Category: Chicago, Illinois Local News

February 25, 2026 | Camelback Ranch, Glendale, AZ | 1:05 PM CT | MLB Network, NBC Sports Chicago

The Chicago White Sox (63–99 last year) face the Cincinnati Reds (73–89) today, and this is actually a fun matchup. Both teams are rebuilding. Both have exciting young talent. And both are trying to figure out if their prospects can actually turn into major leaguers.

The headliner? Colson Montgomery vs Elly De La Cruz at shortstop. Montgomery is our top prospect and the guy who’s supposed to save this franchise. De La Cruz is already a proven star—one of the most dynamic players in baseball with ridiculous speed and power.

Drew Thorpe gets the start against Hunter Greene, which is basically “young prospect with upside” vs “established flamethrower with 100 mph heat.” Luis Robert Jr. plays center against TJ Friedl, assuming Robert can stay healthy long enough to matter.

This is the kind of spring training game that tells us whether we’re headed in the right direction or if we’re still years away from competing.

Where the White Sox Stand (Still at the Bottom)

2025 Record: 63–99

Ninety-nine losses. We were terrible. Historically, embarrassingly bad. The pitching collapsed, the defense was a disaster, and offensively we couldn’t score if our lives depended on it.

But that was the plan—tear it down, stockpile prospects, and rebuild from scratch. It sucks watching losing baseball, but if Montgomery, Thorpe, and the rest of our young core develop into stars, it’ll be worth it.

Key Players:

• Luis Robert Jr. (CF): Elite talent when healthy—30-homer power, Gold Glove defense. The problem is staying healthy.
• Colson Montgomery (SS): Our top prospect, franchise cornerstone, the guy who’s supposed to change everything.
• Erick Fedde (SP): Veteran arm who mentors young pitchers and provides stability.

Top Prospects:

• Bryan Ramos (3B): Power bat trying to prove he’s ready for the majors
• Drew Thorpe (RHP): Gets the start today, has frontline starter potential
• Edgar Quero (C): Young catcher with offensive upside

Drew Thorpe vs Hunter Greene is a massive test. Greene throws 100 mph with elite breaking stuff. If Thorpe can compete with that lineup, it shows he’s closer to being major-league ready.

The Cincinnati Reds: Young, Exciting, and Ahead of Us

2025 Record: 73–89

The Reds were bad last year, but they’re further along in their rebuild than we are. Elly De La Cruz is already a bonafide star—30-30 potential with jaw-dropping athleticism. Matt McLain is a solid young infielder. Hunter Greene throws gas and leads the rotation.

Key Players:

• Elly De La Cruz (SS): Dynamic five-tool player, already one of the most exciting players in baseball
• Hunter Greene (RHP): Triple-digit fastball, elite strikeout stuff
• Matt McLain (INF): Solid bat and glove, complements De La Cruz well

Top Prospects:

• Noelvi Marte (INF): Fighting for playing time, has upside
• Cam Collier (3B): Developmental third baseman with power potential
• Rhett Lowder (RHP): Pitching prospect who could see innings today

The Reds are what we’re trying to become—a team with a franchise superstar (De La Cruz) surrounded by developing talent. They’re not contenders yet, but they’re closer than we are.

The Matchups That Actually Matter

Position	White Sox	Reds
Shortstop	Colson Montgomery	Elly De La Cruz
Starting Pitcher	Drew Thorpe	Hunter Greene
Center Field	Luis Robert Jr.	TJ Friedl

Colson Montgomery vs Elly De La Cruz at Shortstop
This is the story of the game. De La Cruz is already a star—he stole 67 bases last year with 25 homers. Montgomery is trying to prove he can eventually reach that level. This is a measuring-stick game for our top prospect.

Drew Thorpe vs Hunter Greene on the Mound
Greene throws 100+ mph with a wipeout slider. Thorpe has command and pitchability. The talent gap is obvious, but Thorpe needs to show he can at least compete against elite lineups. Three solid innings would be a win.

Luis Robert Jr. vs TJ Friedl in Center
When healthy, Robert is the better player—more power, more speed, better defense. Friedl is solid and consistent. But the key phrase is “when healthy,” and Robert’s never healthy.

