Chicago Cubs schedule unveiled; team opens on July 24 at Wrigley Field

The 2020 scheduled was revealed today and things are set up for the Cubs to have a memorable shortened season

Major League Baseball released the 2020 schedule this evening and as we already knew, the Chicago Cubs will play just 60 games, 40 against the NL Central and the other 20 against the American League Central.

Things will be intense right out of the gate with the Cubs hosting the Brewers for a three-game series to open the season with the first two scheduled for national television. Not only will they have to come out firing but with the White Sox scheduled for the last three games of the season, the finale could have huge implications, as well.

Is the schedule favorable to the Cubs’ chances?

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The schedule seems to be set up in the Cubs’ favor. Notably, they will get to host the Cardinals and Brewers each twice at home while only having to play them each on the road once. Not sure how big of an impact home versus away will have this season with little to no fans, but for a team that went 33-48 on the road a year ago, it’s a plus nonetheless.

Along with the favorable draw with the Cardinals and Brewers, there is a tough matchup with seven games in Cincinnati opposite a Reds team that has loaded up this offseason.

There are also uneven matchups set with the AL Central opponents. There are six games scheduled with the White Sox, four matchups against both the Indians and Royals and then just three apiece with the Tigers and Twins. Obviously all the hype has been surrounding the White Sox this offseason and the hope for a rekindled rivalry, so it’s very exciting to get the most games against the South Siders out of all the other AL teams.

Chicago Cubs: This is the team’s toughest stretch

The toughest stretch of the season will most likely come between August 13-23, where the team will host the Brewers for four, Cardinals for three and the White Sox for another three. Other than that, there doesn’t appear to be too many daunting stretches. A fun Missouri trip will take place from August 5-9 as the Cubs travels to Kansas City and St. Louis, but no stretches where this team needs to be particularly concerned.

The nice part about the schedule is the fact that everything will be, for the most part, centralized. That was done on purpose to limit travel by MLB but this should help teams stay fresh and hopefully healthier. The amount of COVID-19 cases have been rising and little by little more players are opting out of playing the season (Nick Markakis of the Braves the most recent), but limiting opponents and travel distance should help with exposure.

The schedule sets up for a fun 2020 and the hope is that the season doesn’t go off the rails with players opting out and testing issues ahead of the July 23-24 Opening Day dates. Fingers crossed.