If you’re waking up this morning, coffee in hand, desperately scrolling through your phone to see the box score for the North Siders, I’ve got some news that might feel like a bit of a reality check. Honestly, if you're looking for a final score from "last night," you won't find one.
The Chicago Cubs did not play a game last night.
I know, I know. It’s mid-January. You’ve got that itch for the ivy. You’re probably seeing headlines about the Chicago Bulls losing a heartbreaker to the Houston Rockets (119-113, if you’re curious) or maybe you caught wind of the Bears' recent comeback over the Packers. But as far as the diamond goes? It’s quiet. Well, on the field, at least.
The Cubs Game Last Night: Why There’s No Scoreboard
The MLB regular season doesn’t kick off until March 26, 2026. Right now, Wrigley Field is basically a frozen tundra, and the boys are still about a month away from report dates in Mesa, Arizona.
But here’s the thing: while there wasn't a "win" or a "loss" on a scoreboard, the front office has been playing a high-stakes game of chess that basically feels like a postseason series. If you want to know who "won" in the world of the Cubs over the last 24 hours, look no further than the waiver wire and the transaction log.
The Justin Dean Claim
Yesterday, January 13, the Cubs made a move that won’t lead SportsCenter, but it’s the kind of depth play that winning teams make. They claimed outfielder Justin Dean off waivers from the San Francisco Giants.
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Dean is kind of a fascinating story. He’s 29, a former 17th-round pick, and spent some time with the Dodgers last year during their World Series run. He’s a "glove-first" guy with elite speed—the kind of player you throw in during the 8th inning to make sure a fly ball doesn’t turn into a triple. With the Cubs trading away Owen Caissie recently to land starting pitcher Edward Cabrera, the outfield depth was looking a little shaky. Dean helps fix that.
What Really Happened With the Cubs Offseason
If you’re asking about who won because you feel like the Cubs are "back," you aren't wrong. The vibe around 1060 West Addison has shifted dramatically in just the last week.
For years, fans have been screaming for the Ricketts family and Jed Hoyer to act like a big-market team. Well, they finally did it. The massive news that’s still reverberating through the city is the signing of Alex Bregman.
The Bregman Blockbuster
The Cubs landed the two-time World Series champ on a five-year, $175 million deal. No opt-outs. Full no-trade clause. This is a statement.
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By bringing in Bregman, the Cubs finally have a solution at third base that doesn't involve "hoping" a prospect pans out immediately. It pushes young talent like Matt Shaw into a more flexible utility role and gives manager Craig Counsell a genuine middle-of-the-order threat.
But it’s not just Bregman. Think about the rotation:
- Edward Cabrera: Acquired via trade from the Marlins on January 7. He’s a flamethrower who finally looked like he figured out his command in 2025.
- Shota Imanaga: The "Mike-man" is back after accepting his qualifying offer.
- Cade Horton: The top pitching prospect is healthy and ready to be a fixture.
The Nico Hoerner Rumors: What Most People Get Wrong
Because the Cubs have "too many" infielders now (Bregman, Swanson, Hoerner, Shaw, and even Isaac Paredes if he sticks around), the trade rumors are flying. Specifically, everyone is talking about Nico Hoerner.
The San Francisco Giants have been "engaged" in talks, according to Michael Cerami at Bleacher Nation. Honestly, though, trading Nico right now would be a massive gamble. He’s the soul of that middle infield. He’s a Gold Glover. He’s on a reasonable $12 million contract for 2026.
The "win" last night wasn't a game; it was the fact that Nico is still on the roster. Most experts, including Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, have pointed out that trading him now would be "silly." You don't build a contender just to ship out your most consistent defensive piece for more "potential."
What’s Next for Cubs Fans?
Since you can't watch a game tonight, you should probably set your sights on this coming weekend. The Cubs Convention kicks off Friday, January 16, at the Sheraton Grand Chicago.
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This isn't just a "meet the players" event this year. It’s the 150th anniversary of the franchise. They’re going to be introducing the Hall of Fame Class of 2026 and doing a 10-year reunion for the 2016 World Series team.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the 40-man Roster: After claiming Justin Dean, the roster sits at 38. That means Jed Hoyer still has two spots to play with before he even has to make a corresponding move for the next signing.
- Watch the Pitching Market: With Edward Cabrera in the fold, the Cubs might still look for one more veteran "innings eater" to bridge the gap while Justin Steele finishes his rehab from UCL surgery.
- Convention Tickets: If you’re in Chicago, try to snag a pass for the Saturday "Baseball Operations Update." That’s where you’ll hear directly from Carter Hawkins and Jed Hoyer about whether they’re truly done spending.
The "score" of the Cubs game last night was basically: Cubs Front Office 1, Waiver Wire 0. They’re getting better, they’re getting deeper, and for the first time in a long time, they’re actually trying to win the division rather than just "compete" for it.
Keep an eye on the Spring Training opener on February 20 against the White Sox. That’s when the scores finally start to matter again. Until then, keep tracking the transactions—that’s where the real games are being won right now.