What the White Sox Need to See Today

Drew Thorpe Competes Against a Real Lineup
The Reds have legitimate hitters—De La Cruz, McLain, and others who can punish mistakes. Thorpe can’t just throw fastballs and hope. He needs command, confidence, and the ability to mix pitches. Three innings with minimal damage would be progress.

Colson Montgomery Handles Hunter Greene
Greene’s going to challenge Montgomery with 100 mph fastballs and nasty breaking stuff. Can Montgomery lay off tough pitches? Can he make hard contact when he gets something to hit? This at-bat tells us a lot about whether he’s ready.

Luis Robert Jr. Stays Healthy
I’m a broken record, but that’s all that matters with Robert. Just get through the game without tweaking something. If he can give us a full season, he’s a game-changer. If not, we’re stuck hoping someone else steps up.

Bryan Ramos Shows He’s Ready
Ramos has power, but can he handle velocity and spin from guys like Greene? Show bat-to-ball skills, take smart at-bats, and prove you’re more than just organizational depth.

Defense Doesn’t Fall Apart
We ranked near the bottom in fielding last year. Against a team like Cincinnati that runs aggressively and puts the ball in play, we can’t afford sloppy defense. Make routine plays and don’t beat ourselves.

What the Reds Will Bring (And Why They’re Probably Winning)

Elly De La Cruz will do something ridiculous—a stolen base, a laser throw from short, maybe a moonshot homer. That’s what generational talents do. Hunter Greene will pump 100 mph fastballs and make our hitters look overmatched for a few innings.

The Reds’ young core is more developed than ours. They’re closer to competing. And in a spring training game between two rebuilding teams, that experience and talent usually wins out.

White Sox Fan Prediction: Close Game, We Fall Short

Final Score: Reds 6, White Sox 4

Hunter Greene dominates for four innings with eight strikeouts, making our hitters look overmatched. Elly De La Cruz goes 2-for-3 with a stolen base and makes a highlight-reel defensive play.

Drew Thorpe battles but gives up three runs in four innings—not terrible against that lineup, but not dominant. Colson Montgomery goes 1-for-3 with a hard-hit single and looks competitive, if not quite ready. Luis Robert Jr. crushes a solo homer because that’s what he does when healthy, then exits early as a precaution (of course).

The Reds’ depth and star power take over late, and they pull away. We show flashes—maybe Bryan Ramos drives one deep, maybe Edgar Quero throws out a runner—but it’s clear they’re further along in their rebuild.

And that’s fine. That’s where we are. They have their franchise star in De La Cruz. We’re hoping Montgomery becomes ours.

Why This Game Matters (Even in Spring Training)

The scoreboard doesn’t matter. But seeing Colson Montgomery compete against Elly De La Cruz does. Watching Drew Thorpe face a playoff-caliber lineup does. Hoping Luis Robert Jr. stays healthy does.

The Reds represent what we’re trying to build—a team with a superstar surrounded by developing talent. They found their guy in De La Cruz. We’re hoping Montgomery becomes that for us.

If Montgomery can hold his own today, if Thorpe can compete with Greene’s lineup, if Robert stays on the field—those are wins, even if we lose the game.

Spring training is about development, not wins. But against a team like Cincinnati that’s ahead of us in the rebuild, we need to see signs that we’re closing the gap.

The Harsh Reality of Rebuilding

We lost 99 games last year. The Reds lost 89. That 10-game gap matters. They’re closer to contention than we are.

But spring training shows whether we’re moving in the right direction. Are our prospects developing? Is our pitching improving? Can we execute fundamentals?

If the answer is yes, then maybe we’re competitive in 2027 or 2028. If not, we’re stuck in perpetual rebuild mode while teams like Cincinnati pull ahead.

For now, we’re watching Colson Montgomery audition to be our Elly De La Cruz. And hoping he gets there sooner rather than later.

Go Sox!!! Trust the rebuild (even when it’s painful).

A cold night with temps plunging below zero in Chicago can’t stop Buddy Guy. A standing-room-only crowd packed into his Legends club on a frigid January night, waiting in anticipation for not just the master of the blues, but the genre’s protector and champion.

