The Chicago Cubs are set to kick off their 2026 season with an Opening Day game against the Washington Nationals on March 30, 2026, at 1:20 PM at Wrigley Field.
Matthew Boyd will take the mound as the starting pitcher for the Cubs, while the team has finalized its 26-man roster for the season. Notably, Seiya Suzuki will begin the season on the injured list due to a knee injury, leaving fans eager for updates on his recovery.
The Cubs have opted to carry three catchers this season: Miguel Amaya, Moisés Ballesteros, and Carson Kelly. Their infield features a strong lineup including Alex Bregman, Michael Busch, Nico Hoerner, Scott Kingery, Matt Shaw, and Dansby Swanson, while the outfield consists of Dylan Carlson, Michael Conforto, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Ian Happ.
In terms of pitching, the Cubs will start the season with a 13-man staff, which includes Ben Brown, Matthew Boyd, Edward Cabrera, Hunter Harvey, Cade Horton, Shota Imanaga, Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Daniel Palencia, Jameson Taillon, Caleb Thielbar, and Jacob Webb. However, Justin Steele has been placed on the 60-day injured list as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery.
This season is particularly significant for the Cubs as they celebrate their 150th anniversary as a National League franchise. The team has expressed optimism about their roster depth, with General Manager Jed Hoyer stating, “You have to have so much depth in today’s game to get through it.”
As the season approaches, players are focused on their preparations. Michael Conforto remarked, “The work’s not done,” emphasizing the team’s commitment to improvement. Meanwhile, Seiya Suzuki noted, “We’re going to keep taking steps” as he works towards recovery.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding when Suzuki will be ready to return, and the final batting order may change based on matchups and player availability. The last two names on the bench should probably be written in pencil.
The game will be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network, allowing fans to follow the action as the Cubs embark on their 2026 campaign.
