March 13, 2026 | Sloan Park, Mesa, AZ | 2:05 PM CT | MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network, NBC Sports Chicago
The Crosstown Classic moves to Arizona today as the Cubs (78–84 last year) face the White Sox (63–99) in spring training. It doesn’t count in the standings, but when Chicago’s two teams meet, there’s always something extra.
Both teams are rebuilding, just at different speeds. The Cubs are trying to contend with Tyler Glasnow and Jackson Merrill. The White Sox are in full teardown mode hoping Colson Montgomery becomes their savior.
This is Chicago baseball—North Side vs South Side, Wrigley vs Guaranteed Rate, Cubs fans vs Sox fans. Even in spring training, the rivalry brings out passion from both fanbases.
Where the Cubs Stand (Closer to Competing)
2025 Record: 78–84
The Cubs finished six games under .500 and missed the playoffs again. The front office responded by signing Tyler Glasnow and acquiring Jackson Merrill. Spring training has shown those moves are working.
Key Players:
- Tyler Glasnow (SP): Elite strikeout pitcher, has dominated all spring
- Jackson Merrill (SS): Smooth defender with developing bat, franchise shortstop
- Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF): Elite defense and speed, showing offensive growth
Top Prospects:
- Cade Horton (RHP): Earned rotation spot with strong spring
- Matt Shaw (INF): Versatile bat who’s impressed
- Kevin Alcántara (OF): Toolsy outfielder still developing
The Cubs are closer to competing. They won 78 games last year. Add Glasnow and Merrill, and they should be better in 2026.
Where the White Sox Stand (Full Rebuild)
2025 Record: 63–99
The White Sox lost 99 games—one of the worst seasons in franchise history. They tore everything down and are banking on Colson Montgomery and Drew Thorpe to lead the rebuild.
Key Players:
- Luis Robert Jr. (CF): Elite talent when healthy, just needs to stay on the field
- Colson Montgomery (SS): Top prospect, the entire rebuild depends on him
- 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 Sox are years away from competing. They lost 99 games. The rebuild is painful but necessary.
The Matchups That Matter in the Crosstown Classic
| 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 story of the game. Both are top shortstop prospects trying to become franchise cornerstones. Merrill is more polished. Montgomery has higher offensive upside. Both are critical to their teams’ futures.
Pete Crow-Armstrong vs Luis Robert Jr. in Center
Crow-Armstrong has elite defense and speed. Robert has elite talent across the board when healthy. The key word is “when healthy”—Robert’s durability has been a major issue.
Tyler Glasnow vs Drew Thorpe on the Mound
Glasnow is the established ace with playoff experience. Thorpe is the prospect trying to prove he deserves a rotation spot. The talent gap is real, but Thorpe’s got potential.
What Chicago Baseball Fans Want to See
Tyler Glasnow Dominates
The Cubs signed Glasnow to be their ace. Against the crosstown rivals, he should dominate. Three or four scoreless innings would be perfect.
Jackson Merrill vs Colson Montgomery
Both franchises are banking on their shortstops. Who looks more ready? Who shows more star potential? This matchup matters for both rebuilds.
Luis Robert Jr. Stays Healthy
Robert’s health has been the White Sox’s biggest concern for years. Just get through the game without injury.
Drew Thorpe Shows He Belongs
Against Glasnow and the Cubs’ lineup, Thorpe needs to compete and show he’s ready for Opening Day.
The Crosstown Classic Energy
Even in spring training, Cubs vs White Sox means something. Both fanbases care. Both teams want to win.
The Tale of Two Rebuilds
The Cubs won 78 games. The Sox won 63. That fifteen-game gap shows where both teams are.
The Cubs are trying to compete now with Glasnow and Merrill. The Sox are hoping Montgomery develops into a star over the next few years.
Both teams are rebuilding, just on different timelines.
Prediction: Cubs Edge a Close Game
Final Score: Cubs 5, White Sox 3
Tyler Glasnow throws four scoreless innings with eight strikeouts, dominating the crosstown rivals. Drew Thorpe battles but gives up three runs in four innings.
Jackson Merrill goes 2-for-3 with a double. Colson Montgomery goes 1-for-3 with a hard-hit single. Both show promise.
Pete Crow-Armstrong makes a highlight catch. Luis Robert Jr. crushes a solo homer (then exits as a precaution).
The Cubs’ veteran presence and depth pull away late. Two-run win for the North Side.
Why the Crosstown Classic Always Matters
It’s spring training, so the game doesn’t count. But Cubs vs White Sox always means something to Chicago.
North Side fans want to beat the South Side. South Side fans want to beat the North Side. The rivalry runs deep regardless of where the teams are in their competitive cycles.
Today’s game shows where both rebuilds stand. The Cubs are closer to competing. The Sox are years away. But both have young talent worth watching.
Go Chicago baseball. May the best team win.