March 23, 2026 | Sloan Park, Mesa, AZ | 2:05 PM CT | MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network
The Chicago Cubs host the New York Yankees at Sloan Park today in one of our final spring training games, and this is a huge test. They went 90–72 and made the Wild Card last year. We went 78–84 and missed the playoffs. That twelve-game gap is what we’re trying to close.
The Yankees have Aaron Judge and Juan Soto—two of the best hitters in baseball. Gerrit Cole is a proven ace. They’re built to win championships with star power and depth.
We have Tyler Glasnow, Jackson Merrill, and Pete Crow-Armstrong—our new core trying to prove we can compete with the league’s best teams. Opening Day is just days away, and this is our final major test.
For Cubs fans, this is our last chance to see how we stack up against championship-caliber talent before the games count.
Where the Cubs Stand With Opening Day Days Away
2025 Record: 78–84
Another disappointing season. Another missed playoff run. 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 who’s dominated all spring
- Jackson Merrill (SS): Smooth defender with developing bat, our franchise shortstop
- Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF): Elite defense and speed, showing offensive growth
Top Prospects:
- Cade Horton (RHP): Earned a rotation spot with strong spring
- Matt Shaw (INF): Versatile bat who’s impressed all spring
- Kevin Alcántara (OF): Toolsy outfielder still developing
Opening Day is days away. Today’s our final big test against one of baseball’s best teams before the real games start.
The New York Yankees: Championship Contenders
2025 Record: 90–72 (AL Wild Card)
The Yankees made the playoffs with 90 wins. Aaron Judge is one of the game’s best players. Juan Soto is an elite hitter. Gerrit Cole is a Cy Young-caliber ace. They’re built to win championships.
Key Players:
- Aaron Judge (OF): Former MVP, one of the best players alive
- Juan Soto (OF): Elite hitter, one of the most feared bats in baseball
- Gerrit Cole (RHP): Ace-level starter, gets the start today
Top Prospects:
- Spencer Jones (OF): Outfield prospect with upside
- Austin Wells (C): Catching prospect developing
- Chase Hampton (RHP): Pitching prospect in the system
The Yankees are what championship teams look like. Star power. Depth. Elite pitching. Everything we’re trying to become.
The Matchups That Matter Today
| Position | Cubs | Yankees |
|---|---|---|
| Shortstop | Jackson Merrill | Anthony Volpe |
| Center Field | Pete Crow-Armstrong | Aaron Judge |
| Starting Pitcher | Tyler Glasnow | Gerrit Cole |
Jackson Merrill vs Anthony Volpe at Shortstop
Both are young shortstops with upside. Merrill is our franchise shortstop. Volpe is a solid defender who plays for a championship team. Merrill has higher offensive ceiling.
Pete Crow-Armstrong vs Aaron Judge in the Outfield
Judge is a former MVP and one of the best players alive. PCA is trying to establish himself. The gap is enormous, but PCA can show his elite defense.
Tyler Glasnow vs Gerrit Cole on the Mound
Both are elite starters. Glasnow has more strikeout ability. Cole has championship pedigree and Cy Young credentials. This should be the best pitching matchup of our spring.
What the Cubs Need to See Today
Tyler Glasnow vs Gerrit Cole Duel
Two elite starters. Glasnow’s been dominant all spring. Against Cole and the Yankees’ lineup, this is his final big test before Opening Day.
Jackson Merrill Finishes Spring Strong
Final big test against championship competition. Merrill should finish spring with confidence heading into Opening Day.
Pete Crow-Armstrong Shows Elite Defense
Against Judge, Soto, and the Yankees’ offense, PCA can showcase his Gold Glove-caliber defense one more time.
Young Guys End Spring Well
Horton, Shaw, and Alcántara should all look good in one of the final spring games. Build confidence heading into Opening Day.
Compete With Championship Talent
The Yankees are championship contenders. If we can hang with them, it shows we’re progressing.
What New York Will Bring
Aaron Judge will do something incredible because he’s Aaron Judge. Juan Soto will work elite at-bats. Gerrit Cole will challenge our hitters with championship-caliber stuff.
The Yankees’ star power and championship experience will be on full display. They’re everything we aspire to be.
Cubs Fan Prediction: Competitive Game, Edge to New York
Final Score: Yankees 7, Cubs 4
Tyler Glasnow throws four solid innings with seven strikeouts, competing well with Gerrit Cole. Cole matches him with elite stuff and championship pedigree.
Jackson Merrill goes 2-for-3 with a double and finishes spring hot. Pete Crow-Armstrong makes a highlight-reel catch.
But Aaron Judge crushes a two-run homer. Juan Soto adds clutch hits. The Yankees’ star power and depth pull away late.
We compete for a while. But they’re the championship contender, and it shows.
Why This Final Big Test Matters
Opening Day is days away. This is our last major test against championship-caliber talent before the games count.
Can Tyler Glasnow compete with Gerrit Cole? Will Jackson Merrill finish spring strong? Can our young core show they’re ready for the best teams in baseball?
The Yankees are championship contenders who won 90 games. We’re trying to close the twelve-game gap and get back to the playoffs.
Spring training is almost over. The real season starts in days. And we need to prove we’re ready.
Go Cubs Go!!!