February 21, 2026 | Sloan Park, Mesa, AZ | 2:05 PM CT | Marquee Sports Network
After yesterday’s crosstown showdown, the Chicago Cubs get back to work with a spring training matchup against the Texas Rangers. Yeah, it’s still February. Yeah, the games don’t count. But for Cubs fans, every pitch, every swing, every defensive play matters when you’re trying to figure out if this team can finally get back to October.
The Rangers (90–72 last year) made the playoffs. We finished 78–84 and watched from home. That’s the gap we’re trying to close, and games like this—even in Arizona—tell us whether we’re headed in the right direction.
Where the Cubs Stand Right Now
2025 Record: 78–84
Let’s not pretend last season was anything other than disappointing. We were supposed to take a step forward, and instead we took a step sideways. The pitching was inconsistent. The offense disappeared for weeks at a time. And by September, we were playing out the string.
But that’s why this offseason mattered. Tyler Glasnow gives us a legitimate ace. Jackson Merrill should lock down shortstop. Owen Caissie has the kind of power bat we’ve been missing. And the farm system—finally—looks like it might actually produce impact players.
Today, Matthew Boyd gets the start. He’s not Glasnow, but he’s a solid veteran arm who can eat innings and give young guys behind him a chance to succeed. If Boyd can locate his fastball and mix his off-speed stuff effectively, he sets the tone for the entire pitching staff.
The Rangers: Still Dangerous
2025 Record: 90–72 (AL Wild Card)
Texas won the World Series in 2023, missed the playoffs in 2024, then bounced back with a wild card berth last year. They know how to win, and they’ve got the roster to prove it.
Corey Seager is a legitimate star—elite bat, solid defense, championship experience. Wyatt Langford broke out last season and looks like a building block. Evan Carter has ridiculous upside in center field. And their farm system has guys like Jack Leiter and Sebastian Walcott who could contribute soon.
The Rangers haven’t announced their starting pitcher yet, which probably means they’re giving a prospect an extended look. That’s actually a good thing for us—face live competition early, see some different arm angles, get the timing down against someone who’s trying to impress.
Position Battles and Prospects to Watch
Cubs Side:
Jackson Merrill at Shortstop
This is his job to lose. We acquired him to be the answer at short, a position we’ve been trying to fill for what feels like a decade. Today we see how he handles major league velocity (even if it’s just spring training velocity) and whether his glove is as smooth as advertised.
Outfield Competition: Caissie vs Crow-Armstrong vs Alcántara
Pete Crow-Armstrong showed flashes last year but needs to prove he can hit consistently. Owen Caissie has raw power that could change games. Kevin Alcántara is the toolsy wildcard. This battle is going to last all spring, and every at-bat matters.
Cade Horton and Matt Shaw
Horton could push for a rotation spot with a strong spring. Shaw needs to show he’s ready for everyday major league at-bats. Both guys are critical to our future—seeing them succeed today builds confidence.
Rangers Side:
Jack Leiter (RHP)
Former top prospect who’s had a rocky development path. If he pitches today, Cubs hitters need to see him well and make him work.
Evan Carter (OF)
One of the most exciting young outfielders in baseball. Speed, defense, bat-to-ball skills—he’s got everything. If he plays, this is a good test for our pitching staff.
Justin Foscue and Sebastian Walcott
Both fighting for infield roles. Foscue has some pop, Walcott has defensive upside. Either one could make plays that swing the game.
Head-to-Head Matchups That Matter
| Position | Cubs | Rangers |
|---|---|---|
| Shortstop | Jackson Merrill | Corey Seager |
| Center Field | Pete Crow-Armstrong | Evan Carter |
| Starting Pitcher | Matthew Boyd | TBD (likely prospect) |
Merrill vs Seager is a fun contrast—rising prospect versus established All-Star. Seager’s one of the best shortstops in baseball, so Merrill gets a measuring stick game early.
Crow-Armstrong vs Carter in center field is a battle of toolsy young outfielders. Both have elite speed and range. Both need to prove they can hit enough to stay in the lineup every day.
Boyd vs TBD means our veteran lefty should have an advantage. If he can’t dominate in this spot, that’s concerning.
What Needs to Happen for the Cubs to Win
Matthew Boyd Sets the Tone Early
Three clean innings with good fastball command and confident off-speed pitches. Show the young arms in the bullpen how it’s done. Make Texas hitters uncomfortable.
Jackson Merrill Makes a Statement
A couple of quality at-bats—maybe a line drive single, maybe a well-struck double. Show us the glove work at short. Build confidence that he’s ready for Opening Day.
Power Bats Wake Up
Someone—Caissie, Alcántara, whoever—needs to drive a ball with authority. Spring training is when you establish yourself, and loud contact matters even in February.
Bullpen Stays Clean
After Boyd exits, we’ll see a parade of relievers fighting for roster spots. No meltdowns. No five-run innings. Execute pitches and get outs.
The Betting Lines (For What It’s Worth)
- Spread: Cubs -1.5
- Over/Under: 8.5 runs
- Moneyline: Cubs -120, Rangers +105
We’re slight favorites, which makes sense. Home game (technically), veteran starter on the mound, motivated roster. The over/under at 8.5 feels low for spring training—defenses are sloppy, pitchers are finding their command, and weird stuff happens.
We’ve won 6 of the last 10 spring training meetings with Texas, including a 5–3 win last year. Obviously that means nothing for the regular season, but momentum is momentum.
Cubs Fan Prediction: Clean Win
Final Score: Cubs 5, Rangers 3
I think Boyd gives us three solid innings. The bullpen—led by guys auditioning for the setup role—holds it together. Jackson Merrill goes 2-for-3 with a double and makes a slick defensive play. Owen Caissie launches one into the Arizona sky to remind everyone why we’re excited about his bat.
Texas gets their hits—Seager will probably smoke a double because that’s what Corey Seager does—but we string together better at-bats and capitalize on their pitching prospects still finding their rhythm.
It’s spring training, so expecting perfection is silly. But we should look sharper, more prepared, and more confident than we did on Opening Day last spring.
Why This Game Actually Matters
We’re not chasing wins in February. We’re chasing answers.
Is Jackson Merrill ready? Can Cade Horton handle major league hitters? Will Pete Crow-Armstrong finally put it together? Does Owen Caissie have 30-homer upside?
These questions determine whether 2026 is another 78-win disappointment or the year we finally break through and compete for the division.
The Rangers made the playoffs last year. They’ve been to the World Series recently. They know what success looks like. We need to show—even in a spring training game in Mesa—that we can hang with teams like that.
Go Cubs Go. Let’s build something.