Guardians Celebrate 125 Years of Baseball at Home Opener

Rainy weather may greet fans as Cleveland hosts the Chicago Cubs at Progressive Field.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:23pm

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A vibrant, fragmented painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, depicting a baseball game at Progressive Field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color, capturing the excitement and energy of the home opener.A cubist interpretation of the energy and anticipation surrounding the Guardians' home opener at Progressive Field.Cleveland Today

The Cleveland Guardians are set to play their home opener against the Chicago Cubs on April 3, marking the 125th season of baseball in Cleveland. The game is expected to see a sold-out crowd at Progressive Field, though the weather forecast calls for a 35% chance of light rain showers during the 4:10 pm first pitch. The Guardians are coming off a strong start to the season, splitting a series with the Mariners and taking two of three games against the defending World Series champion Dodgers. Rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter, who hit four home runs in the first three games, is expected to return to the lineup after missing a game with a bruised foot.

Why it matters

The Guardians' home opener is always a highly anticipated event in Cleveland, as fans get to see their team for the first time at their home ballpark. This year's opener holds extra significance as the team celebrates 125 years of baseball in the city. Despite the potential for rain, die-hard fans are expected to brave the elements to welcome the Guardians back home.

The details

The Guardians are coming off a successful road trip to start the season, splitting a series with the Mariners and taking two of three games against the defending World Series champion Dodgers. Rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter, who hit four home runs in the first three games, is expected to return to the lineup after missing a game with a bruised foot. The team's manager, Stephen Vogt, said he plans to use DeLauter either in right field or as the designated hitter, depending on the field conditions.

  • The Guardians' home opener is scheduled for 4:10 pm on April 3.
  • The team opened the season on March 26 in Seattle, splitting a four-game series with the Mariners.
  • The Guardians then headed south and took two of three games from the Dodgers.

The players

Stephen Vogt

The manager of the Cleveland Guardians.

Chase DeLauter

A 24-year-old rookie outfielder for the Guardians who hit four home runs in the first three games of the season.

Joey Cantillo

The starting pitcher for the Guardians in the home opener against the Cubs.

Laila Edwards

A Cleveland Heights native and 2026 Olympic women's hockey gold medalist who will throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Megan Keller

The USA women's hockey player who scored the game-winning goal in overtime of the 2026 Olympic gold medal game against Canada.

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What they’re saying

“We can't wait to get home and see our fans. It's been a long time since we've seen them. It seems like this road trip has been a month long, and spring training was six months long.”

— Stephen Vogt, Guardians Manager

What’s next

The Guardians will host the Cubs in a three-game series, with the home opener on April 3 followed by games on April 4 and 5.

The takeaway

The Guardians' home opener is a highly anticipated event in Cleveland, as the team celebrates 125 years of baseball in the city. Despite the potential for rain, fans are expected to turn out in force to welcome the team back home and see the 2025 Central Division championship flag raised.