What to Expect for the 2026 Cleveland Guardians Home Opener

It's finally here.

After months and months of waiting, the Cleveland Guardians will officially play in the Home Opener against the Chicago Cubs later today. On Friday, April 3, the Guardians, who have a record of 4-3 on the campaign, will look to defend their home field against a talented Cubs roster.

Friday's matchup will mark 10 seasons since Chicago and Cleveland met in the World Series, way back in the 2016 campaign. While that series didn't go the way Cleveland would've hoped it would go, they'll have a chance to avenge a bit of history this time around.

Here's everything to expect for the Guardians' Home Opener:

Chase DeLauter SHOULD Be In the Lineup

DeLauter has had a remarkable start to the 2026 campaign, blasting four total home runs through his first three games. After that, he somewhat returned back down to earth, but still presented a tough out to any pitcher he was going up against.

He's currently batting .273 with an OPS of 1.122, with six hits in 22 at-bats. He also has kept a keen eye, prolonging plate appearances and finding ways to get on base. He has walked once.

His strong start to the year was halted, though, after fouling a pitch off the back of his leg back on Tuesday. He tried to play through the discomfort, but was ultimately removed from the game. Fortunately, his X-rays came back negative, giving him a better chance to return on Friday.

The Daily Guards presented by @FanDuel is LIVE from downtown Cleveland for the Guardians Home Opener! https://t.co/cBpe3vR3sp
— The Daily Guards (@DailyGuards) April 3, 2026

He did not play in the Guardians' 4-1 win over the Dodgers back on Wednesday, but it was expected to be a scheduled day off, even with his injury.

While there hasn't been official confirmation, everything is pointing towards the Guardians kicking off the year at home with DeLauter in the lineup. His power certainly changes the team's lineup possibilities, but also brings a level of excitement to the stadium that isn't matched by many.

The Guardians Will Lean Into Lefties

The Guardians are projected to go up against Cubs starting right-handed pitcher Cade Horton, who has a really strong fastball. He often forces high velocity pitches up in the zone, making it difficult for batters to make solid contact with the ball.

In his first appearance of the year, back on March 28, he threw 34 four-seamers, 15 change-ups and 11 sweepers, mixing in his curveball and sinker on occasion.

It only took him 75 pitches to get through six and a third innings, where he helped send down 19 batters. He allowed two earned runs in a win over the Washington Nationals, 10-2, striking out four batters in the process. He currently has a 2.84 ERA to start 2026.

This all likely points to the fact that Cleveland's lineup will sport nearly all lefties and switch hitters. If that's the case, it'll potentially place Rhys Hoskins, Austin Hedges and David Fry on the bench.

That means the Guardians' left-handed bats will need to be in a groove, especially Kyle Manzardo's, which has struggled to begin the campaign.

The Best Ballpark Environment in America

It’s hard to argue that there are many more electric ballparks in the United States than Progressive Field.

Each and every season, home opener or not, when the Guardians are set to trot out onto the diamond in Cleveland, there's something special in the air. The fans come out in flocks and the energy builds until the first pitch is thrown.

This season, the ballpark will have some new additions, and while they won't necessarily heighten the energy, they will fill up the stomachs of fans.

The Guardians are introducing Good Company Spicy Thai Fries, Jackhammer, Tallow popcorn, Steak sandwiches, Sauce the City Spicy Chicken, Beef Patty Melt and Aladdin's Med Dog to the food menu. Many of these names serve as placeholders for what the meal actually is, and to try them out, Progressive Field is where to be.

Alongside the addition of many new foods, there are also new murals, promotions and benefits for fans.

This year's home opener is also sold out, marking the 33rd consecutive year that the Guardians have done such a thing.