March 1, 2026 | Sloan Park, Mesa, AZ | 2:05 PM CT | MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network, NBC Sports Chicago
Chicago baseball is back. The Cubs vs White Sox rivalry moves to Arizona for a spring training showdown that gives both fanbases their first look at how the crosstown matchup will play out in 2026.
The Cubs (78–84 last year) are trying to build something sustainable with Tyler Glasnow, Jackson Merrill, and Pete Crow-Armstrong. The White Sox (63–99) are deep in a painful rebuild, banking everything on Colson Montgomery, Drew Thorpe, and Luis Robert Jr. staying healthy.
Both teams missed the playoffs last year. Both have exciting young talent. And both fanbases are desperate to see their squad prove they’re headed in the right direction.
Where the Cubs Stand After the Offseason
2025 Record: 78–84
The Cubs finished six games under .500 and missed the playoffs for another frustrating year. The front office responded by signing Tyler Glasnow to anchor the rotation and acquiring Jackson Merrill to solve the shortstop problem.
Key Players:
- Tyler Glasnow (SP): Elite strikeout pitcher who’s been sharp all spring
- Jackson Merrill (SS): Smooth defender with developing bat, potential franchise piece
- Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF): Elite defense and speed, showing offensive improvement
Top Prospects:
- Cade Horton (RHP): Pushing for a rotation spot
- Matt Shaw (INF): Versatile bat who’s impressed in Arizona
- Kevin Alcántara (OF): Toolsy outfielder still developing
The Cubs’ spring has been productive. Glasnow looks like the ace they signed him to be. Merrill has shown he’s ready for everyday shortstop duties. And the young core is coming together.
Where the White Sox Stand in the Rebuild
2025 Record: 63–99
The White Sox lost 99 games last year in one of the franchise’s worst seasons ever. The front office tore it all down, traded veterans, and committed to a complete rebuild.
Key Players:
- Luis Robert Jr. (CF): Elite talent when healthy—30-homer power, Gold Glove defense
- Colson Montgomery (SS): Top prospect, the franchise cornerstone
- Erick Fedde (SP): Veteran arm who mentors young pitchers
Top Prospects:
- Bryan Ramos (3B): Power bat trying to prove he’s ready
- Drew Thorpe (RHP): Has frontline starter potential
- Edgar Quero (C): Young catcher with offensive upside
The White Sox spring has been about development, not wins. Montgomery looks ready. Thorpe has shown promise. Robert—when healthy—reminds everyone why he’s special.
The Matchups That Define This Game
| Position | Cubs | White Sox |
|---|---|---|
| Shortstop | Jackson Merrill | Colson Montgomery |
| Center Field | Pete Crow-Armstrong | Luis Robert Jr. |
| Starting Pitcher | Tyler Glasnow | Drew Thorpe |
Jackson Merrill vs Colson Montgomery at Shortstop
This is the battle everyone wants to see. Both are top prospects trying to establish themselves as franchise shortstops. Merrill is more polished defensively. Montgomery has higher offensive upside. This matchup could define both franchises for years.
Pete Crow-Armstrong vs Luis Robert Jr. in Center
Crow-Armstrong has elite defense and speed but needs to prove he can hit. Robert has elite talent across the board but can’t stay healthy. When both are right, this is a fun comparison. The question is whether Robert can stay on the field.
Tyler Glasnow vs Drew Thorpe on the Mound
Glasnow is the established ace with elite strikeout stuff. Thorpe is the young prospect trying to prove he belongs in a major league rotation. The talent gap is real, but Thorpe’s been impressive this spring.
What to Watch For
Can Glasnow Dominate?
The Cubs signed Glasnow to be their ace. Against a rebuilding White Sox lineup, he should dominate. Three or four innings with strikeouts and sharp command would continue his strong spring.
Will Montgomery Show He’s Ready?
Colson Montgomery is the White Sox’s best prospect and their potential franchise cornerstone. Against quality competition with Glasnow on the mound, he needs to show he can compete with established talent.
Does Robert Stay Healthy?
Luis Robert Jr.’s health has been the White Sox’s biggest concern for years. Just getting through a spring training game without injury would be progress.
Which Young Core Looks More Ready?
The Cubs’ young players (Merrill, Crow-Armstrong, Shaw, Horton) versus the White Sox’s prospects (Montgomery, Thorpe, Ramos, Quero). Which group shows more signs of being ready for the regular season?
The Rivalry Still Matters
Even in spring training, Cubs vs White Sox draws passion from both fanbases. North Side vs South Side. Wrigley vs Guaranteed Rate. The rivalry runs deep, regardless of where the teams are in their competitive cycles.
For Cubs fans, beating the White Sox—even in spring training—feels good. For White Sox fans, showing they can compete with their crosstown rivals matters, especially during a painful rebuild.
Prediction: Cubs Win a Competitive Game
Final Score: Cubs 6, White Sox 4
Tyler Glasnow dominates for four innings with seven strikeouts, showing he’s ready for Opening Day. Jackson Merrill goes 2-for-3 with a double. Pete Crow-Armstrong makes a highlight-reel catch and legs out an infield single.
Drew Thorpe battles and keeps it close for four innings, giving up three runs but showing promise. Colson Montgomery goes 1-for-3 with a hard-hit single. Luis Robert Jr. crushes a solo homer before exiting as a precaution.
The Cubs’ depth takes over late, and they pull away for a two-run win. It’s competitive, it’s entertaining, and both teams show flashes of their future potential.
Why This Game Matters
It’s spring training, so the result doesn’t technically count. But Cubs vs White Sox always matters to Chicago baseball fans.
For the Cubs, it’s a chance to show the offseason moves are working and the young core is coming together. For the White Sox, it’s an opportunity to prove their prospects can compete, even during a rebuild.
Both teams are trying to figure out if 2026 will be better than 2025. And even in the Arizona desert, the crosstown rivalry brings out the best in both squads.
Play ball. Chicago baseball is back.