The 2026 Chicago Cubs Convention officially gets underway today, and this year’s gathering carries a unique emotional weight as fans celebrate the tenth anniversary of the franchise’s unforgettable 2016 World Series championship.

For Cubs fans, the memories of that historic season remain deeply personal, representing the end of a 108 year championship drought and a moment that forever reshaped the identity of baseball on Chicago’s North Side.

As former players from the 2016 roster return to Wrigleyville, nostalgia is expected to flow freely, with fans reliving the triumphs, tension, and unforgettable nights that defined one of baseball’s most iconic championship runs.

However, the anniversary celebration will not be the only emotional highlight of the convention, as the Cubs are also set to officially announce new inductees into the team’s Hall of Fame.

According to veteran MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Cubs will announce tonight that Jon Lester and Jody Davis have been elected into the organization’s Hall of Fame.

The news has been met with widespread approval from fans and analysts alike, many of whom believe both players exemplify the excellence and legacy the Cubs Hall of Fame is designed to honor.

While the induction announcements bring excitement, some fans have questioned the absence of Anthony Rizzo, whose name had previously been linked to Hall of Fame consideration in early reports.

Nightengale clarified that Rizzo is not yet eligible for induction, as he only announced his retirement from Major League Baseball within the past few months.

Under Cubs Hall of Fame guidelines, a player must be retired for a designated period before becoming eligible for the ballot, ensuring proper historical perspective when evaluating a player’s career impact.

Although Rizzo’s absence may disappoint some fans, his future induction is widely viewed as inevitable once eligibility requirements are met.

For now, the spotlight rightfully belongs to Jon Lester, whose career stands as one of the most decorated pitching tenures in modern Cubs history.

Lester enjoyed a 16 year Major League career, spending the majority of his prime seasons with the Chicago Cubs and the Boston Red Sox, two franchises deeply intertwined with his legacy.

A five time All Star, three time World Series champion, and member of the exclusive 200 win club, Lester’s resume leaves little doubt regarding his Hall of Fame credentials.

The Cubs signed Lester as a free agent following the 2014 season, a move that signaled the organization’s commitment to transitioning from rebuilding to championship contention.

At the time, Chicago possessed a young, talented core but lacked postseason experience, making Lester’s leadership and playoff pedigree invaluable.

In his first season with the Cubs in 2015, Lester delivered exactly what the front office envisioned, posting a 3.34 ERA and recording 207 strikeouts over 205 innings.

While his postseason performance that year proved uneven, the Cubs’ playoff experience laid the groundwork for a far more historic run the following season.

The 2016 campaign marked the pinnacle of Lester’s career, as he dominated National League hitters and emerged as one of the most reliable pitchers in baseball.

Lester finished the regular season with a 2.44 ERA, narrowly finishing second in Cy Young Award voting behind Max Scherzer.

His consistency, command, and ability to perform under pressure became cornerstones of the Cubs’ pitching staff throughout the season.

Lester elevated his performance even further during the postseason, delivering a 2.02 ERA across 35.2 innings pitched.

His contributions were instrumental in guiding the Cubs through tense playoff series and ultimately ending the franchise’s championship drought.

Lester’s efforts earned him a share of the National League Championship Series MVP award alongside Javier Báez, underscoring his importance during the postseason run.

Across six seasons with Chicago, Lester posted a 3.64 ERA and demonstrated remarkable durability, rarely missing starts and consistently surpassing 170 innings pitched each season.

Even during the shortened 2020 season, Lester remained a dependable presence, reinforcing his reputation as one of baseball’s most reliable workhorses.

Beyond statistics, Lester’s leadership within the clubhouse left a lasting impact on younger pitchers who followed his example of preparation, professionalism, and competitiveness.

Joining Lester in the Cubs Hall of Fame is Jody Davis, a former catcher whose contributions helped shape the franchise during the 1980s.

Davis, a two time All Star and Gold Glove winner, provided offensive production and defensive excellence from behind the plate during an era of transition for the Cubs.

Originally selected as a Rule 5 Draft pick, Davis exceeded expectations and carved out a productive career with Chicago from 1981 through 1988.

During that span, Davis hit 122 home runs, establishing himself as one of the more powerful offensive catchers in the National League at the time.

His consistent play earned him down ballot MVP votes in both the 1983 and 1984 seasons, reflecting league wide recognition of his impact.

While Davis may not possess the national recognition of some Cubs legends, his induction underscores the franchise’s commitment to honoring players across all eras.

The Cubs Hall of Fame now includes more than 60 inductees, representing a rich history spanning generations of baseball excellence.

In 2025, the organization inducted Sammy Sosa and Derek Lee, continuing a recent trend of recognizing influential figures from the modern era.

Anthony Rizzo is widely expected to join that list in the near future once he becomes eligible.

Rizzo is regarded as one of the greatest Cubs players of the 21st century, combining elite defense, power hitting, and leadership throughout his decade in Chicago.

A three time All Star, four time Gold Glove winner, and Platinum Glove recipient, Rizzo defined the standard for first base excellence during his tenure.

Over 10 seasons with the Cubs, Rizzo hit 242 home runs and posted an .861 OPS, while serving as the emotional heartbeat of the clubhouse.

His presence during the 2016 championship season solidified his legacy as one of the franchise’s most beloved figures.

As Cubs Convention 2026 unfolds, fans are once again reminded of the delicate balance between honoring past greatness and building future success.

The induction of Lester and Davis provides a bridge between eras, reinforcing the continuity of excellence that defines Cubs history.

For fans in attendance, the weekend serves as a powerful reminder of why baseball remains such an enduring emotional connection.

As the Cubs look toward the seasons ahead, moments like these ensure that the franchise’s proud legacy continues to inspire both players and supporters alike.