Guardians Host Cubs in Home Opener Rematch of 2016 World Series

Cleveland's annual home opener is a highly anticipated event, and this year's matchup against the Chicago Cubs adds extra intrigue.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:22pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of navy blue, red, and white (Guardians colors) and blue and red (Cubs colors), conceptually representing the intensity and drama of a baseball game between the two teams.The Guardians and Cubs renew their 2016 World Series rivalry in a cubist-inspired illustration capturing the energy and excitement of their home opener matchup.Cleveland Today

The Cleveland Guardians will host the Chicago Cubs in their home opener, marking the 10th anniversary of the teams' classic 2016 World Series matchup. The Guardians, coming off a solid road trip, will send left-hander Joey Cantillo to the mound against Cubs right-hander Cade Horton. Rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter, who made his MLB debut in last year's playoffs, will look to continue his hot start for the Guardians.

Why it matters

The Guardians' home opener is a major event in Cleveland, drawing a sellout crowd and creating a celebratory atmosphere in the city. The rematch with the Cubs adds an extra layer of intrigue, as the teams' 2016 World Series clash is still fresh in the minds of fans. This game will provide an early-season barometer for both teams as they look to establish themselves as contenders in their respective divisions.

The details

The Guardians split a four-game series with the Seattle Mariners and won two of three against the Los Angeles Dodgers on their season-opening road trip. Rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter, who made his MLB debut in last year's playoffs, has gotten off to a hot start, joining Trevor Story as the only players with four home runs in their first three career regular-season games. DeLauter fouled a pitch off his surgically repaired left foot in Los Angeles, but X-rays were negative, and he plans to be in the lineup for the home opener. The Cubs, meanwhile, are 3-3 to start the season, with five of their games decided by at least three runs and four of them seeing Cubs pitching allow exactly two runs.

  • The Guardians' home opener is on Friday, April 4, 2026.
  • The 2016 World Series matchup between the Guardians and Cubs took place 10 years ago.

The players

Joey Cantillo

The Guardians' left-handed starting pitcher, who will take the mound for the home opener with a 0-0 record and 4.91 ERA.

Cade Horton

The Cubs' right-handed starting pitcher, who will face the Guardians. Horton made his MLB debut in 2025 and has a 12-4 record with a 2.68 ERA over 24 career starts and one relief appearance.

Chase DeLauter

The Guardians' rookie outfielder, who made his MLB debut in last year's playoffs and has gotten off to a hot start this season, joining Trevor Story as the only players with four home runs in their first three career regular-season games.

Stephen Vogt

The Guardians' manager, who is excited to see the team's fans for the first time since last October's playoff loss to the Detroit Tigers.

Craig Counsell

The Cubs' manager, who is still trying to get comfortable with his team's personnel in the early part of the season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We can't wait to see our fans. It's been a long time since we've seen them.”

— Stephen Vogt, Guardians Manager

“That being negative was a huge win and we'll go from there. I think now we're just dealing with a nice bone bruise in that area.”

— Chase DeLauter

“For the manager it's just our personnel and trying to get comfortable with our personnel. That's what we need to navigate in the first few weeks.”

— Craig Counsell, Cubs Manager

What’s next

The Guardians will look to build on their solid start to the season and give their passionate fans a win in the home opener, while the Cubs will aim to continue their early-season success and spoil the festivities in Cleveland.

The takeaway

The Guardians' home opener is a highly anticipated annual event in Cleveland, and this year's matchup against the Cubs adds extra intrigue as the teams renew their 2016 World Series rivalry. Both teams are looking to establish themselves as contenders early in the season, setting the stage for an exciting and meaningful early-season clash.