February 20, 2026 | Sloan Park, Mesa, AZ | 3:05 PM MT | MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network, NBC Sports Chicago
Baseball is back, Chicago.
The Cubs vs White Sox rivalry moves to the Arizona desert for the first game of spring training, and even though these games don’t technically count, let’s be real—when these two teams meet, it always matters. Whether you’re rocking the blue pinstripes or the black and white, this is our first chance to see what both squads look like heading into 2026.
And honestly? Both teams need this season to go better than last year.
Where Both Chicago Teams Stand
Cubs (78–84 in 2025)
The North Siders had a frustrating 2025, finishing below .500 despite flashes of promise from their young core. This offseason, they made moves. Tyler Glasnow was brought in to anchor the rotation, and Jackson Merrill arrives to solidify shortstop. The farm system is loaded with talent like Cade Horton, Matt Shaw, and Kevin Alcántara—guys who could make real impacts this year.
The Cubs are betting on youth, pitching depth, and Pete Crow-Armstrong becoming a legitimate everyday center fielder. If it clicks, they’re a wild card contender. If it doesn’t, it’s another year of “wait ’til next year.”
White Sox (63–99 in 2025)
The South Side had a brutal 2025. There’s no sugarcoating it—99 losses is painful, especially for a franchise that was supposed to be contending just a few years ago. But the rebuild is real now, and the farm system is starting to look promising.
Colson Montgomery is the crown jewel prospect at shortstop. Bryan Ramos could be a third base solution. Drew Thorpe has ace potential. Erick Fedde joins to add veteran stability, and Korey Lee gives them a young catcher to develop. Manager Pedro Grifol needs to see improvement defensively and in the bullpen, or this could be another long summer on the South Side.
Key Additions and Prospects to Watch
Cubs New Faces:
- Tyler Glasnow (SP): The flamethrower brings elite velocity and swing-and-miss stuff. If he stays healthy, he’s a game-changer.
- Jackson Merrill (SS): Slick-fielding shortstop who can hit for average and steal bases.
- Owen Caissie (OF): Power bat with upside—could force his way onto the roster.
White Sox New Faces:
- Erick Fedde (SP): Solid veteran arm who can eat innings and provide leadership.
- Nicky Lopez (INF): Defensive specialist who can play multiple positions.
- Korey Lee (C): Young catcher with offensive potential behind the plate.
Top Prospects:
- Cubs: Cade Horton (RHP), Matt Shaw (INF), Kevin Alcántara (OF)
- White Sox: Colson Montgomery (SS), Bryan Ramos (3B), Drew Thorpe (RHP)
This spring training game is basically an audition for these prospects. Who looks ready for the big leagues? Who needs more time in Triple-A? These answers matter.
Position-by-Position Breakdown
| Position | Cubs | White Sox |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Pitcher | Tyler Glasnow | Erick Fedde |
| Shortstop | Jackson Merrill | Colson Montgomery |
| Center Field | Pete Crow-Armstrong | Luis Robert Jr. |
Pitching Matchup: Glasnow’s mid-to-high 90s fastball versus Fedde’s control and command. In spring training, it’s all about getting stretched out and finding rhythm. Glasnow has the higher ceiling, but Fedde’s consistency makes him reliable.
Shortstop Battle: Merrill is known for his glove—smooth defender with good instincts. Montgomery has more raw power at the plate. Both guys are trying to prove they’re everyday major leaguers.
Center Field: Crow-Armstrong showed flashes last year and needs to take the next step. Luis Robert Jr. is already proven when healthy—elite speed, power, and range. If Robert stays on the field, he’s one of the best center fielders in baseball.
What to Watch For
Pitching Command Early
Spring training pitchers are shaking off rust. Whoever finds their command first usually dominates, even if it’s just for three innings. Glasnow’s fastball command and Fedde’s ability to hit spots will tell us a lot about where they’re at.
Prospect Performances
Cade Horton and Drew Thorpe are both competing for rotation spots. Matt Shaw and Colson Montgomery need to show they belong. These guys are playing for their futures, so expect maximum effort even in a “meaningless” game.
Defensive Fundamentals
Both teams struggled defensively last year. Spring training is where you clean that up—proper footwork, communication, routine plays. The little things matter, especially for a White Sox team that needs to rebuild confidence.
Late-Game Substitutions
After the fifth inning, expect a parade of fringe roster guys battling for the final bench spots. Some unknown minor leaguer could have a huge day and force his way into the conversation.
The Fan Experience (Even in Arizona)
Here’s the thing about Cubs vs White Sox spring training games—even in Mesa, it feels like Chicago. You’ll have North Siders and South Siders packed into Sloan Park, talking trash, wearing their colors, and treating this like it’s a June game at Wrigley or Guaranteed Rate.
The energy matters. Players feed off it. And let’s be honest, both fanbases need something to get excited about after disappointing 2025 seasons.
Prediction: Cubs Edge It Out
Final Score: Cubs 6, White Sox 4
I think the Cubs’ pitching depth gives them the advantage here. Glasnow should dominate for three innings, and their bullpen arms—even the guys fighting for roster spots—looked solid in February reports.
Pete Crow-Armstrong and Jackson Merrill bring speed on the bases, which usually translates well in spring training when defenses are still getting their timing down. Expect some aggressive base-running that pays off.
The White Sox will get timely hitting from Luis Robert (if he plays more than three innings) and some loud contact from their prospect bats. Colson Montgomery could go deep. But ultimately, the Cubs look a bit sharper coming out of the offseason.
That said, it’s spring training. Weird stuff happens. A reliever making $750K could throw three perfect innings. A top prospect could go 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. That’s the beauty of February baseball.
Why This Game Matters (Even Though It Doesn’t)
Sure, it’s an exhibition. The result doesn’t affect standings. But for Chicago baseball fans—both Cubs and White Sox—this is our first look at hope for 2026.
Can Glasnow stay healthy and be the ace the Cubs need? Will Colson Montgomery show he’s ready for the majors? Can Pete Crow-Armstrong take that next step? Is Luis Robert finally going to have a fully healthy season?
These questions start getting answered today.
And yeah, even in spring training, beating the other Chicago team feels pretty damn good.
Play ball. Chicago baseball is back.