March 28, 2026 | Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL | 1:05 PM ET | MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network
The Chicago Cubs host the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field for Game 2 of the opening series, and weโre looking to build momentum early in the season. After Opening Day, this is another chance to show weโre ready to compete in the NL Central.
The Nationals (71โ91 last year) are rebuilding with young talent like Dylan Crews, who made his major league debut on Opening Day. CJ Abrams brings speed and defense at shortstop. Cade Cavalli is back from injury and gets the start today.
We have Cade Horton making his major league debut on the mound at Wrigley. Jackson Merrill at shortstop. Pete Crow-Armstrong in center. Our young core is showing what weโre building toward.
For Cubs fans, this is Cade Hortonโs debut at Wrigleyโanother step in watching our young core develop.
Where the Cubs Stand After Opening Day
2025 Record: 78โ84
We missed the playoffs last year, but the front office responded by signing Tyler Glasnow and acquiring Jackson Merrill. Opening Day showed the moves are working.
Key Players:
- Tyler Glasnow (SP): Dominated on Opening Day, sets the tone for our rotation
- Jackson Merrill (SS): Had a solid Opening Day debut, settling in at short
- Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF): Elite defense with offensive growth showing
Top Prospects:
- Cade Horton (RHP): Makes his major league debut today at Wrigley
- Matt Shaw (INF): Versatile bat who can contribute off the bench
- Kevin Alcรกntara (OF): Toolsy outfielder still developing
Cade Hortonโs major league debut at Wrigley Field. This is what the rebuild is all aboutโwatching our prospects arrive and prove themselves.
The Washington Nationals: Young and Rebuilding
2025 Record: 71โ91
The Nationals are rebuilding around young talent. Dylan Crews made his debut on Opening Day and showed flashes. CJ Abrams provides speed and defense. Cade Cavalli is back from injury and making his season debut today.
Key Players:
- CJ Abrams (SS): Speedy shortstop with elite defense
- Keibert Ruiz (C): Leader behind the plate
- Cade Cavalli (RHP): Returning from injury, makes season debut today
Top Prospects:
- Dylan Crews (OF): Made his debut on Opening Day, showed promise
- Brady House (INF): Infield prospect pushing for playing time
- Cade Cavalli (RHP): Former top prospect trying to stay healthy
Both teams are showcasing young talent. Both are hoping their prospects develop into stars.
The Matchups That Matter in Game 2
| Position | Cubs | Nationals |
|---|---|---|
| Shortstop | Jackson Merrill | CJ Abrams |
| Center Field | Pete Crow-Armstrong | Dylan Crews |
| Starting Pitcher | Cade Horton | Cade Cavalli |
Jackson Merrill vs CJ Abrams at Shortstop
Both young shortstops settling into their roles. Merrill looked solid on Opening Day. Abrams has elite speed and defense. Good matchup all series.
Pete Crow-Armstrong vs Dylan Crews in Center
PCA has elite defense and showed offensive growth on Opening Day. Crews made his debut and showed his talent. Both are building blocks for their franchises.
Cade Hortonโs Debut vs Cade Cavalliโs Return
Horton makes his major league debut at Wrigley. Cavalli is back from injury making his season debut. Two young pitchers with everything to prove.
What the Cubs Need in Game 2
Cade Hortonโs Major League Debut
This is what weโve been waiting for. Horton earned a rotation spot in spring training. Now he makes his debut at Wrigley against a rebuilding Nationals lineup. Five or six quality innings would be perfect.
Jackson Merrill Keeps Building
Had a solid Opening Day. Keep building confidence and showing youโre our franchise shortstop.
Pete Crow-Armstrong Continues His Growth
Showed well on Opening Day. Keep proving the bat is catching up to the elite defense.
Win Game 2 at Home
The Nationals are rebuilding. We should beat them at Wrigley. Go 2-0 to start the season and build early momentum.
What Washington Will Bring
CJ Abrams will use his speed and defense. Dylan Crews will look to build on his debut performance. Cade Cavalli will try to stay healthy and show his stuff in his season debut.
The Nationalsโ young talent will compete, but we should have the advantage at home.
Cubs Fan Prediction: We Win Game 2 at Wrigley
Final Score: Cubs 6, Nationals 4
Cade Horton is solid in his major league debutโfive innings, three runs, seven strikeouts. Not dominant, but a quality first start at Wrigley. The crowd loves it.
Jackson Merrill goes 2-for-4 with an RBI. Pete Crow-Armstrong makes another highlight catch and drives in two. Matt Shaw provides a clutch pinch-hit.
Dylan Crews goes 2-for-4 with a homer, continuing to show his talent. But our depth and home field advantage give us the win.
Weโre 2-0 to start the season. Hortonโs debut was solid. Momentum is building.
Why Game 2 Matters
Itโs early in the season, but starting 2-0 at home matters. Cade Horton makes his major league debut at Wrigley. Our young core keeps building.
The Nationals are rebuilding. We should beat them at home. Go 2-0 and build early momentum in the NL Central.
We went 78โ84 last year. The Brewers won the Central at 86โ76. Every win matters as we try to close that gap.
Go Cubs Go!!! Letยดs win this one!
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