“I’m a lucky guy, because I got a chance to play with all of them [the blues legends] before they passed away, and they told me, ‘Buddy if you can do me a favor, just keep the blues alive,’ and that’s all I’m trying to do,” he told the crowd.

When Guy finally took the stage, silence fell over the audience. The next sound was not a musical note, but Guy being the color commentator of his own performance. He proceeded to weave in and out of musical master to master storyteller.

“I know y’all don’t want me to talk but I like to explain some s— that I’ve experienced by being a guitar player well enough to be invited around the world,” he said.

Guy opened with “Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues,” hitting those chords like a pro and throwing in a few pelvic thrusts to remind us he’s still got it. From “Nine Below Zero” and the jazz-pop tune “Fever” to his original song “Skin Deep,” Guy was in top form.

It’s his approach to the blues that fills a room. Writer and director Ryan Coogler uses that to anchor the film “Sinners” and pay tribute to the music as well as the culture. The film, which has garnered a record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations, displays the journey of a young man in the South navigating all the obstacles life threw at him and just trying to survive it all. That’s a story very similar to Guy’s.

When asked about the parallels, Guy said, “Well, not only me, I think that happened to all of the blues players,” adding how the juke joint in the film was a true representation of the nightlife he experienced. “We learned from those great guys who just played for Saturday night fish fries — that was good enjoyment after picking and chopping cotton.”

Born in 1936 in Lettsworth, Louisiana, he moved to Chicago in the late 1950s, won a contract and after early struggles became one of the most sought-after studio musicians.

“When they needed somebody, if they couldn’t get B.B. King and needed some B.B. King lick, he was the guy they called,” bandmate Orlando Wright said.

Guy takes keeping the blues alive very seriously and continues to introduce the music to a new generation. He saw a resurgence in the 1980s and early 1990s, and has won several Grammys, including one this year for traditional blues album for “Ain’t Done with the Blues.”

That staying power is one of the reasons Coogler wanted Guy in his movie, and he personally visited Legends to ask him to join the film. “Buddy Guy was the last musician I remember my uncle James making an effort to go see live even at the end of his life. He meant a lot to me ‘cause he meant so much to my uncle so it was an honor to have him in the film,” Coogler told the Sun-Times.

In the movie, the blues was a connector and somewhat of a superpower, with Guy serving as a bridge as well as a beacon. The cast all credit him with being the glue and the master. Delroy Lindo, who was nominated for an Oscar for his role as musician Delta Slim, told the Sun-Times, “I felt really honored that he could be such an integral part of the story.” Fellow Oscar nominee Wunmi Mosaku added: “I think Buddy Guy is a living legend. I can’t believe I have the honor to share a screen with him. I am so grateful for his contribution to the blues and now my life. He’s amazing.”

It is not a coincidence that as the elder Sammie in the movie and elder statesman of the blues, Guy has built a legacy rooted in endurance and his musical excellence.

“Ryan had sent me an essential blues playlist that was full of Buddy Guy songs and that’s where I kind of began to grow and learn my knowledge for the blues,” adds Miles Caton, who plays the younger Sammie.

Lola Kirke, who plays one of the vampires in the film, also has a deep connection to Guy. Kirke inherited her musician father’s record collection and noticed some scribbles on an album. “I asked my dad what did he draw on this album? He said, ‘I didn’t draw anything. That’s Buddy Guy’s autograph.’ I’m really glad that I got to be in a movie with him even though I have never met him.”

Guy’s bandmate Orlando Wright said the scene where Sammie performs a song that summons past and present spirits, intertwining many musical styles of Black people, captures the story of the blues.

“The music has not stayed the same, which is the struggle of the blues … [But] a house built on sand cannot stand. That scene [in the movie] is the story right there,” said

Back in the packed room at Legends, Guy made his guitar cry a blues that was as educational as it was electrifying. From opening act Katie Kadan to Guy’s band members, they all paid homage to his journey and commitment to his craft.

“He’s the real deal. He’s the connection from Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf to the present times. The best way I like to put it is he’s the blues version of Miles Davis,” bandmate Mike Wheeler said.

