Bold opener: The Cubs are kicking off spring with real lineup intrigue and fresh faces, setting the stage for a potential shake-up come Opening Day. Now let's break down what this first spring tilt reveals about the team and its chances this year.
Quality Garages Since 1959 — Spring training is underway, and that means it’s time to map out the roster and the dream garage you’ve always wanted. Danley’s, Chicago’s leading garage builder with over 100,000 installed since 1959, is ready to help you design and construct the space you’ve imagined. Call 877-DANLEYS to start planning today.
CUBS LINEUP — The initial Cubs lineup for the spring exhibition is in, and the game is slated for Marquee with a 2:05 start. The Cubs will face the White Sox in the first unofficial contest of the 2026 MLB season, giving fans a glimpse of who might start the year in the big leagues.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Jonathan Long, 1B
- Alex Bregman, 3B
- Seiya Suzuki, CF
- Miguel Amaya, C
- Dylan Carlson, RF
- Chas McCormick, LF
- Pedro Ramirez, 2B
- BJ Murray, DH
- Scott Kingery, SS
Top of the order implications and player notes:
- Jonathan Long at first base right away signals managers are giving him early at-bats to prove he belongs. While he’s not the most likely to break camp, a spring glimpse could translate to majors duty later in the season as a right-handed option off the bench or a fill-in starter at first or DH against favorable matchups.
- Long just turned 24 and posted a standout season for the Iowa Cubs last year: .305/.404/.479 with a 131 wRC+, a 13% walk rate, and a 19% strikeout rate. He isn’t a slam-dunk top prospect, but his offensive upside is real, and a strong spring could push him into bigger opportunities.
- Alex Bregman is the big offseason addition, entering Spring Training with heavy expectations as both a performer and a clubhouse leader. This spring marks his first taste of Cubs action, and his impact will be felt beyond the stat line.
- Seiya Suzuki is in spring action in center today after spending most of last year at DH. This season he projects as the primary right fielder, though he’ll also cover center for Japan in the World Baseball Classic in March, so observers will be curious to see how he adapts defensively in real games.
- Miguel Amaya handles behind the plate, carrying upside that Cubs fans have tracked since his major swing changes in 2024 and continued in 2025. With Carson Kelly aging and nearing free agency, a big breakout year from Amaya could be pivotal for the catching position.
- The bench competition features Dylan Carlson versus Chas McCormick for a limited roster spot. McCormick has had more big-league success to date, but Carlson remains younger with higher upside when fully healthy.
That rounds out the Cubs’ first spring lineup. The game will be shown on Marquee — tune in and let’s go.
Chicago White Sox Lineup:
- Curtis Mead, 3B
- Kyle Teel, C
- Austin Hays, LF
- Munetaka Murakami, 1B
- Everson Pereira, RF
- Derek Hill, CF
- Sam Antonacci, 2B
- Korey Lee, DH
- Tanner Murray, SS
Pitching Matchup:
- Cubs: Jameson Taillon, RHP
- White Sox: Jonathan Cannon, RHP
Broadcast Info:
- Cubs (0-0) vs White Sox (0-0) at 2:05 pm CT — Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score (104.3 The Score), ESPN Chicago 1000
Note: This spring game provides early glimpses but remember that lineups in March often shift as managers evaluate depth, matchups, and health. Consider this a teaser of what could unfold once the regular season begins—and a reminder that the Cubs have several intriguing decisions ahead as they settle into the 2026 campaign.
