If you walked into the Sheraton Grand Chicago this weekend, you didn’t find a fan base mourning a playoff exit. You found a party. Even though it’s mid-January and the ivy at Wrigley is just a collection of frozen sticks, the vibe around the North Side feels electric. Honestly, it’s because the front office finally stopped "pivoting" and started swinging.
The big story for any fan looking for chicago cubs highlights today isn't a walk-off homer or a diving catch. It’s the sheer audacity of the roster construction happening right now. We aren't just talking about depth pieces or "high-ceiling" projects anymore. Jed Hoyer actually went out and landed the whale.
Alex Bregman is a Chicago Cub.
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Let that sink in for a second. A five-year, $175 million deal for a guy who has played in over 100 postseason games. It’s the kind of move that signals the "rebuild" or "transition" or whatever corporate buzzword they were using is officially dead and buried.
The Cubs Convention Buzz and the 2016 Ghost
The timing of all this is kinda poetic. This weekend’s Cubs Convention isn’t just about looking forward; it’s the 10-year anniversary celebration of the 2016 World Series team. Seeing Anthony Rizzo hoist that trophy over his head on stage yesterday felt like a bridge between eras.
It reminds you of what’s possible.
But while the nostalgia is nice, the real meat of the chicago cubs highlights today comes from what happened in the batting cages at Wrigley Field on Friday. While most of the city was shivering, Bregman was already there. He was taking light hacks, chatting with Nico Hoerner, and basically acting like he’s lived in Lakeview his whole life.
Hoerner told reporters he went up the tunnel just to look out at the "Friendly Confines" in the January chill. He missed it. But more importantly, he noted that adding a player of Bregman’s stature changes the internal culture instantly. You don't sign a guy like that to finish second in the NL Central.
Why Kyle Tucker’s Exit Actually Makes Sense
There’s a lot of noise about Kyle Tucker right now. If you haven't heard, it’s basically a done deal that he’s headed elsewhere—likely the Dodgers, Mets, or Blue Jays.
A lot of fans are hurting over that. Tucker was great last year, slashing .266/.377/.841. He was an All-Star. But let’s be real for a minute: things got weird at the end. Between the injuries and the drama of him leaving the team to seek private treatment on the day they clinched a playoff spot, the "vibes" were off.
The Cubs essentially signaled their stance during the convention's season sizzle reel. They showed plenty of 2025 highlights, but Kyle Tucker was nowhere to be found. Neither was Game 5 of the NLDS. It was a cold, calculated move to scrub the memory of a guy who didn't seem to want to be part of the long-term culture. By claiming Benjamin Cowles off waivers from the White Sox and Justin Dean from the Giants, the Cubs filled their 40-man roster to capacity. There’s literally no room left for Tucker, even if they wanted him back.
The Edward Cabrera Factor
Don't sleep on the trade for Edward Cabrera. Everybody is talking about the bats, but you can't win in October without guys who throw 99 mph with a disappearing changeup.
Trading away Owen Caissie and Cristian Hernandez was a steep price. Caissie is a top-tier power prospect. But the Cubs are in "win now" mode. Cabrera gives this rotation a ceiling it hasn't had in years. Imagine a playoff series where you’re rolling out Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, and then a guy like Cabrera who can just blow people away. It’s a different look than the "pitch to contact" philosophy that has burned them in the past.
- Alex Bregman: The new anchor at third base.
- Edward Cabrera: The high-octane arm the rotation desperately needed.
- Nico Hoerner: The heartbeat of the infield who isn't going anywhere despite trade rumors.
- Matt Shaw: The question mark. Where does he play now? Maybe second? Maybe he's trade bait?
The roster is sitting at 40 men right now, and Jed Hoyer says they aren't done. That’s the most exciting part of the chicago cubs highlights today. Usually, by mid-January, we’re looking at minor league invites and hoping for a bounce-back year from a veteran on a one-year deal. Not this year.
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What This Means for the 2026 Season
Expectations are a funny thing. Last year, the Cubs won 92 games and made the playoffs as a Wild Card. It was a successful season by most standards, but the sweep at the hands of the Brewers left a bitter taste.
Manager Craig Counsell hasn't been shy about it. He told fans this weekend that the goal isn't just to "be there." He wants those "three long, fun, hard, completely enjoyable weeks" of October baseball.
The strategy is clear: improve the defense at the corners, add elite velocity to the rotation, and stabilize the bullpen. Signing Phil Maton and claiming guys like Justin Dean—who was an unsung hero for the Dodgers in their World Series run—shows a focus on the "little things" that win close games.
Actionable Insights for Cubs Fans:
- Watch the 40-man Roster: Since it’s full, any new "impact" addition means someone has to go. Keep an eye on the fringe bullpen arms.
- Follow the Matt Shaw Transition: With Bregman at third, Shaw’s path to the bigs just got complicated. His performance in Spring Training will determine if he’s a future piece or a trade chip.
- Spring Training Tickets: If you’re planning on heading to Mesa, do it soon. The hype is real, and Sloan Park is going to be packed to see Bregman’s first reps in blue.
- Embrace the "Villain" Era: The Cubs are spending money and trading prospects for established stars. People are going to start hating them again. Honestly? That's a good thing. It means they're relevant.
The narrative of the Chicago Cubs has shifted. We've moved from "wait 'til next year" to "look out for this year." Whether it’s Bregman’s family photos at Wrigley or the quiet confidence of the pitching staff, the foundation for a deep 2026 run is being poured right now.