Cubs spring camp is near! Here's what you need to know

CHICAGO – The Cubs were one of baseball’s busiest teams this offseason after falling one win shy of reaching the National League Championship Series in October. Getting into the playoffs was an important step last year, but Chicago hopes to experience a deeper run in the 2026 campaign.

That process begins in Mesa., Ariz., where the Cubs are about to begin Spring Training with a roster that features a few important additions. Star third baseman Alex Bregman joined the fold via a five-year, $175 million contract in free agency, the Cubs reeled in hard-throwing starter Edward Cabrera via trade with the Marlins and worked hard on rebuilding the bullpen, among other moves.

With Cubs players beginning to gather in Arizona, here are some FAQs about this year’s Spring Training:

When is the first workout for pitchers and catchers?
While plenty of players are already on site in Arizona, especially with the World Baseball Classic happening this spring, the Cubs are scheduled to hold their first official workout for batterymates on Feb. 11.

What is the date of the first full-squad workout?
Position players are not required to join the fold until the Cubs hold their first official full-squad workout on Feb. 16.

Where is the team’s facility?
Sloan Park, the Cubs' home stadium for Spring Training, is located at 2330 W. Rio Salado Pkwy. in Mesa, Ariz. The team's training facility for both the Major League club and the Minor League affiliates is located just to the west of the ballpark on the same property.

Can fans attend workouts?
There is plenty of space for fans to line up around the two main practice fields across Clark St. on the west side of Sloan Park. There is a walking path from the practice complex to the stadium, giving fans a unique chance to see players up close as they make their way to the ballpark. The Minor League fields also have parking and fan access to see the club's prospects go through workouts and play games.

Who are some new faces fans should know?
Beyond Bregman and Cabrera, who will garner a lot of the attention throughout Spring Training, the Cubs also overhauled their bullpen. Phil Maton, Jacob Webb, Hunter Harvey and Hoby Milner all joined the relief corps on Major League deals. Chicago also signed first baseman Tyler Austin for a backup role off the bench

Who are some of the top prospects invited to Major League camp?
The Cubs have not announced their full list of non-roster invitees, but some Pipeline-ranked prospects on the team’s 40-man roster includes catcher Moisés Ballesteros (No. 1 on Chicago's 2025 Top 30 and No. 55 on MLB Pipeline's new Top 100), outfielder Kevin Alcántara (No. 4), infielder Pedro Ramirez (No. 7), infielder James Triantos (No. 9) and righty Jack Neely (No. 25). Top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins (No. 2/No. 58) and first-base prospect Jonathon Long (No. 6) are likely to be among the invitees.

When is the first Cactus League game?
The Cubs will begin their Cactus League schedule against their crosstown rivals. The North Siders will host the White Sox at 2:05 p.m. CT on Feb. 20 at Sloan Park to get the spring rolling.

What are a few other notable spring games?
The Cubs first hit the road on Feb. 22 for a tilt against the Giants at Scottsdale Stadium. The North Siders will face the Dodgers – who signed former Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker this winter – on Feb. 28 at Camelback Ranch and again on March 15 at Sloan Park. Chicago will have an exhibition game against Team Italy ahead of the World Baseball Classic on March 3 in Mesa. The Cubs and Brewers will face each other for the first time on March 4 in Maryvale, Ariz.

What is Spring Breakout and when is the game?
Spring Breakout returns as a showcase for top prospects from around baseball. The game’s future stars will square off in games across Arizona and Florida from March 19-22. For the Cubs, they send a group of their prospects to face a team of up-and-comers from the Padres’ system at 8:05 p.m. CT on March 21 at Sloan Park.

Will the games be televised?
A select number of games will be aired by Marquee Sports Network, but the details of the Spring Training broadcast slate has not yet been announced. Stay tuned for more information on the air dates for Cubs’ preseason games.

When is the last Cactus League game in Arizona?
The Cubs will finish their Cactus League slate with one final spring clash with the rival Brewers. The clubs will square off at 2:05 p.m. CT on March 22 at Sloan Park as the team’s respective Opening Day rosters will be coming into shape.

Will there be any additional exhibitions before the regular season?
The Cubs will host the Yankees for a pair of exhibition games on March 23-24 (both at 2:05 p.m. CT) at Sloan Park to conclude Chicago’s time in Arizona. New York, which trains in Florida, will be making its two-day stop in Mesa ahead of the Yankees’ March 25 season-opener in San Francisco.

What are the details for Opening Day?
After opening the regular season in Tokyo last year, the Cubs will begin the 2026 season in the comforts of home. The North Siders will host the Nationals at 1:20 p.m. CT on March 26 at Wrigley Field on Opening Day. It will mark the first time since '23 that Chicago opens at the Friendly Confines.