In both our conversation and his comments on stage, instead of talking about his place in history, Guy continued to give credit to his contemporaries. “My mom told me, ’Gonna be the best in town. Just be the best ‘til the best come around.’”

The moment he stepped off the stage and began circling the venue, the energy shifted. The adoring crowd cheered, snapped photos and reached out to touch him as he passed, seeing up close-up the deep connection between artist and blues.

Rashana Guy brings a daughter’s perspective to it all: “I just love to see my father receiving his flowers while he could smell ‘em … and his story be told to a younger generation, so they’d be able to learn about the history of the blues and keep it alive.”

INDIANAPOLIS — As the Bears evaluate their options this offseason, some key players under contract aren’t necessarily certain to be back.

In addition to working through their own pending free agents, like starting safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, the Bears have affordable outs on the contracts of linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, tight end Cole Kmet and running back D’Andre Swift. They also could save salary-cap space by trading wide receiver DJ Moore.

For now, Kmet and Swift seem safe. The Combine has a way of speeding up trade talks throughout the league, which could open opportunities for the Bears that would require them to create extra cap space, but general manager Ryan Poles currently plans on those two being on the team this season.

“I feel pretty good about [them] being here, but again, there’s a lot more calls coming in on interest in some of these guys, so we have to sequence that out to see how it impacts our team,” Poles said Tuesday. “I’ve talked about cost of replacement, so what does that look like?

“We know what we need to do, but any new, unique opportunities that might pop up are usually going to pop up here, and then we’ll get back and sort it all out and make decisions, but I feel pretty good about those guys.”

Swift rushed for a career-high 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns last season and told the Sun-Times recently he hoped his performance was convincing enough to keep him with the Bears. He’s set to count $8.8 million against the cap this season, the final one of his deal, though the Bears could cut him for a dead-cap hit of $1.3 million.

Kmet had a down year with just 30 catches for 347 yards and two touchdowns as the Bears incorporated first-round pick Colston Loveland into the offense. Kmet has two years, $23.2 million left on his contract with an out this offseason at $3.2 million.

Poles was noncommittal on the future of Edmunds and Moore. He sidestepped a question about releasing Edmunds, who would cost $17.4 million or could be released for $2.4 million, and spoke highly of Moore, saying he’s “happy with him” while leaving the door open for a trade.

“I’ve got to have conversations and see what is the best combination of players we can bring in,” Poles said. “We want him here. We think highly of him. He’s a great teammate. He’s been productive consistently over the last couple years.

“I have nothing but great things to say about him, but this is the time that you have to look at all the different scenarios and see what can allow us to put the best team out there. He’s a guy we want here, but we have to look at all different scenarios.”

Moore totaled 2,330 yards and 14 touchdown catches over his first two seasons with the Bears, but slipped to a career-low 50 catches for 682 yards last season.

February 24, 2026 | United Center | 7:00 PM CT | NBC Sports Chicago

After getting absolutely handled by Detroit and New York on back-to-back nights, the Chicago Bulls (24–32) finally catch a break. The Charlotte Hornets (20–36) come to town, and they’re even worse than we are.

LaMelo Ball is electric and Brandon Miller has upside, but the Hornets are 14th in the East and giving up 118.7 points per game. We’re 12th and giving up 120.4. This is basically a contest to see which bad defensive team can outscore the other.

For Bulls fans who’ve watched us get embarrassed by playoff teams all week, this is our chance to actually win a game at home. No excuses. No moral victories. Just beat a team we’re supposed to beat.

Where the Bulls Stand (Still Not Great)

Record: 24–32 (12th in East)

We’re eight games under .500 and the play-in race is basically over. The season’s slipping away, and at this point, we’re playing for pride and trying to figure out what this roster actually is.

What’s Working:

• We’re 3rd in the East in three-point shooting (14.6 made per game)
• Ball movement is solid (29.1 assists per game)
• DeMar DeRozan is still getting his mid-range buckets

What’s Not Working:

• Defense is terrible (120.4 points allowed per game)
• Rebounding is a problem (42.1 per game)
• Consistency doesn’t exist—we’ll look competent one night, then fall apart the next

DeMar DeRozan, Anfernee Simons, and Collin Sexton can all score. But if we’re giving up 120 points every night, it doesn’t matter. Against Charlotte’s 14th-ranked defense, we should be able to put up numbers. The question is whether we can actually get stops.

