Nationals vs Cubs: Opening Day Showdown – A 2026 Season Preview
After a thrilling return to playoff contention last fall, the Chicago Cubs are eager to build on that momentum in 2026. Their sights are set on capturing the National League Central crown and making a deep run towards the World Series. The journey begins at the iconic Wrigley Field against a Washington Nationals team embarking on a long-term rebuilding project.
A New Era for Both Teams
Cubs manager Craig Counsell emphasized the significance of Opening Day, stating, “It’s a symbolic day as much as anything. Spring Training is different than the regular season – very different. I really think about it more like, getting on that plane going to Chicago, it’s time to go. That’s exciting for everybody. And you’re excited for the journey that you’re starting with this group together.”
The Nationals, meanwhile, are ushering in a new era with a revamped front office and coaching staff, boasting the youngest president of baseball operations, general manager, and manager trio in Major League Baseball. Blake Butera, at just 33 years old, makes his big league managerial debut, aiming to establish a winning culture.
Opening Day starter Cade Cavalli expressed his excitement, saying, “We get to go to Wrigley, and we get to set a tone for the year. I think that we’re going to come out firing. I like the talent that we have, I like the culture that we’re building here.”
Game Details: How to Watch
- Nationals: First pitch is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET and will be aired on Nationals.TV.
- Cubs: First pitch is scheduled for 1:20 p.m. CT and will be aired on Marquee Sports Network.
- Out-of-Market: All out-of-market games are available live or on demand in the US on MLB.TV (subject to blackouts and other restrictions).
Pitching Matchup
Nationals: Cade Cavalli earns the honour of starting on Opening Day, a testament to his resilience after overcoming three years of injuries. He’s eager to lead the pitching staff, a role praised by manager Butera: “There’s nobody more deserving of this opportunity than Cade and what he’s done to lead this pitching staff.”
Cubs: Left-hander Matthew Boyd (14-8, 3.21 ERA in ‘25) takes the mound for the Cubs in his first career Opening Day assignment for the team. Counsell highlighted Boyd’s earned position: “You earn these things, and Matthew has earned this with how he’s pitched last year and since coming back from an injury.”
Starting Lineups
Nationals
- James Wood, LF
- Andrés Chaparro, 1B
- Brady House, 3B
- Daylen Lile, DH
- Joey Wiemer, RF
- CJ Abrams, SS
- Nasim Nuñez, 2B
- Keibert Ruiz, C
- Jacob Young, CF
Note: Dylan Crews, the Nationals’ 2023 No. 2 pick, has been optioned to Triple-A Rochester.
Cubs
- Michael Busch, 1B
- Alex Bregman, 3B
- Ian Happ, LF
- Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
- Nico Hoerner, 2B
- Carson Kelly, C
- Moisés Ballesteros, DH
- Dansby Swanson, SS
- Matt Shaw, RF
Note: Matt Shaw will be utilized as a utility player, and Seiya Suzuki (right knee) is currently on the IL.
Bullpen Outlook
Nationals: The Nationals bullpen will be managed strategically based on matchups, with Brad Lord serving as a long reliever. The closer role will be determined by committee, prioritizing high-leverage performance.
Cubs: Manager Counsell prefers to call his relievers “out-getters,” emphasizing flexibility. However, he has named hard-throwing right-hander Daniel Palencia as the team’s closer to begin the ‘26 campaign.
Injury Report
Nationals: Josiah Gray (Tommy John surgery) is building up in Triple-A Rochester. Trevor Williams (right elbow sprain) and DJ Herz (left UCL strain) are also sidelined.
Cubs: Seiya Suzuki (right knee) is on the IL, but his recovery is progressing well. Justin Steele (left elbow) is expected to return around May or June. Porter Hodge (right flexor strain) and Jordan Wicks (left forearm) are also on the IL.
Who’s Hot and Who’s Not
Nationals: Cavalli, Beeter, and House have shown strong performances in Spring Training. However, Wood and veteran starters Mikolas and Littell have faced challenges.
Cubs: Kelly, Ballesteros, Hoerner, and Swanson have been standout performers for the Cubs this spring. Palencia and Brown also impressed during Spring Training.
Additional Notes
- This season marks the 150th anniversary in Cubs history, and the 10th anniversary of their 2016 World Series victory.
- The Cubs are opening a season at Wrigley Field for the first time since 2023.
