WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Cubs have already played nine regular season games. They traveled halfway across the world and back to be swept by the Dodgers in the Tokyo Series. They went through a jet-lagged second spring training stint. They opened their domestic schedule in Arizona, splitting the series at Chase Field. And they set a record for runs scored against the A’s in their first three home games, while breaking in the team’s new home in West Sacramento.

The Cubs have not yet played at Wrigley Field.

“This is our last Opening Day ceremony, and it’s going to be the coolest,” pitcher Jameson Taillon said Wednesday after the Cubs completed a three-game sweep of the A’s. “I’m really excited to get back to Wrigley, really excited for all our new players to experience Wrigley, the fans. And I’m excited to sleep in my own bed.”

The Cubs will celebrate their home opener on Friday, hosting the Padres. Left-hander Shota Iamanga, who also pitched Opening Day in Tokyo, is set to take the mound after the Cubs’ fourth time soaking in opening day ceremonies this season.

The two regular season games in Tokyo were technically home games for the Cubs. But the team played in front of a Dodger-friendly crowd, the Tokyo Dome filled with fans wearing Shohei Ohtani jerseys.

It’s been over two weeks since the Cubs officially opened the 2025 season.

“Is Chicago warm yet?” designated hitter Seiya Suzuki quipped through interpreter Edwin Stanberry. “I’m looking forward to playing in front of the home fans. I’m going to be ready, and I’m going to have a lot of hot packs all over my body to stay warm.”

Defense shored up

The Cubs opened the season with a two-error game in Tokyo. But the next day both offenders, utility man Jon Berti and third baseman Matt Shaw, turned in strong defensive performances.

Though Shaw will likely still go through some defensive growing pains in his first major-league season, second baseman Nico Hoerner’s return immediately strengthened the Cubs’ infield. And the Cubs’ defense arguably won them a close game against the Diamondbacks last week.

Pitching staff still settling in

The biggest questions for the Cubs persist on the pitching side.

The bullpen has been inconsistent, but setup man Porter Hodge has yet to give up a run, and closer Ryan Pressly has demonstrated steady progress in his mechanics .

At the top of the rotation, Imanaga has been a highlight, holding the Dodgers hitless through four innings in his first start and limiting the Diamondbacks to one run in seven innings in his second. But in three starts, lefty Justin Steele has given up five home runs.

Right-hander Jameson Taillon bounced back from a rocky first start . And Matthew Boyd and Ben Brown, each one start into their 2025 campaigns, showed promise at the back end of the rotation. It’s too early to gauge how consistent the group will be over the course of the season.

Offense clicking

After a quiet Tokyo Series, the Cubs offense put up 10 runs against the Diamondbacks in the domestic opener. That was a preview of the impressive showing they’d have in West Sacramento, totaling 35 runs in three games. Now, they have to prove that they can keep rolling in a less friendly offensive environment.

“There were so many good things that happened offensively this whole stretch of seven games that we’ve started with,” center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong said, “that I think we’re going to be able to take advantage of what Wrigley offers — which is some serious elements sometimes.”

He highlighted the team’s baserunning , ability to put down bunts, and ability to hit to both sides of the field.

“This momentum is going to be nice to be able to take back home,” he said.

PADRES AT CUBS

Friday: Randy Vásquez (0-0, 0.00) vs. Shota Imanaga (1-0, 0.82 ERA), 1:20 p.m., Marquee, 670-AM.

Saturday: Nick Pivetta (1-0, 0.00) vs. Matthew Boyd (0-0, 0.00 ERA), 1:20 p.m., Marquee, 670-AM.

Sunday: Kyle Hart (1-0, 3.60) vs. Ben Brown (1-1, 5.87 ERA), 1:20 p.m., Marquee, 670-AM.