February 25, 2026 | Sloan Park, Mesa, AZ | 2:05 PM CT | Marquee Sports Network
The Chicago Cubs wrap up another spring training series at Sloan Park today against the Colorado Rockies, and this is the kind of game we absolutely should win. They went 66–96 last year. We went 78–84. Neither team made the playoffs, but we’re clearly the better squad.
Tyler Glasnow gets another start, giving us one more chance to see our new ace carve up a lineup before Opening Day. Jackson Merrill continues his development at shortstop. Pete Crow-Armstrong keeps proving he’s ready to be our everyday center fielder. And prospects like Cade Horton and Matt Shaw might get innings to show they’re ready for the big leagues.
The Rockies have some young talent—Ezequiel Tovar is a solid shortstop, Nolan Jones has power, Chase Dollander has pitching upside—but they’re rebuilding and trying to figure things out just like we are. The difference is our rebuild looks further along.
Let’s finish strong in Arizona.
Where the Cubs Stand After a Productive Spring
2025 Record: 78–84
We’ve been saying it all spring—last season was a disappointment. Six games under .500, another missed playoff run, and too many games that felt winnable but slipped away.
The front office responded by signing Tyler Glasnow, acquiring Jackson Merrill, and betting on guys like Pete Crow-Armstrong taking the next step. So far this spring, we’ve seen enough to believe those moves will pay off.
Key Players:
- Tyler Glasnow (SP): Elite strikeout pitcher who’s looked sharp this spring
- Jackson Merrill (SS): Smooth defender with a developing bat, potential cornerstone
- Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF): Elite defense and speed, showing offensive growth
Top Prospects:
- Cade Horton (RHP): Could push for a rotation spot if he keeps dealing
- Matt Shaw (INF): Versatile bat who’s had a strong spring
- Kevin Alcántara (OF): Toolsy outfielder still putting it together
Today’s game is our last real test before we break camp and head north. Glasnow should dominate. Merrill should keep building confidence. And our young guys should show they’re ready to contribute when the games actually count.
The Colorado Rockies: Still Searching for Answers
2025 Record: 66–96
Colorado had a brutal season last year, losing 96 games and finishing last in the NL West. They’re rebuilding around young talent, hoping guys like Ezequiel Tovar, Nolan Jones, and Chase Dollander become the foundation.
Key Players:
- Ezequiel Tovar (SS): Solid defender with a developing bat
- Nolan Jones (OF): Power bat trying to establish himself as an everyday player
- Kris Bryant: Former MVP who can’t stay healthy anymore
Top Prospects:
- Chase Dollander (RHP): Getting the start today, has frontline upside
- Adael Amador (INF): Versatile infielder fighting for playing time
- Yanquiel Fernandez (OF): Developmental outfielder with tools
The Rockies play half their games at Coors Field, which makes developing pitching almost impossible. Dollander’s getting the start today, and if he can succeed in that environment long-term, he’s legitimately special.
But right now, they’re a 66-win team hoping their prospects develop faster than expected. We should beat them comfortably.
The Matchups That Matter Today
| Position | Cubs | Rockies |
|---|---|---|
| Shortstop | Jackson Merrill | Ezequiel Tovar |
| Center Field | Pete Crow-Armstrong | Nolan Jones |
| Starting Pitcher | Tyler Glasnow | Chase Dollander |
Jackson Merrill vs Ezequiel Tovar at Shortstop
Both are young shortstops trying to establish themselves as franchise building blocks. Tovar’s more proven defensively. Merrill has higher offensive upside. This is a fun measuring-stick matchup for both guys.
Pete Crow-Armstrong vs Nolan Jones in Center
PCA’s defense is Gold Glove caliber. Jones has more raw power. Both need to prove they can hit consistently enough to be everyday players. Whoever has the better day makes a stronger case for Opening Day.
Tyler Glasnow vs Chase Dollander on the Mound
Glasnow is the established ace with elite stuff. Dollander is a young prospect with upside. The talent gap is obvious, but Dollander throwing max effort could make this interesting early.
What the Cubs Need to See Today
Tyler Glasnow Stays Sharp
Glasnow’s looked great this spring. Today, he needs to keep building arm strength and command heading into the regular season. Three or four clean innings with strikeouts and no walks. Show the Rockies’ lineup why we paid for an ace.
Jackson Merrill Keeps Developing
Another day of quality at-bats and smooth defense. Merrill’s been solid all spring—now he needs to finish strong and head into Opening Day with confidence that he’s ready to be our everyday shortstop.
Pete Crow-Armstrong Shows He’s Ready
PCA’s had a good spring offensively, which is exactly what we needed to see. A couple more hard-hit balls today would cement his case as the Opening Day center fielder. The defense is already there—just keep showing the bat is catching up.
Cade Horton or Matt Shaw Make Final Impressions
If either gets innings today, they need to capitalize. Horton should dominate if he pitches. Shaw needs to keep hitting. These are the final auditions before the coaching staff finalizes the Opening Day roster.
Finish Spring Training Strong
No injuries. Clean execution. Look like a team that’s ready for the regular season. We’ve had a solid spring—let’s end it on a high note before heading north to Chicago.
What the Rockies Will Bring
Chase Dollander will be pumping fastballs and trying to show he’s ready for a big league rotation. Nolan Jones will be looking to drive the ball and prove he’s an everyday player. Ezequiel Tovar will make smooth defensive plays at short.
But Colorado’s 66–96 for a reason. They’re young, they’re rebuilding, and they’re not ready to compete yet. If we execute, this should be a comfortable win.
Cubs vs Rockies: Two Rebuilds, Different Timelines
Both teams are trying to build something sustainable. The difference is we’re further along. We have Glasnow locked in as our ace. We have Merrill potentially solving shortstop. We have prospects knocking on the door.
The Rockies are still stockpiling talent and hoping it develops. They’re where we were 2-3 years ago. If we can’t beat them convincingly in spring training, that’s a red flag.
Cubs Fan Prediction: Comfortable Win to End Spring
Final Score: Cubs 6, Rockies 4
Tyler Glasnow throws four scoreless innings with six strikeouts, looking every bit like the ace we signed him to be. Jackson Merrill goes 2-for-3 with a double and makes a smooth defensive play. Pete Crow-Armstrong legs out an infield single, steals second, and scores on a clutch hit from Matt Shaw.
Chase Dollander shows flashes but gives up three runs in four innings. Nolan Jones launches a solo homer because he’s got legit power. But our depth—both pitching and hitting—overwhelms them late, and we cruise to a six-run win.
It’s spring training, so the result doesn’t technically count. But finishing strong matters. Confidence matters. And beating a team we’re supposed to beat matters.
Why This Game Matters (Even Though It’s Spring Training)
We’re not chasing a Cactus League championship. We’re chasing confirmation that we’re ready for Opening Day.
Has Tyler Glasnow looked like the ace we need? Check. Is Jackson Merrill ready to be our everyday shortstop? So far, yes. Can Pete Crow-Armstrong hit enough to justify his elite defense? He’s shown progress. Are our prospects ready to contribute? We’re about to find out.
The Rockies are rebuilding. So are we. But our rebuild looks closer to paying off. Today’s game is our chance to prove it.
Last season, 78–84 wasn’t good enough. Cubs fans are tired of rebuilding. We want to compete. And spring training is where we prove that 2026 will be different.
Go Cubs Go. Let’s finish spring strong and head to Chicago ready to win.