The Charlotte Hornets: Young, Talented, and Still Losing

Record: 20–36 (14th in East)

Charlotte is bad, but they’re fun-bad. LaMelo Ball is one of the most entertaining players in the league—no-look passes, deep threes, highlight-reel plays every night. Brandon Miller is developing into a legitimate scorer. Mark Williams provides rim protection when healthy.

Key Players:

• LaMelo Ball: Creative playmaker with range to halfcourt, makes the Hornets watchable
• Brandon Miller: Second-year wing with scoring versatility and defensive upside
• Mark Williams: Rim-running center who blocks shots and finishes lobs

The Hornets play fast, shoot threes, and rely on Ball to create everything. When he’s rolling, they’re dangerous. When he’s off or the defense shows up, they get blown out.

Sound familiar? That’s basically us too.

Breaking Down the Matchup

Category	Bulls	Hornets
Points Per Game	114.8	111.2
Points Allowed	120.4	118.7
Assists Per Game	29.1	26.9
3-Pointers Made	14.6	12.8
Rebounding	42.1	44.0

We score more. We pass better. We shoot more threes. They rebound slightly better and defend slightly less terribly. But honestly, both teams are bad defensively, so this is going to be a shootout.

The rebounding gap is small, but Mark Williams could dominate the glass if we’re not physical. We can’t let him get easy putbacks and second-chance points.

What the Bulls Need to Do to Win

DeMar DeRozan Controls the Game
This is a game DeMar should dominate. Charlotte doesn’t have anyone who can consistently stop his mid-range game. He needs 25+ points on efficient shooting, and he needs to control the tempo when things get chaotic.

Hit Threes Early and Often
We shoot 14.6 threes per game compared to their 12.8. That’s our advantage. If Simons, Sexton, and our shooters can knock down 15+ threes, we pull away. If we go cold, Charlotte can steal this.

Limit LaMelo Ball’s Playmaking
Ball’s going to get his highlights. He’ll hit a deep three, throw a ridiculous pass, and make you shake your head. But if we can force him into tough shots and limit his assists, we control the game. Make someone else beat us.

Anfernee Simons Needs to Show Up
Simons has the talent to drop 30 on any given night. Against Charlotte’s weak perimeter defense, this is his chance to have a signature game in front of the United Center crowd. Get hot early and force Charlotte to adjust.

Win the Rebounding Battle
Mark Williams is a problem on the glass. If he’s getting offensive rebounds and extending possessions, we’re in trouble. Box out, crash the boards, and don’t let them get easy second-chance points.

What Charlotte Will Bring

LaMelo Ball will be LaMelo Ball—creative, flashy, and frustrating to defend. Brandon Miller will get his shots and probably hit a couple tough ones. Mark Williams will finish lobs and protect the rim.

But the Hornets are 20–36 for a reason. They’re young, inconsistent, and prone to defensive breakdowns. If we execute and take care of the ball, we should win this comfortably.

The question is whether we’ll actually do that.

The Betting Lines (We’re Actually Favored)

• Spread: Bulls -4.5
• Over/Under: 235.0
• Moneyline: Bulls -180, Hornets +150

We’re 4.5-point favorites at home, which feels about right. Charlotte’s worse than us, but they’re scrappy and Ball can take over games. The over/under at 235.0 is basically Vegas saying “both defenses are terrible, expect a shootout.”

We’ve covered in 3 of our last 5 games. Charlotte is 2–8 in their last 10. This is a game we should win, which makes it even more frustrating if we don’t.

Bulls Fan Prediction: We Finally Win at Home

Final Score: Bulls 117, Hornets 111

DeMar DeRozan controls the game with 28 points on efficient mid-range shooting. Anfernee Simons gets hot in the third quarter and drops 25. Collin Sexton provides 18 off the bench with smart playmaking.

