March 14, 2026 | Sloan Park, Mesa, AZ | 2:05 PM CT | MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network
The Chicago Cubs host the Colorado Rockies at Sloan Park today, and we’re getting close to Opening Day. Both teams are rebuilding—we went 78–84, they went 66–96. Neither was good, but we’re clearly further along.
The Rockies play half their games at Coors Field, which makes developing pitching nearly impossible. Ezequiel Tovar is a solid young shortstop. Nolan Jones has offensive upside. Kyle Freeland is a veteran lefty who’s been around forever.
We have Tyler Glasnow, Jackson Merrill, and Pete Crow-Armstrong—our new core continuing to build chemistry before the regular season starts.
For Cubs fans, this is another evaluation as we get closer to Opening Day.
Where the Cubs Stand As Spring Winds Down
2025 Record: 78–84
We’ve talked about it all spring—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 real 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
We’ve still got a few more spring games left, but Opening Day is approaching fast. Glasnow should dominate. Merrill should keep building. And our young guys should keep showing they’re ready.
The Colorado Rockies: Still Rebuilding at Altitude
2025 Record: 66–96
Colorado lost 96 games—only slightly better than the White Sox. They’re rebuilding, playing at Coors Field, and hoping young talent develops despite the altitude making pitching development nearly impossible.
Key Players:
- Ezequiel Tovar (SS): Young shortstop with solid defense and developing bat
- Nolan Jones (OF): Versatile outfielder with offensive upside
- Kyle Freeland (LHP): Veteran lefty who’s been around
Top Prospects:
- Chase Dollander (RHP): Pitching prospect with frontline potential (good luck at Coors)
- Adael Amador (INF): Versatile infielder developing in the system
- Yanquiel Fernandez (OF): Outfield prospect with tools
The Rockies are rebuilding just like us, but playing at Coors Field makes everything harder. We should beat them comfortably if we execute.
The Matchups That Matter Today
| Position | Cubs | Rockies |
|---|---|---|
| Shortstop | Jackson Merrill | Ezequiel Tovar |
| Center Field | Pete Crow-Armstrong | Nolan Jones |
| Starting Pitcher | Tyler Glasnow | Kyle Freeland |
Jackson Merrill vs Ezequiel Tovar at Shortstop
Both are young shortstops critical to their teams’ rebuilds. Tovar is more proven defensively. Merrill has higher offensive upside. Merrill should have the edge today.
Pete Crow-Armstrong vs Nolan Jones in Center/Outfield
Crow-Armstrong has elite defense and speed with a developing bat. Jones is versatile with offensive upside. PCA is further along defensively, Jones might have more pop.
Tyler Glasnow vs Kyle Freeland on the Mound
Glasnow is the elite ace with strikeout stuff. Freeland is a veteran crafty lefty. Glasnow should dominate a weaker Rockies lineup.
What the Cubs Need to See Today
Tyler Glasnow Continues His Strong Spring
Glasnow’s been dominant all spring. Another strong performance today—three or four scoreless innings—keeps the momentum building toward Opening Day.
Jackson Merrill Keeps Building
Merrill’s been solid all spring. Another quality performance today—good at-bats, smooth defense—keeps building toward the regular season.
Pete Crow-Armstrong Shows Continued Growth
PCA’s had a strong offensive spring. Keep showing the bat is catching up to the elite defense. Hard contact, aggressive baserunning.
Young Guys Keep Impressing
Horton, Shaw, and Alcántara should all look good against Colorado. Keep building confidence with more spring games ahead.
Win Comfortably and Stay Healthy
Colorado lost 96 games. We should beat them comfortably. And most importantly—stay healthy with Opening Day approaching.
What Colorado Will Bring
Ezequiel Tovar will make smooth defensive plays at short. Nolan Jones will get his cuts. Kyle Freeland will challenge our hitters with veteran craftiness.
But the Rockies are one of the worst teams in baseball, and it’ll show. We’re the better team, and we should prove it.
Cubs Fan Prediction: Comfortable Win
Final Score: Cubs 6, Rockies 4
Tyler Glasnow throws four scoreless innings with seven strikeouts, continuing his dominant spring. Kyle Freeland battles but gives up four runs.
Jackson Merrill goes 2-for-3 with a double and keeps his strong spring going. Pete Crow-Armstrong makes a highlight-reel catch, steals a base, and goes 2-for-3.
The Rockies show some fight—Nolan Jones crushes a homer, Ezequiel Tovar gets his hits—but our depth and talent overwhelm them. We cruise to a comfortable two-run win.
Why This Game Matters
Opening Day is approaching, but we’ve still got more spring games to fine-tune things. Today’s another chance to compete against a rebuilding team and show we’re ready.
Can Tyler Glasnow keep his dominant spring going? Will Jackson Merrill keep building confidence? Can our young core keep showing they’re ready?
Colorado is one of the worst teams in baseball. If we beat them comfortably, it’s another step toward Opening Day.
Go Cubs Go!!!