The Cubs kick off a season of high hopes with home opener at Wrigley Field March 26

The Chicago Cubs will officially kick off their 2026 MLB season with a home opener at Wrigley Field on Thursday, March 26.

The debut will see the Cubs face off against the Washington Nationals in the first of a three-game series.

According to a press conference from Cubs manager Craig Counsell, Mike Boyd is expected to start on the mound for the Cubs on opening day. The pitcher posted a strong 2025 season as the team’s lead arm finishing with a 14-8 record and 3.21 ERA. Opposite Boyd, the Nationals announced via the team's social media that right-hander Cade Cavalli will be named the starter, cementing an inspiring comeback after overcoming several significant injury issues in recent seasons.

In the coming week, the Cubs will complete their final few pre-season games down in Arizona, where the team traditionally resides for Spring Training, before returning to Chicago ahead of the long season that awaits.

The Cubs enter the year with high hopes, coming off their best season in recent memory, finishing second place in the NL Central with a 92-70 record and going on to win their wildcard playoff series against the San Diego Padres before being bounced from the postseason by rivals Milwaukee in the divisional round.

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The Cubs will step out onto the diamond this season with a few fresh faces after some acquisitions and departures this offseason. 

Notable new players for 2026, according to the team's official website, include two time world series champion Third Baseman Alex Bregman, who joins from the Boston Red Sox, starting pitcher Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins, and a collection of rotational bullpen pitchers such as Phil Maton, Jacob Webb and Hunter Harvey.

Going the other direction, the Cubs saw the departures of star outfielder Kyle Tucker, who left for Los Angeles, as well as relief pitcher Ryan Brasier, who, according to ESPN, made 28 appearances last season.

On popular resale websites, including Stubhub and VividSeats, tickets for opening day are currently going for around $165 for bleacher seats, highlighting the excitement Chicago fans are feeling towards the team's chances this year.

So as the Cubs prepare for opening day, Chicago prepares for another season rooting on the hometown team and enjoying sunny days at Wrigley. One thing is for sure, if nothing else, the baseball season starting up officially means we are heading away from winter and towards summer, a feeling Chicago sports fans and non-sports fans alike can get behind.