The Boston Red Sox close out their home schedule against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, September 27, 2026, with first pitch at 3:05 PM ET at Fenway Park. Both clubs head into this late-September regular season matchup without confirmed starting pitchers, adding a layer of uncertainty to an already interesting late-season afternoon on Yawkey Way. With the calendar winding down, every game carries real weight for roster evaluation and finishing position — and Red Sox Nation will be watching closely from the Fenway stands.
Red Sox vs. Cubs Game Preview: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Probable pitchers for both sides have not been announced as of this writing. That means manager decisions are still in flux — whether Boston goes with an established arm, an opener, or a bulk reliever will shape how this game is managed from the jump. The Cubs are in the same boat, so neither dugout has a clear tactical edge on the mound heading into Sunday's contest.
Pitching Matchup
With no confirmed starters for either the Red Sox or Cubs, the bullpen picture becomes the most important thing to track once lineups drop. Late-September roster expansions give both teams flexibility, and it would not be a surprise to see multiple arms from each side before the final out. Keep an eye on how Boston's pitching staff is deployed — the decisions made in these final regular season games often telegraph how the organization views its options heading into the offseason.
Keys to Watch on Sunday
- Pitching decisions: Without confirmed starters, the first inning will tell you a lot about each team's game plan. Watch for openers or bulk-inning arms to set the tone early.
- Late-season lineup construction: September callups and roster shuffling mean both clubs could look different than they did in July. Pay attention to who is getting reps and where.
- Fenway atmosphere: A late-September Sunday afternoon at Fenway Park is one of baseball's genuine pleasures. The crowd will be engaged and the Green Monster will be in full effect — that home-field texture matters, even at this stage of the season.
- Cubs' approach against Boston's staff: Chicago has plenty of professional hitters who can work counts and do damage. If Boston's pitching is unsettled, the Cubs have the lineup depth to exploit it.
How to Watch and Listen
Sunday's game is available on NESN for Red Sox fans and Marquee Sports Network for Cubs viewers. Radio coverage in English is on WEEI 93.7 FM and 104.3 The Score. Spanish-language listeners can tune in on WCCM 1490 AM or WESX 1230 AM.
Prediction
Without starter information for either side, any prediction comes with a significant caveat — pitching matchups are the single biggest swing factor in projecting a winner. What we do know is that Fenway Park gives Boston a genuine home-field edge, and a Sunday afternoon crowd in late September tends to bring energy that lifts the home club. Edge to the Red Sox in a game that figures to be competitive, but the mound uncertainty keeps this one firmly in toss-up territory. First pitch is at 3:05 PM ET — be there or be tuned in.
