The Chicago Cubs kicked off their 2026 Spring Training in Mesa, Arizona, with pitchers and catchers reporting on Wednesday, amid a sense of urgency following last season's playoff exit. New additions like Alex Bregman and a solidified bullpen have fueled excitement for a World Series push. Manager Craig Counsell has already designated Daniel Palencia as the team's closer.
In Mesa, Arizona, the Chicago Cubs' Spring Training facility buzzed with a different energy as players arrived, according to veteran pitcher Jameson Taillon. "The work seems different than years past," Taillon said. "It seems more like, ‘Let’s get to work’ exciting, if that makes sense. It should be an exciting year."
The first workout for pitchers and catchers occurred on Wednesday morning, with the full-squad session scheduled for Monday. Many players had already been training for days or weeks. A new indoor pitching and hitting building, equipped with advanced technology, now stands beyond the agility field to help players gain edges.
Last season, the Cubs won 92 games but fell in a five-game National League Division Series to the Milwaukee Brewers, leaving fans with just eight postseason games. The team's goal remains clear: win the NL Central and a World Series. "It’s the same as last year -- it’s to win a World Series," left-hander Matthew Boyd said. "That’s the expectation we hold ourselves to."
Key offseason moves bolstered the roster. Third baseman Alex Bregman signed a five-year, $175 million deal, choosing jersey number 3 in hopes of a third World Series ring. Right-hander Edward Cabrera joined, while the Cubs re-signed Shota Imanaga and Colin Rea to deepen the rotation alongside Boyd, Taillon, and Cade Horton.
The bullpen saw significant changes, with new Major League deals for Phil Maton, Hunter Harvey, Hoby Milner, and Jacob Webb, plus the re-signing of Caleb Thielbar. Manager Craig Counsell confirmed Daniel Palencia as the closer. Palencia, who posted a 2.91 ERA and 22 saves in 2025 after starting in Triple-A, expressed enthusiasm: "I love it. From the first moment, always, I knew I was that guy."
Cubs president Jed Hoyer noted the palpable excitement and camaraderie, attributing it to unfinished business from last year. General manager Carter Hawkins indicated ongoing talks for more arms. Three players—Javier Assad, Moises Ballesteros, and Christian Bethancourt—faced visa-related travel delays but were expected soon.
"The excitement in camp is palpable," Hoyer said. "They feel like we had a really good season, but there’s unfinished business." Counsell added, "We’re all excited to get started."
