Cubs Name Opening Day Starter
The Chicago Cubs have announced that veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd will start on Opening Day [https://si.com/mlb/cubs/onsi/news/chicago-cubs-announce-2026-opening-day-starter]. The team is showing confidence in his experience and off-season form.
Boyd's Opening Day start marks his third career nod, but his first since 2021. The 35-year-old veteran is coming off a career year with the Cubs, earning his first All-Star selection in 2025. He finished the season with a 14-8 record, a 3.21 ERA, and 154 strikeouts in 179.2 innings. Cubs manager Craig Counsell chose Boyd despite a rotation stacked with talent, including Cade Horton and Edward Cabrera. The Opening Day game will be held at Wrigley Field against the Washington Nationals on March 26. The Nationals are expected to start Cade Cavalli. Boyd briefly left Cubs camp to participate with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. However, he returned to Mesa to build up his pitch count in preparation for the regular season. In 2025, Boyd dominated at Wrigley Field, posting a 12-1 record with a 2.51 ERA.
