The Cubs already have played nine regular-season games. They traveled halfway across the world to be swept by the Dodgers in the Tokyo Series. They went through a jet-lagged second spring-training stint. They opened their domestic schedule in Phoenix, splitting the series at Chase Field with the Diamondbacks. And they set a record for runs scored against the Athletics in the A’s first three home games, while breaking in the team’s new home in West Sacramento.
The Cubs have yet to play at Wrigley Field.
“This is our last opening-day ceremony, and it’s going to be the coolest,” right-hander Jameson Taillon said Wednesday after the Cubs completed a three-game sweep of the A’s. “I’m really excited to get back to Wrigley, really excited for all our new players to experience Wrigley, the fans. And I’m excited to sleep in my own bed.”
The Cubs will celebrate their home opener Friday, hosting the Padres. Left-hander Shota Imanaga, who also pitched Opening Day in Tokyo, is set to take the mound.
The two regular-season games in Tokyo were technically home games for the Cubs. But the team played in front of a Dodgers-friendly crowd; the Tokyo Dome was filled with fans wearing Shohei Ohtani jerseys.
It has been more than two weeks since the Cubs officially opened the 2025 season.
“Is Chicago warm yet?” designated hitter Seiya Suzuki quipped. “I’m looking forward to playing in front of the home fans. I’m going to be ready, and I’m going to have a lot of hot packs all over my body to stay warm.”
Though nine games is a small sample size, it’s enough to establish some early trends. Here are a few to follow as the Cubs kick off their home schedule:
Defense shored up
The Cubs opened the season with a two-error game in Tokyo. But the next day, both offenders — utility man Jon Berti and third baseman Matt Shaw — turned in strong defensive performances.
Though Shaw likely will go through some defensive growing pains in his first major-league season, second baseman Nico Hoerner’s return immediately strengthened the Cubs’ infield. And the Cubs’ defense arguably won them a close game against the D-backs last week.
Pitching staff still settling in
The biggest questions for the Cubs persist on the pitching side.
The bullpen has been inconsistent, but setup man Porter Hodge has yet to allow a run, and closer Ryan Pressly has made steady progress with his mechanics.
At the top of the rotation, Imanaga has been a highlight, holding the Dodgers hitless through four innings in his first start and limiting the D-backs to one run in seven innings in his second. But in three starts, left-hander Justin Steele has allowed five home runs.
Taillon bounced back from a rocky first start. And Matthew Boyd and Ben Brown, each one start into their seasons, showed promise at the back end of the rotation. It’s too early to gauge how consistent the group will be over the course of the season.
Offense clicking
After a quiet Tokyo Series, the Cubs put up 10 runs against Arizona in the domestic opener. That was a preview of the impressive showing they’d have in West Sacramento, where they scored 35 runs in three games. Now the Cubs have to prove they can keep rolling in a less friendly offensive environment.
“There were so many good things that happened offensively this whole stretch of seven games that we’ve started with,” center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong said, “that I think we’re going to be able to take advantage of what Wrigley offers — which is some serious elements sometimes.”
He highlighted the team’s baserunning and ability to put down bunts and hit to both sides of the field.
“This momentum is going to be nice to be able to take back home,” he said.
PADRES AT CUBS
Friday: Randy Vasquez (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Shota Imanaga (1-0, 0.82), 1:20 p.m., Marquee, 670-AM.
Saturday: Nick Pivetta (1-0, 0.00) vs. Matthew Boyd (0-0, 0.00), 1:20 p.m., Marquee, 670-AM.
Sunday: Kyle Hart (1-0, 3.60) vs. Ben Brown (1-1, 5.87), 1:20 p.m., Marquee, 670-AM.
