay ready for the season:
- Watch the Prospects: Keep an eye on Matt Shaw. With Bregman taking third base, Shaw’s path to the big leagues just got interesting. He might be the trade bait of the summer or a versatile super-utility guy.
- Check the Calendar: Mark March 26. That’s the earliest Opening Day in MLB history.
- Follow the Bullpen: Watch the health of Hunter Harvey. He signed on New Year's Eve but only pitched 12 games last year. If he’s healthy, the Cubs have a bridge to the ninth inning that actually works.
The Cubs didn't win a game on the field today, but they are winning the offseason in a way we haven't seen in years. Grab a coffee, stay warm, and start counting down the days until the ivy turns green.