In a historic first for the Chicago Cubs, they will open the 2024 season against the defending World Series champions, the Texas Rangers. This will mark the first time in franchise history that the Cubs will kick off a season against a reigning American League champion.

The last time the Cubs started a season against the defending World Series champions was back in 1998 when they faced off against the Marlins in Miami. In that series, the Cubs managed to win two out of three games on their way to securing a wild card berth. Now, as they prepare to take on the Rangers, the team and fans alike are hoping for a successful start to the season.

The Rangers, on the other hand, are in the unique position of defending a World Series title for the first time in their history. Although this is an unfamiliar feeling for Rangers fans, it has brought a sense of optimism for the coming year. However, the team faces some uncertainties, particularly when it comes to their pitching staff, specifically their rotation for the first half of the season.

Despite the questions surrounding the Rangers' pitching staff, their lineup appears solid and capable of scoring a significant number of runs. The addition of Evan Carter and Wyatt Langford, both expected to play in their first Opening Day game and considered frontrunners for the American League Rookie of the Year award, adds to the team's offensive power. The Rangers' lineup is solid throughout, complemented by strong defensive play on the field.

As for the Cubs, this will mark their 13th opening series that serves as their first visit to a particular park. This occurrence happened nine times between 1876 and 1894, with only four instances since then, each being the first regular-season MLB series played in those respective parks. The team has had a decent record in season-opening series, boasting a .518 winning percentage. However, their subsequent road games in seasons have resulted in a lower winning percentage.

Looking ahead to the opening series against the Rangers, the Cubs will send Kyle Hendricks to the mound on Saturday. Sunday's starter will be left-hander Jordan Wicks, who had a 4-1 record and a 4.41 ERA in the last season. The game times and TV channels for the series are set for Saturday at 6:05 p.m. CT on Marquee Sports Network and Sunday at 1:35 p.m. CT, also on Marquee Sports Network.

Anticipation is high for the series, as the Rangers will be celebrating their World Series championship with a ring ceremony and other festivities. However, despite the hoopla, the Cubs are ready for battle and look poised to take two out of three games in this opening series, especially considering the pitching uncertainties for the Rangers.

Following the series, the Cubs will head back home for their Wrigley Field opener against the Colorado Rockies on Monday afternoon, marking the beginning of a three-game series.

The stage is set for an exciting opening series between the Cubs and the defending champion Rangers, and fans can't wait to see how their teams perform on the field.