The Chicago Cubs are days away from kicking off the 2026 MLB season with a three-game series against the Washington Nationals. They have spent the past several weeks in Arizona for Spring Training. During that time, they have answered many questions regarding the make-up of their roster.
One of the last questions to be answered, as is the case for most teams every year, is what five pitchers will make up their starting rotation.
Despite a plethora of quality candidates, it appears that the Cubs have finally settled on who their initial starting-five will be.
The Chicago Cubs seem to have figured out their Opening Day starting rotation
It has been known for several days now that 2025 All-Star Matthew Boyd will be Chicago’s Opening Day starter. This decision was somewhat unpopular among fans. Many of them wanted to see Cade Horton get a chance to start on Opening Day, especially after Boyd struggled in the World Baseball Classic.
Of course, Horton is making the Opening Day roster for the first time in his career, and his spot in the rotation appears to be cemented.
Based on previous roster moves, the following five pitchers appear set to make up the Cubs’ initial starting rotation.
Matthew Boyd
2025 stats: 14-8, 3.21 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 31 starts, 154 strikeouts, 172.9 innings
Cade Horton
2025 stats: 11-4, 2.67 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 23 games (22 stats), 97 strikeouts, 118.0 innings
Shota Imanaga
2025 stats: 9-8, 3.73 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 25 starts, 117 strikeouts, 144.2 innings
Edward Cabrera
2025 stats (with the Miami Marlins): 8-7, 3.53 ERA, 1,23 WHIP, 26 starts, 150 strikeouts, 137.2 innings
Jameson Taillon
2025 stats: 11-7, 3.68 ERA, 1,06 WHIP, 23 starts, 98 strikeouts, 129.2 innings pitched.
As can be seen, on paper, this is an excellent starting rotation. Justin Steele is going to return at some point this season as well, and will fill in for whoever is injured or under-performing at that point.
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