Chicago Cubs opening day opposing pitcher revealed

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zack Pearson | Last updated Mar 11, 2026 2:34 PM ET

With just over two weeks until the start of the 2026 MLB season, Spring Training is wrapping up and teams are getting a more clear idea of their lineup and pitching rotation.

For the Chicago Cubs, they haven’t announced their opening day starter. But it feels like it will be Cade Horton. They do know who they will be facing when they take the field on March 26th.

The Washington Nationals announced that Cade Cavalli will get the start for the team when they face the Cubs at Wrigley Field. It was made official on Wednesday after a report from Ryan Shenker surfacing earlier in the week.

Cade Cavalli gets rewarded with Opening Day start vs. Chicago Cubs

Feb 19, 2026; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli (24) throws a pitch during spring training workouts at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

Cavalli was drafted by the Nationals 22nd overall in 2020 and made his debut in August of 2022. He was then shut down for the rest of that season with right shoulder inflammation.

Cavalli made his return in August of 2025 and now he gets his chance for a big time start.

“Talk about who you want at the top of your rotation,” said Nationals manager Blake Butera. “From a makeup standpoint, from a human standpoint, from a pitching standpoint, he checks all those boxes.”

For the Cubs, their new lineup gets an early season test at what likely will be a cold Opening Day at Wrigley. This should be a good test for the Cubs as the 2026 season with high expectations begins.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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