What to know about Nationals-Cubs Opening Day (Thurs., 2:20 p.m. ET)

After returning to the October stage last fall following a four-year hiatus from the playoffs, the Cubs are hungry for more this year. Chicago is aiming for a National League Central crown and hopes to follow that with a run to the World Series.

That journey begins on Opening Day at Wrigley Field against a Nationals team that is taking a longer-term view in the 2026 campaign.

“It’s a symbolic day as much as anything,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “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 are in their first season with a revamped front office and coaching staff. They have the youngest president of baseball operations, general manager and manager trio in Major League Baseball. Blake Butera, 33, is making his big league managerial debut.

“We get to go to Wrigley, and we get to set a tone for the year,” said Opening Day starter Cade Cavalli. “I think that we’re going to come out firing. I like that talent that we have, I like the culture that we’re building here.”

When is the game and how can I watch it?
Nationals: First pitch is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET and the game will be aired on Nationals.TV.

Cubs: First pitch is scheduled for 1:20 p.m. CT and the game will be aired on Marquee Sports Network.

All out-of-market games are available live or on demand in the US on MLB.TV (subject to blackouts and other restrictions). Live games are also available in select countries outside the US. A full list of available games can be found here.

Who are the starting pitchers?
Nationals: Cavalli earned his first Opening Day starter honors after overcoming three years of injuries. Cavalli, 27, made his Major League debut on Aug. 26, 2022, and then he didn’t pitch again in the Major Leagues until Aug. 6, 2025. Last season, he went 3-1 with a 4.25 ERA in 10 starts. Cavalli emerged as a clubhouse leader in Spring Training who is eager to help set the tone for the team.

“There's nobody more deserving of this opportunity than Cade and what he's done to lead this pitching staff,” Butera said. “The culture they've created as a pitching staff, he’s been a large part of that. Everyone was just so happy for him.”

• Nationals-Cubs Opening Day starters: Cavalli vs. Boyd

Cubs: Left-hander Matthew Boyd (14-8, 3.21 ERA in ‘25) is slated to take the ball for the Cubs in his first career Opening Day assignment for the team. He previously made Opening Day starts for the Tigers in the ‘20-21 campaigns. Last season, the veteran Boyd made his first career All-Star team and quickly grew into a leader for the North Siders both on the field and behind the scenes.

“You earn these things,” Counsell said. “And Matthew has earned this with how he’s pitched last year and since coming back from an injury. He had a great season last year. He’s a very important player for us, and we’re excited to give him the ball on Opening Day.”

What might the starting lineups look like?
Nationals: Butera plans to use multiple starting lineups throughout the season depending on matchups, including Opening Day when the Cubs are starting a lefty. A constant focal point will be James Wood, who belted 24 home runs in the first half of last season. There is a notable absence in the Nationals' starting lineup after they optioned 2023 No. 2 pick Dylan Crews to Triple-A Rochester.

1. James Wood, LF
2. CJ Abrams, SS
3. Daylen Lile, RF
4. Andrés Chaparro, DH
5. Brady House, 3B
6. Luis García Jr., 1B
7. Keibert Ruiz, C
8. Nasim Nuñez, 2B
9. Jacob Young, CF

Cubs: The Cubs plan on using Matt Shaw as a utility player for multiple infield and outfield positions, so he will be mixed in regularly to the lineup. With Seiya Suzuki (right knee) out for the opener, Michael Conforto and Shaw are the top choices for right field. Miguel Amaya and Carson Kelly are part of a timeshare behind the plate.

1. Michael Busch, 1B
2. Nico Hoerner, 2B
3. Ian Happ, LF
4. Alex Bregman, 3B
5. Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
6. Carson Kelly, C
7. Moisés Ballesteros, DH
8. Dansby Swanson, SS
9. Michael Conforto, RF

How will the bullpens line up after the starter?
Nationals: Like the starting lineup, the Nationals' bullpen will be maneuvered for matchups. Dual-role pitcher Brad Lord will begin the season in the ‘pen as a long reliever. They are likely to fill the closer role by committee, emphasizing high-leverage ability over the ninth inning specifically. Right-handers Cole Henry and Clayton Beeter stood out in camp.

Cubs: Counsell does not typically put labels on his relievers, preferring to describe them as “out-getters” to maintain flexibility both in role and usage. That said, the manager made a slight exception this spring when he named hard-throwing right-hander Daniel Palencia the team’s closer to begin the ‘26 campaign.

In front of Palencia, the Cubs have lefties Caleb Thielbar and Hoby Milner, along with righties Phil Maton and Hunter Harvey. Right-hander Jacob Webb is also in the mix and capable of handling multi-inning outings. Righties Colin Rea and Ben Brown give Chicago multi-inning arms and built-in rotation depth.

Any injuries of note?
Nationals: Right-hander (and 2024 Opening Day starter) Josiah Gray opens the season in Triple-A Rochester, where is still building up in his return from Tommy John surgery. Fellow starters Trevor Williams (right elbow sprain) and DJ Herz (left UCL strain) have also been sidelined since last season.

Cubs: Suzuki sustained a minor sprain of the posterior cruciate ligament during the World Baseball Classic, but has been ramping up activity in recent days. While on the IL to begin the season, his setback is not expected to be a long-term issue. Lefty Justin Steele (left elbow) opens the season on the IL, but is eyeing a comeback around May or June. Righty reliever Porter Hodge (right flexor strain) and lefty Jordan Wicks (left forearm) are on the IL. First baseman Tyler Austin was signed to be a backup to Busch, but a right knee injury landed him on the IL and he will be out for the foreseeable future after surgery.

Who is hot and who is not?
Nationals: Cavalli allowed just one unearned run over 14 innings in four starts, Beeter hurled eight relief appearances without allowing an earned run, and House slashed .429/.444/.786 with a 1.230 OPS. On the flip side, Wood hit .125 and veteran righty starters Miles Mikolas and Zack Littell posted 6.52 and 6.35 ERAs, respectively.

Cubs: The bulk of the Cubs’ regulars enjoyed a strong showing this spring. Kelly (1.182 OPS), Ballesteros (1.056 OPS), Hoerner (1.146 OPS) and Swanson (.913 OPS), in particular, stood out. While Bregman was away for a bit with Team USA, he posted a 1.715 OPS in eight spring games for Chicago. Busch (.244 average and .741 OPS) and Happ (.200 average and .762 OPS) were slower out of the chute.

Palencia was one of the stars of the World Baseball Classic, striking out nine with no runs or hits allowed in five innings. He picked up saves in the quarterfinals, semis and title game for Venezuela. Brown earned a spot on the roster with a big spring, striking out 19 in 13 2/3 innings while posting a 2.63 ERA in six games (three starts).

Anything else fans might want to know?
• This season marks the 150th in the history of the Cubs, who are also celebrating the 10th anniversary of their ‘16 World Series triumph this year. Chicago is opening a season at Wrigley Field for the first time since 2023 after beginning in Texas in ‘24 and in Japan (against the Dodgers) in ‘25.

• Right-hander Hunter Harvey pitched for the Nationals from 2022-24. Outfielder Christian Franklin (Nationals' No. 18 prospect) was acquired from the Cubs in the Michael Soroka trade last season.