Nationals vs. Cubs 2026 Opening Day: A Season Begins at Wrigley Field

The 2026 Major League Baseball season kicks off on Thursday, March 26th, as the Washington Nationals face the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. This matchup pits a Nationals team undergoing a rebuild against a Cubs squad aiming for a deep postseason run. First pitch is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET.

2025 Season Recap

The Cubs finished the 2025 season with a 92-70 record, securing second place in the NL Central, five games behind the Milwaukee Brewers. They boasted a strong home record of 50-31 and a +144 run differential. The Nationals, struggled with a 66-96 record, landing in last place in the NL East. Their road record was 34-47, and they finished with a -212 run differential. The 2025 season series between the two teams ended in a 3-3 tie.

Key Players to Watch

Washington Nationals

All eyes will be on James Wood, who finished the 2025 season hitting .256 with 31 home runs, 94 RBIs, and an .825 OPS. The Nationals are counting on him to continue his development and become a cornerstone of the franchise.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs made a significant offseason addition, signing third baseman Alex Bregman to a 5-year, $175 million contract in January. Bregman concluded the 2025 season with a .273 batting average, 18 home runs, 62 RBIs, and an .821 OPS while playing for the Boston Red Sox. He also represented Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

Pitching Matchup

The starting pitchers for this Opening Day clash are RHP Cade Cavalli for the Nationals and LHP Matthew Boyd for the Cubs.

Cade Cavalli (Nationals)

Cavalli (3-1, 4.25 ERA) made 10 starts in 2025, totaling 48 2/3 innings pitched. He recorded a 1.48 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9, and 7.4 K/9. He has never faced the Cubs in his career. His 2025 road stats included a 1-1 record and a 6.17 ERA over 23 1/3 innings pitched.

Matthew Boyd (Cubs)

Boyd (14-8, 3.21 ERA) had a strong 2025 season, making 31 starts and pitching 179 2/3 innings. He posted a 1.09 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9, and 7.7 K/9. He previously faced the Nationals twice in 2025, going 0-2 with a 2.51 ERA over 14 1/3 innings. His career record against the Nationals is 1-2 with a 3.15 ERA over 20 innings pitched.

How to Watch

The game will be aired on Nationals.TV for Washington Nationals fans and Marquee Sports Network for Chicago Cubs fans. Out-of-market viewers can access the game live or on demand via MLB.TV (subject to blackout restrictions). MLB.TV

Looking Ahead

The Cubs enter the 2026 season with World Series aspirations, while the Nationals are focused on building a competitive foundation for the future. This Opening Day matchup offers a glimpse into the contrasting paths these two franchises are taking.