February 26, 2026 | Sloan Park, Mesa, AZ | 2:05 PM CT | MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network
The Chicago Cubs wrap up another homestand at Sloan Park today against the Los Angeles Angels, and this one’s got some intrigue. Mike Trout—one of the best players of this generation—is still suiting up for the Angels, even though the team around him is rebuilding after another disappointing 70–92 season.
We went 78–84 last year, so we’re not exactly world-beaters either. But at least we’re building something with Tyler Glasnow, Jackson Merrill, and Pete Crow-Armstrong. The Angels? They’ve wasted a decade of Trout’s prime and are still trying to figure it out.
Today, Glasnow gets another start against a lineup with some legitimate talent. Merrill continues developing at shortstop. And Crow-Armstrong gets to share center field duties with Mike Trout, which is pretty cool even if it’s just spring training.
Let’s finish strong before we head north to Chicago.
Where the Cubs Stand Heading Into the Regular Season
2025 Record: 78–84
We’ve covered this all spring—last season was a disappointment. Six games under .500, another missed playoff run, and too many winnable games that slipped away.
The front office responded by signing Tyler Glasnow to anchor the rotation, acquiring Jackson Merrill to solve shortstop, and betting on Pete Crow-Armstrong taking the next step. 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 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 with strong spring performances
- Matt Shaw (INF): Versatile bat who’s impressed in Arizona
- Kevin Alcántara (OF): Toolsy outfielder still putting it together
Today’s our last chance to fine-tune before Opening Day. Glasnow needs to stay sharp. Merrill needs to keep building confidence. And our young guys need to show they’re ready when the games count.
The Los Angeles Angels: Still Wasting Mike Trout
2025 Record: 70–92
The Angels lost 92 games last year. Mike Trout is 34 years old and still one of the best players alive, and they’ve surrounded him with… not much. It’s honestly sad watching one of the all-time greats waste his prime on a team that can’t build a competent roster.
Key Players:
- Mike Trout (CF): Future Hall of Famer, still elite when healthy (which is rare)
- Logan O’Hoppe (C): Emerging as a solid two-way catcher
- Reid Detmers (SP): Left-handed starter with potential, gets the start today
Top Prospects:
- Nolan Schanuel (1B): Fighting for everyday playing time
- Kyren Paris (INF): Versatile infielder trying to prove he belongs
- Caden Dana (RHP): Pitching prospect who could see innings today
The Angels are in transition—again. They’ve been “rebuilding” for years while somehow keeping Trout and refusing to trade him. It’s organizational malpractice at this point.
The Matchups That Matter Today
| Position | Cubs | Angels |
|---|---|---|
| Shortstop | Jackson Merrill | Kyren Paris |
| Center Field | Pete Crow-Armstrong | Mike Trout |
| Starting Pitcher | Tyler Glasnow | Reid Detmers |
Jackson Merrill vs Kyren Paris at Shortstop
Merrill is our potential franchise shortstop. Paris is a prospect fighting for playing time. The talent gap is clear, but both guys are trying to prove they’re ready for Opening Day.
Pete Crow-Armstrong vs Mike Trout in Center Field
This is fun. Crow-Armstrong is our young center fielder with elite defense trying to prove he can hit. Trout is a generational talent and future Hall of Famer. The gap is massive, but PCA can learn from watching how Trout approaches the game.
Tyler Glasnow vs Reid Detmers on the Mound
Glasnow has elite strikeout stuff and should dominate. Detmers is a solid left-hander with decent command. Glasnow’s the better pitcher, but Detmers could give us problems if he’s sharp early.
What the Cubs Need to See Today
Tyler Glasnow Finishes Spring Strong
Glasnow’s been excellent all spring. Today, he needs to keep building arm strength and command heading into the regular season. Three or four clean innings with strikeouts, no walks, and sharp stuff. Show the Angels—and us—that he’s ready to be our ace.
Jackson Merrill Keeps Building Confidence
Merrill’s had a solid spring. Another quality day—good at-bats, smooth defense, smart baserunning—and he heads into Opening Day with momentum. We need to believe he’s our long-term answer at short.
Pete Crow-Armstrong Shows Offensive Growth
PCA’s defense is already elite. But he needs to keep proving the bat is catching up. A couple of hard-hit balls, a stolen base, smart approaches—show us you’re ready to be an everyday player in the big leagues.
Cade Horton or Matt Shaw Make Final Impressions
If either gets innings, 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.
No Injuries
It’s the last spring training game. Just get through it healthy. No tweaked hamstrings, no weird ankle rolls, nothing that derails Opening Day.
What the Angels Will Bring
Mike Trout will probably do something incredible because that’s what Hall of Famers do. Reid Detmers will challenge our hitters with left-handed breaking stuff. Logan O’Hoppe might drive one because he’s got pop.
But the Angels are 70–92 for a reason. They’re rebuilding (again), they don’t have enough talent, and they’re years away from competing. If we execute, this should be a comfortable win.
Cubs vs Angels: Two Teams, Different Directions
Both teams missed the playoffs last year. But we’re building something sustainable with Glasnow, Merrill, and our young core. The Angels are stuck in purgatory—not bad enough to fully rebuild, not good enough to compete, wasting the twilight of Mike Trout’s career.
We made the right moves this offseason. They’re still spinning their wheels. Today’s game should reflect that.
Cubs Fan Prediction: Clean Win to End Spring
Final Score: Cubs 5, Angels 4
Tyler Glasnow throws four scoreless innings with seven strikeouts, looking every bit like the ace we signed. 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.
Reid Detmers keeps it close early, but our depth overwhelms them. Mike Trout launches a solo homer because he’s still Mike Trout. Logan O’Hoppe adds another. But our pitching and offense execute late, and we finish spring training on a high note.
It’s a close game, but we’re the better team and it shows.
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.
Tyler Glasnow has looked sharp all spring. Jackson Merrill has shown he’s ready to be our everyday shortstop. Pete Crow-Armstrong has made offensive strides. Our prospects have competed well. Now we need to finish strong and head to Chicago with momentum.
Last season, 78–84 wasn’t good enough. Cubs fans are tired of rebuilding and developing. We want to compete. And spring training has shown us that 2026 could be different.
The Angels are stuck in mediocrity, wasting Mike Trout’s final years. We’re building something sustainable. Today’s game should prove it.
Go Cubs Go. Let’s finish spring strong and get ready for Opening Day.