Cubs set pitchers/catchers for Feb. 11 and position players Feb. 16; Bregman's arrival and pitching upgrades suggest improved offense and rotation depth. Betting outlook: consider modestly backing Cubs season win total and moneyline in early matchups, but expect lower-run games early as new pitchers settle—look for favorable futures value before the market fully adjusts.
Chicago Cubs Announce Spring Training Dates and Venue
The Chicago Cubs will hold spring training at their Arizona complex in Mesa, with home games at Sloan Park as they tune up for the MLB regular-season opener at Wrigley Field on March 26 against the Washington Nationals. The club begins spring games Feb. 20 at home against the Chicago White Sox, hosts the Texas Rangers Feb. 21, and opens the road slate Feb. 22 in San Francisco.
Reporting Dates: Pitchers, Catchers and Position Players
Pitchers and catchers will report first, with initial workouts scheduled for Feb. 11. Position players will begin their workouts on Feb. 16. Those early dates give fans a first look at new faces on the pitching staff and the club’s revamped lineup.
Spring Finale and Exhibition Highlights
On March 3 the Cubs will play an exhibition against Team Italy ahead of the World Baseball Classic. Top prospects from Chicago and San Diego will face off in the annual spring breakout game on March 21 in Mesa. Spring training wraps up with two games March 23–24 in Mesa against the New York Yankees, marking the first Arizona meetings between the clubs.
Rotation Upgrade: Edward Cabrera Joins the Mix
The offseason trade brought Edward Cabrera to Chicago, where he’ll slot into a rotation that includes Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, Javier Assad and Cade Horton. The deal required the club to part with multiple pieces, including top prospect Owen Caissie. Cabrera’s arrival gives the Cubs more frontline depth and competition for early rotation spots.
Bolstering the Bullpen
Chicago added experienced arms to the relief corps, signing Phil Maton, Hoby Milner and Jacob Webb, along with veteran reliever Hunter Harvey. Those additions aim to stabilize late-inning matchups and give the manager multiple matchup options throughout the season.
Lineup Impact: Alex Bregman and Position-Player Moves
Two-time World Series champion Alex Bregman signed a five-year, $175 million contract and is expected to start at third base. His presence immediately upgrades the middle of the order and may force roster moves or a trade involving other position players. The club’s only other notable position-player addition is first baseman Tyler Austin.
Prospect Watch
The organization will showcase its top prospects in spring events, creating opportunities to evaluate depth behind the major-league roster and determine who might push for roster spots or provide trade value.
Betting Outlook and Early-Market Considerations
The combination of a headline offensive signing and added pitching depth makes the Cubs an intriguing play in early futures markets. Bettors might find value on the Cubs’ season win total or early moneylines before odds widen. At the same time, fresh pitching additions and new starters settling into routines could suppress run production early—consider under/low-scoring props in spring and early regular-season games. As always, temper bets with caution until spring performance and health are clearer.
Byron Buxton officially named to Team USA World Baseball Classic roster
The Chicago Cubs have announced when their pitchers, catchers and position players will have their first workouts at spring training in Mesa, Ariz.
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