If you’re checking the schedule to see who is the Cubs pitcher today, you might notice things look a little quiet at Wrigley Field. That's because we are currently in the heart of the MLB offseason. Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, there isn't a game on the calendar. No ivy, no "Go Cubs Go," and definitely no box scores to refreshing every five minutes.
But don't walk away just yet.
The North Siders just wrapped up the annual Cubs Convention this weekend, and the buzz around the 2026 rotation is actually pretty wild. While nobody is taking the mound this afternoon, the front office has been busy shuffling the deck. If you're a fan trying to figure out who the "ace" is going to be when Spring Training kicks off in Mesa next month, the answer is a bit more complicated than just pointing to one name.
📖 Related: Aaron Judge Full Body: Why the Yankees Captain is Built Different
The 2026 rotation: Who starts when the season begins?
Honestly, the "starter today" question will get a lot more interesting on February 20. That’s when the Cubs open their Cactus League play at Sloan Park against the White Sox. Until then, we’re looking at a projected five-man (or potentially six-man) rotation that looks vastly different from a couple of years ago.
Shota Imanaga is the guy everyone is watching. He had a massive 2025, but the ending was... rough. He looked gassed. Tommy Hottovy, the Cubs' pitching coach, mentioned during the pitchers' panel this weekend that getting Shota’s vertical drop back to elite levels is the primary goal for 2026. He’s essentially the de facto leader of the staff right now, especially with Justin Steele still working his way back from Tommy John surgery.
Steele actually threw off a mound for the first time this past Friday. That’s huge news. But let’s be real: he isn’t going to be the "pitcher today" for a while. The latest word from the club is a target return date of late May or even June.
So, who fills the gap?
- Edward Cabrera: The high-risk, high-reward newcomer. He’s got a fastball that lives in the upper 90s and a changeup that—get this—can touch 98 mph.
- Cade Horton: The phenom. He was basically the best pitcher in the NL for an 11-start stretch last year (0.93 ERA!) before a rib injury shut him down. He’s fully healthy now.
- Matthew Boyd: The veteran lefty who found a second life in Chicago. He’s heading to the World Baseball Classic soon, so he’ll be ramping up early.
- Jameson Taillon: The steady hand. He’s in a contract year, and while he gives up the occasional long ball, he’s been the most consistent "quality start" guy on the roster.
Why the "pitcher today" keeps changing
Baseball in 2026 isn't like the old days where you had four guys throw 250 innings and called it a day. The Cubs are seriously considering a six-man rotation to start the year. Why? Because almost everyone in their current projected top five has some sort of injury "red flag."
✨ Don't miss: Tiffany Mitchell Las Vegas Aces: What Really Happened During Her Short Reunion With A’ja Wilson
Cabrera has the arm talent of a Cy Young contender but has struggled with elbow and shoulder issues. Horton is young and coming off a rib injury. Boyd is 34 and coming off a career-high workload.
By using a six-man rotation, Craig Counsell can keep these guys fresh for a potential October run. It's a smart move, but it makes it harder for fans to predict the rotation order. Basically, you've got to keep an eye on the daily transactions.
The sleeper arms to watch
If one of the main guys hits the IL—which, let's face it, happens—you’re going to see Ben Brown or Colin Rea stepping in. Rea was a savior last year as a swingman. He doesn't have the "wow" stuff of a Cade Horton, but he knows how to navigate a lineup.
Then there’s the Triple-A depth. Jordan Wicks and Jaxon Wiggins are waiting in Des Moines. Wiggins is particularly interesting because of his raw power, though he still needs to prove he can locate his secondary stuff consistently at the big-league level.
👉 See also: Babe Ruth in Uniform: Why Those Pinstripes Still Command Millions
What to do while waiting for Opening Day
Since you can't watch a game today, the best thing to do is keep tabs on the spring training schedule. The Cubs will be playing almost every day starting Feb 20.
If you're looking for actionable steps to stay ahead of the curve:
- Monitor the World Baseball Classic: Matthew Boyd is pitching for Team USA. His performance there will be a massive indicator of how he'll handle the 2026 MLB season.
- Watch the "Spring Breakout" game: On March 21, the Cubs' top prospects (including some of these young pitchers) take on the Padres' prospects. It's the best look you'll get at the future of the rotation.
- Check the Bullpen battles: With Daniel Palencia and Porter Hodge likely locking down the back end, the middle-relief spots are wide open. Watch for guys like Javier Assad to see if they stick in the rotation or move back to the "long man" role.
While there isn't a Cubs pitcher today taking the mound at Clark and Addison, the foundation for the 2026 season is being poured right now. The mix of elite youth like Horton and veteran stability like Taillon makes this one of the most intriguing staffs in the NL Central. Just keep that injury report bookmarked—you're going to need it.