Kicking off 2026 Spring Training, the Chicago Cubs are currently 3-5 overall with an upcoming game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday. Let’s take a look at key moments, stats and players that are making their mark preseason thus far.
One storyline to watch out for is the Cubs’ bullpen. The Cubs made a lot of moves regarding pitching this offseason and currently seven bullpen positions are seemingly full; this is made up of Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Hunter Harvey, Jacob Webb, Caleb Thielbar, Daniel Palencia and Colin Rea. But the question is, who is going to get the final spot? Final contenders who are going to look to make their mark this offseason include Javier Assad, Ben Brown, Porter Hodge, Corbin Martin, Collin Snider and Jordan Wicks.
Feb. 20: White Sox
The Cubs started off the season in Mesa, Arizona with a crosstown classic matchup. Jameson Taillon started on the mound against Jonathon Cannon. Even though last season Taillon put up a 3.68 ERA and Cannon put up a 5.82, Cannon took the win for this game. The White Sox gave up seven hits overall whereas the Cubs gave up 12, including six extra base hits. Hodge, a player looking to take a bullpen spot, also allowed four walks and a two-run double for the Cubs but reliever Gavin Hollowell stood out with three strikeouts in one inning.
At his first at bat, right fielder Seiya Suzuki hit his first home run of the season, the only run the team would put up for the game. Suzuki, alongside Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ian Happ, are locked to be playing outfield when opening day comes around; one thing that outfield players are fighting for is who will be the backup plan.
Newly traded to Chicago, Alex Bregman made his Cubs debut during this game as well. Bregman was a major offseason addition to the team.
Key contributions from the Sox include a two-run double by Munetaka Murakami, a triple by Braden Montgomery, and home runs by both Austin Hays and Sam Antonocci. In the end the Cubs fell short 8-1 to start the season.
Feb. 21: Rangers
The Cubs stayed on a losing streak against Texas with a final score of 3-2 in their second Cactus League game. The teams stayed pretty close stats wise with the Rangers getting 10 hits and 13 total bases versus Chicago who got nine hits and 10 bases.
After the Cubs tied the game in the second inning thanks to Jefferson Rojas, the Cubs’ No. 3 prospect at the end of 2025, Sam Haggerty put up a two-run double in the fourth to put Texas on top. Haggerty stood out as a key player for their team; he went 3-for-3 with three RBIs, generating all the runs for the Rangers.
One notable roster update for Chicago to look at is Matt Shaw. Shaw played third base and occasionally other infield positions last season, but in this game he started for the first time in right field for the Cubs. He is one of the top potential candidates for this position but there are still other backup players that could be given a shot at it.
In terms of pitching, Chicago did well overall with 15 strikeouts, four of those from starting pitcher Matthew Boyd.
Feb. 22: Giants
For the first game away from Sloan Park, the Cubs took on the undefeated San Francisco Giants in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Just a few pitches in, the game was interrupted by an emergency alarm but shortly after that the Cubs hit into a rarely done triple play due to baserunning mistakes by the team. The Giants kept a 4-0 lead through the sixth inning until the Cubs scored on a wild pitch and a defensive error in the seventh.
Chicago put up nine hits and 10 walks while going 1-for-11 with players in scoring position. Although they broke the shutout in the seventh, Chicago fell short 4-2 by the end of the game.
Feb. 23: Royals
Chicago put up its first win of the season against Kansas City with a final score of 3-2, even though they put up one fewer hit and base than the Royals did.
Each team hit one homerun by Rojas; Jefferson Rojas in the fourth for the Cubs and Josh Rojas in the eighth for the Royals. After the home run, James Triantos hit a two-run single in the fifth to put the Cubs on top. During this preseason, Triantos is trying to prove that he can contribute in all areas of the game in order to get a roster spot this season.
Javier Assad started the Cubs pitching rotation strong with three strikeouts whereas Luinder Avila, starting pitcher for the Royals, allowed two hits and one run in the first two innings of the game.
Feb. 24: Padres
The Cubs kept a winning streak alive against San Diego with a final score of 6-5.
Catcher Carson Kelly stood out offensively for the Cubs with a home run and two RBIs. The fifth inning was crucial for Chicago because they had a three run inning to break the 3-3 tie. This game was offensively one of the best games the team has had this season so far.
The Padres had 12 hits but were only able to score five. Starting pitcher for San Diego, Marco Gonzales allowed five hits and three runs in the first 1.2 innings of the game.
Overall, the Padres put up a lot of hits but couldn’t put up a comeback and the Cubs offense in the fifth inning really made the difference for this game.
February 25: Rockies
The Rockies defeated the Cubs 14-7 with former Cubs player, Jose Quintana starting on the mound for Colorado.
The Rockies had 16 hits while Chicago had 10. Taillon started the game on a poor note allowing three runs, including a leadoff homer from Mickey Moniak.
The fifth inning was jam packed with action in this game. Both teams put up six runs including two home runs from Colorado and multiple RBI hits by Chicago.
Bregman put up his first hit for the team this offseason in the first inning as well as one walk in the fourth.
Shaw was back in right field this game and added one putout, one assist and one error for the team. The Rockies hitting carried them to the finish line even when the Cubs fought hard in the fifth.
Feb. 26: Angels
The Cubs took on the Angels in Tempe, Arizona with a close final score of 4-5.
Chicago took a strong lead in the first couple innings with an RBI double, sacrifice fly, and a bases loaded hit by pitch. Los Angeles took the game back in the fifth with four runs including a triple and RBI singles.
Defensively, Boyd started on the mound with three perfect innings including three strikeouts. Later in the game, Jaxon Wiggins had a weak inning, allowing six hits and five runs.
Outfielders Dylan Carlson and Chas McCormick are two players currently fighting for a roster spot and playing time this season. Carlson went 2-for-4 while McCormick contributed with a double for the game.
Infielder Jefferson Rojas continued to look to make his mark offensively this spring training; he also contributed to the team with a double.
Overall, the Cubs started the game strong both offensively and defensively but with pitching struggles midgame, the Angels ended the game on top.
Feb. 27: Guardians
The Cubs put up a strong start against Cleveland with a two-run homer by Dansby Swanson, the Cubs shortstop.
Shaw started in the lineup in right field once again but in the sixth inning Justin Dean replaced him to try and put his name in the running for the position. Also in the sixth, Triantos replaced Nico Hoerner and Scott Kingery replaced Happ; both are looking to prove themselves as potential backups for the roster. Kingery hit a home run in the seventh and Carlson added a single on a line drive.
The seventh inning made the turn for the Guardians as a double by Aaron Walton resulted in three runs. However, the Cubs made their comeback in the eighth. With a single by Leonel Espinoza mixed with an error, two runs were made followed by a double by Jefferson Rojas to bring the Cubs to eight. In the end they remained on top with a final score of 8-6.
