Trending Now - Cubs Select Boyd as Opening Day Starter Against Nationals

WHO:

Matthew Boyd, 35-year-old left-hander for the Chicago Cubs

Cade Cavalli, pitcher for the Washington Nationals

Craig Counsell, manager of the Chicago Cubs

Matt Shaw, 24-year-old player for the Chicago Cubs

Tyler Austin, player for the Chicago Cubs

Andre Dawson, Hall of Famer and former player for the Chicago Cubs

Jane Forbes Clark, chairman of the board of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

WHAT:

Matthew Boyd was named the Opening Day starter for the Cubs on March 26, 2026.

Boyd will face Cade Cavalli of the Nationals at Wrigley Field.

This will be Boyd's third career Opening Day start.

Boyd had a record of 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA in 2025.

Matt Shaw is trying out first base as part of a super utility role.

Shaw wore a glove belonging to veteran catcher Carson Kelly during a Cactus League game.

Shaw made Cactus League starts in right field (six games), second base (two), third base (two), center field (one), and first base (one).

Andre Dawson's Hall of Fame plaque will be recast to feature a blank cap instead of the Montreal Expos logo.

WHERE:

Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois

Cactus League, Arizona

Cooperstown, New York

WHEN:

Boyd's Opening Day start is scheduled for March 26, 2026.

The Cubs' Opening Day last year was against the Dodgers in Japan for the Tokyo Series.

Dawson's plaque recasting decision was made in 2023.

WHY:

Boyd returned to Cubs spring training after pitching for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic because he was not guaranteed innings in the next round.

The Cubs are exploring Shaw's versatility due to Tyler Austin's injury and subsequent right knee surgery.

HOW:

Boyd's preparation for Opening Day was managed to ensure that his time with Team USA did not affect his readiness.

Shaw is adapting to multiple positions to increase his chances of getting regular at-bats.

(UPDATED March 12, 2026 21:07 UTC)

Matthew Boyd has been named the Opening Day starter for the Chicago Cubs, set to face Cade Cavalli of the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field on March 26, 2026, marking Boyd's third career Opening Day start after a solid 2025 season with a record of 14 wins and 8 losses. Meanwhile, Matt Shaw is trying out first base as part of a super utility role, adapting to multiple positions during the Cactus League to secure more playing time, while wearing a glove belonging to veteran catcher Carson Kelly. In a notable update from Cooperstown, Andre Dawson's Hall of Fame plaque will be recast to feature a blank cap instead of the Montreal Expos logo, a decision made back in 2023.