March 26, 2026 | Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL | 1:05 PM ET | MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network
The Chicago Cubs open the 2026 season at home against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field, and Opening Day is finally here. We went 78–84 last year and missed the playoffs. They went 71–91 and are still rebuilding. Both teams are hoping 2026 is different.
The Nationals have CJ Abrams—a speedy shortstop with elite defense. Dylan Crews is their top prospect making his debut. Josiah Gray is a quality starter. They’re young, rebuilding, and hoping their prospects develop.
We have Tyler Glasnow making his Cubs debut at Wrigley. Jackson Merrill at shortstop. Pete Crow-Armstrong in center. We added talent in the offseason, and Opening Day at home shows whether it’s enough to compete in the NL Central.
For Cubs fans, this is Opening Day at Wrigley Field—the real season starts now, and we’re hoping 2026 is finally the year we get back to the playoffs.
Where the Cubs Stand as the Season Begins
2025 Record: 78–84
Another disappointing season. Another missed playoff run. The front office responded by signing Tyler Glasnow and acquiring Jackson Merrill. Spring training showed the moves are working.
Key Players:
- Tyler Glasnow (SP): Elite strikeout pitcher, Opening Day starter at Wrigley
- Jackson Merrill (SS): Our new franchise shortstop making his Wrigley debut
- Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF): Elite defense and speed, ready for a breakout year
Top Prospects:
- Cade Horton (RHP): Earned a rotation spot, could be a breakout arm
- Matt Shaw (INF): Versatile bat who impressed in spring
- Kevin Alcántara (OF): Toolsy outfielder still developing
This is Opening Day at Wrigley Field. Tyler Glasnow’s Cubs debut. Jackson Merrill’s first game at the Friendly Confines. The real season starts now.
The Washington Nationals: Young and Rebuilding
2025 Record: 71–91
The Nationals lost 91 games and are rebuilding around young talent. CJ Abrams is a speedy shortstop with elite defense. Dylan Crews is their top prospect making his major league debut today. Josiah Gray is a quality starter.
Key Players:
- CJ Abrams (SS): Speedy shortstop with elite defense and developing bat
- Keibert Ruiz (C): Leader behind the plate with solid offense
- Josiah Gray (RHP): Quality starter, gets the Opening Day start
Top Prospects:
- Dylan Crews (OF): Former top draft pick making his major league debut today
- Brady House (INF): Infield prospect pushing for playing time
- Cade Cavalli (RHP): Pitching prospect when healthy
The Nationals are rebuilding with young talent. They’re on the road for Opening Day at Wrigley.
The Matchups That Matter on Opening Day
| Position | Cubs | Nationals |
|---|---|---|
| Shortstop | Jackson Merrill | CJ Abrams |
| Center Field | Pete Crow-Armstrong | Dylan Crews |
| Starting Pitcher | Tyler Glasnow | Josiah Gray |
Jackson Merrill’s Wrigley Debut vs CJ Abrams at Shortstop
Both are young shortstops. Merrill is our new franchise shortstop making his Wrigley debut. Abrams has elite speed and defense. This should be a fun matchup.
Pete Crow-Armstrong vs Dylan Crews’ Major League Debut
PCA has elite defense and is ready for a breakout at Wrigley. Crews is the Nationals’ top prospect making his debut. Both are the future of their franchises.
Tyler Glasnow’s Wrigley Debut vs Josiah Gray
Glasnow is an elite strikeout pitcher making his Opening Day start at Wrigley. Gray is a quality starter for Washington. This should be a quality pitching matchup.
What the Cubs Need on Opening Day at Wrigley
Tyler Glasnow Dominates at Wrigley
Opening Day at the Friendly Confines. Glasnow’s first start in a Cubs uniform at home. Against a young Nationals lineup, he should cruise. Six or seven innings with eight+ strikeouts would be the perfect start.
Jackson Merrill’s Wrigley Debut
First game at Wrigley as our everyday shortstop. The crowd will be electric. Show you’re ready to be our franchise shortstop for years to come.
Pete Crow-Armstrong Thrives at Home
PCA showed real offensive growth in spring. On Opening Day at Wrigley against Dylan Crews’ debut, keep showing the bat is catching up to the elite defense.
Win the Home Opener
The Nationals lost 91 games. We’re at Wrigley on Opening Day. We should win this. Start the season 1-0 with the home crowd behind us.
What Washington Will Bring
CJ Abrams will use his speed and defense at shortstop. Dylan Crews will try to make a splash in his major league debut on the road. Josiah Gray will challenge our hitters with quality stuff.
But they’re on the road at Wrigley on Opening Day. The crowd should give us an advantage.
Cubs Fan Prediction: We Win the Home Opener
Final Score: Cubs 6, Nationals 3
Tyler Glasnow dominates in his Wrigley debut—seven innings, nine strikeouts, two runs allowed. The crowd goes wild. Perfect start to his Cubs career.
Jackson Merrill goes 2-for-4 with a double in his Wrigley debut. Pete Crow-Armstrong makes a highlight catch and goes 2-for-4. Matt Shaw drives in two runs.
Dylan Crews goes 1-for-4 in his major league debut with a solo homer—shows his talent. But our home crowd, Glasnow’s dominance, and our depth give us the Opening Day win at Wrigley.
We start the season 1-0 at home. Glasnow’s debut is perfect. The Friendly Confines erupts.
Why Opening Day at Wrigley Matters
It’s Opening Day at Wrigley Field. The real season starts now. And we’re hoping 2026 is finally the year we get back to the playoffs.
Tyler Glasnow makes his Wrigley debut. Jackson Merrill’s first game at the Friendly Confines. Pete Crow-Armstrong ready for a breakout. The season starts now with our fans behind us.
The Nationals lost 91 games and are rebuilding. We’re at home. We should win this. Start the season right at Wrigley Field.
We went 78–84 last year. The Brewers won the Central at 86–76. That eight-game gap is what we’re trying to close in 2026.
Go Cubs Go!!!