February 27, 2026 | Sloan Park, Mesa, AZ | 2:05 PM CT | MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network
The Chicago Cubs close out spring training at Sloan Park today against the Cleveland Guardians, and this is a solid measuring-stick game. Both teams finished around .500 last year (we went 78–84, they went 80–82), and both are trying to figure out if their young cores can push them into contention.
The Guardians have José Ramírez—one of the best third basemen in baseball—and a pitching staff that always seems to develop quality arms. We have Tyler Glasnow, Jackson Merrill, and Pete Crow-Armstrong. Both teams have promising prospects knocking on the door.
This isn’t a matchup against the Dodgers or defending World Series champs. This is two teams trying to climb the ladder and compete for playoff spots. And for Cubs fans, it’s our last chance to evaluate whether we’re actually ready for Opening Day.
Where the Cubs Stand Heading Into the Regular Season
2025 Record: 78–84
Last season was a disappointment. Six games under .500, another missed playoff run, and too many winnable games that slipped away. We’ve spent all spring talking about it, so I won’t belabor the point.
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 has shown us 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 performances
- Matt Shaw (INF): Versatile bat who’s had a productive spring
- Kevin Alcántara (OF): Toolsy outfielder still putting it together
Today’s our last tune-up before the games actually count. Glasnow needs to stay sharp. Merrill needs to keep building confidence. And our young guys need to show they’re ready to contribute when it matters.
The Cleveland Guardians: Pitching, Defense, and José Ramírez
2025 Record: 80–82
Cleveland is always competitive despite not having a massive payroll. They develop pitching like nobody’s business, play solid defense, and have José Ramírez carrying the offense. It’s a formula that usually works.
Key Players:
- José Ramírez (3B): Perennial MVP candidate, one of the best all-around players in baseball
- Andrés Giménez (SS): Solid defender with developing offensive game
- Triston McKenzie (RHP): Talented starter with command and strikeout stuff
Top Prospects:
- Kyle Manzardo (1B): Power bat trying to establish himself
- Chase DeLauter (OF): Athletic outfielder with upside
- Gavin Williams (RHP): Pitching prospect with frontline potential
The Guardians are well-coached, fundamentally sound, and always seem to compete despite not making big splashes in free agency. They’re what smart organizations look like.
The Matchups That Matter Today
| Position | Cubs | Guardians |
|---|---|---|
| Shortstop | Jackson Merrill | Andrés Giménez |
| Third Base | Matt Shaw | José Ramírez |
| Starting Pitcher | Tyler Glasnow | Triston McKenzie |
Jackson Merrill vs Andrés Giménez at Shortstop
Both are smooth defenders. Giménez is more established and has Gold Glove-caliber defense. Merrill has higher offensive upside. This is a good comparison for where Merrill could be in a couple years.
Matt Shaw vs José Ramírez at Third Base
Shaw is our prospect trying to prove he’s ready. Ramírez is a perennial MVP candidate and one of the best players in baseball. The gap is enormous, but Shaw can learn from watching how Ramírez approaches the game.
Tyler Glasnow vs Triston McKenzie on the Mound
Both are talented starters with strikeout stuff. Glasnow has more velocity and swing-and-miss ability. McKenzie has command and consistency. This should be a good pitching matchup.
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 and sharp stuff. Show the Guardians—and us—that he’s ready to be our Opening Day ace.
Jackson Merrill Keeps Building Momentum
Merrill’s had a solid spring. Another quality day—good at-bats, smooth defense, smart baserunning—and he heads into Opening Day with confidence. We need to believe he’s our long-term answer at shortstop.
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.
Matt Shaw or Cade Horton 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 Before Opening Day
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 Guardians Will Bring
José Ramírez will probably do something impressive because that’s what MVP-caliber players do. Triston McKenzie will challenge our hitters with command and breaking stuff. Andrés Giménez will make smooth defensive plays at short.
But Cleveland’s also still figuring things out. They finished 80–82 last year. They’re not a juggernaut. If we execute, this should be a competitive game that we can win.
Cubs vs Guardians: Two Teams Trying to Break Through
Both teams finished around .500 last year. Both have promising young talent. Both are trying to figure out if they can compete for playoff spots in 2026.
The difference? We made bigger moves this offseason. Glasnow is a more impactful addition than anything Cleveland did. Merrill is a potential franchise cornerstone. Our young core has higher upside.
Today’s game should show whether that potential is translating into actual improvement.
Cubs Fan Prediction: Close Game, We Pull It Out
Final Score: Cubs 5, Guardians 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.
Triston McKenzie keeps it close early with command and quality stuff. José Ramírez launches a solo homer because he’s José Ramírez. But our depth—both pitching and hitting—executes late, and we finish spring training on a high note.
It’s a one-run game that stays competitive throughout, 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 Guardians are a well-run organization that consistently competes despite limited resources. We have more talent and made bigger moves this offseason. Today’s game should prove it.
Go Cubs Go!!! Let’s finish spring strong and get ready to compete for real.