Preview: Nationals at Cubs, Opening Day 2026

CHICAGO (Interstat) — The long winter ends Thursday as the Chicago Cubs host the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field to open the 2026 Major League Baseball season.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:20 p.m. CDT under cloudy skies with a temperature near 67 degrees.

The game marks the official debut of the season for both clubs, each carrying an 0-0 record. The Nationals will send right-hander Cade Cavalli to the mound. Cavalli, who missed the entire 2024 season recovering from Tommy John surgery and pitched limited innings in 2025, looks to solidify his return as a rotation staple. He will be opposed by Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd.

Both pitchers enter without a decision this season.

The teams arrive following disappointing finishes to 2025. Washington closed its campaign with an 8-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Sept. 28. The Cubs’ last action was a 3-1 defeat in Milwaukee on Oct. 11, which concluded their playoff push.

This opener begins a three-game series on Chicago’s North Side. The clubs will meet again Saturday and Sunday before the Nationals travel to Philadelphia for a three-game set starting Monday. The Cubs will remain home to host the Los Angeles Angels for three games beginning Monday.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the Nationals are projected to win Thursday’s opener by a score of 4-1.

The contest launches a challenging early schedule for both teams. Following this series, Washington will host the Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals in its first homestand. The Cubs, after their series with the Angels, will embark on a road trip to face the Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays.

Probable starters for the remainder of the series are yet to be announced.