March 24, 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 our final spring training game before Opening Day. 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’re ready for the regular season. This is it. After today, Opening Day arrives, and the games count for real.
For Cubs fans, this is our final spring training game—one last chance to see our team before the season starts.
Where the Cubs Stand With Opening Day Tomorrow
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
This is it. The final spring training game. After today, Opening Day arrives and we find out if 2026 will be different than 2025.
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 showcase his elite defense one final time.
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 is the best pitching matchup of our spring—and our final one.
What the Cubs Need to See Today
Tyler Glasnow Finishes Spring Perfectly
Final spring game. Glasnow’s been dominant all spring. One last strong performance against championship talent sends him into Opening Day with maximum confidence.
Jackson Merrill Ends Spring Hot
Final spring game. Merrill should finish strong and head into Opening Day ready to be our everyday shortstop.
Pete Crow-Armstrong Shows He’s Ready
Against Judge, Soto, and the Yankees’ offense, PCA can showcase his Gold Glove-caliber defense one final time before the real games start.
Young Guys Finish Strong
Horton, Shaw, and Alcántara should all look good in the final spring game. Head into Opening Day with confidence.
End Spring Training on a High Note
Final spring game. After today, the real season begins. Finish strong against championship talent and head to Chicago ready for Opening Day.
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 one final time this spring.
Cubs Fan Prediction: Competitive Final Spring Game
Final Score: Cubs 5, Yankees 4
Tyler Glasnow throws four scoreless innings with eight strikeouts, finishing spring perfectly. Gerrit Cole matches him with elite stuff.
Jackson Merrill goes 2-for-3 with a double and finishes spring hot. Pete Crow-Armstrong makes a highlight-reel catch. Matt Shaw drives in the go-ahead run.
Aaron Judge crushes a homer. Juan Soto adds clutch hits. But our depth and Glasnow’s dominance give us a one-run win to end spring.
We finish spring strong and head to Chicago ready for Opening Day.
Why This Final Spring Game Matters
This is it. The final spring training game. After today, Opening Day arrives and the games count for real.
Can Tyler Glasnow finish spring perfectly? Will Jackson Merrill end hot? 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 over after today. Opening Day is tomorrow. And we need to prove we’re ready.
Go Cubs Go!!! Finish spring strong and get ready for Opening Day.