LaMelo Ball goes off for 30+ with crazy assists and deep threes, but we hit our shots and stay ahead. Brandon Miller keeps Charlotte close with some tough buckets, but our offensive firepower is too much.

It’s not pretty. Both teams will give up 110+. But we execute down the stretch, knock down free throws, and finally protect home court against a team we’re supposed to beat.

Six-point win feels right. Close enough to keep it interesting, comfortable enough that we’re never really in danger.

Why This Game Actually Matters

We’re 12th in the East. The play-in is basically gone. The season’s essentially over in terms of realistic playoff hopes.

So why does tonight matter?

Because we need to beat teams we’re supposed to beat. We’ve lost to Detroit and New York—playoff teams with real talent. That’s expected. But if we can’t handle Charlotte at home, what does that say about this roster?

The Hornets are 20–36. They’re bad. If we lose to them at the United Center, it’s embarrassing. And for a fanbase that’s endured so much mediocrity, another embarrassing home loss would be brutal.

Plus, LaMelo Ball is fun to watch. Even if we win, he’s going to do something ridiculous that makes you go “how did he even see that pass?” But we need to make sure his highlights don’t come in a Hornets victory.

See Red. Let’s finally protect home court.

February 24, 2026 | Sloan Park, Mesa, AZ | 2:05 PM CT | MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network

The Chicago Cubs host the San Diego Padres today, and this one actually has some star power. Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts are rolling into Mesa, which means our pitching staff gets a legitimate test against one of the most talented lineups in baseball.

Both teams underperformed last year—we went 78–84, they went 76–86—and both are trying to prove that 2026 will be different. The difference? They have three future Hall of Famers in their prime. We have Tyler Glasnow, Jackson Merrill, and a bunch of prospects hoping to become stars.

This is the kind of spring training game that matters. Can Glasnow dominate elite hitters? Will Merrill hold his own against Bogaerts? Can Pete Crow-Armstrong show he belongs in center field against a team with Tatis Jr.?

Let’s find out.

Where the Cubs Stand After Another Disappointing Year

2025 Record: 78–84

Last season sucked. We finished six games under .500, missed the playoffs again, and spent September playing meaningless baseball while watching other teams fight for October.

The front office responded by signing Tyler Glasnow—one of the most talented arms in baseball when healthy—and acquiring Jackson Merrill to finally solve our shortstop problem. Pete Crow-Armstrong is ready to prove he’s an everyday center fielder. And prospects like Cade Horton and Matt Shaw are knocking on the door.

Key Players:

• Tyler Glasnow (SP): Elite strikeout pitcher with injury concerns, needs to dominate today
• Jackson Merrill (SS): Smooth defender with a solid bat, potential franchise building block
• Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF): Elite defense and speed, needs to prove he can hit consistently

Top Prospects:

• Cade Horton (RHP): Could push for a rotation spot with a strong spring
• Matt Shaw (INF): Versatile infielder with offensive upside
• Kevin Alcántara (OF): Toolsy outfielder who needs to put it all together

Today, Tyler Glasnow takes the mound against a Padres lineup loaded with talent. This is exactly the kind of test we need to see. Can he carve up Tatis, Machado, and Bogaerts? Or will they expose him?

The San Diego Padres: Loaded with Talent, Still Underachieving

2025 Record: 76–86

The Padres have been one of the most frustrating teams in baseball. They have Fernando Tatis Jr., a generational talent when healthy. They have Manny Machado, a perennial All-Star. They have Xander Bogaerts, a proven winner with multiple championships.

And they still finished 76–86 and missed the playoffs.

Key Players:

• Fernando Tatis Jr. (OF): Five-tool superstar who can take over games
• Manny Machado (3B): Elite hitter and defender, future Hall of Famer
• Xander Bogaerts (SS): Consistent bat, championship pedigree

Top Prospects:

• Ethan Salas (C): One of the best catching prospects in baseball
• Dylan Lesko (RHP): Getting the start today, has frontline starter upside
• Jackson Merrill (wait, he’s ours now)

The Padres have the talent to compete for a World Series. The question is whether they can stay healthy and actually execute. Sound familiar? That’s basically where we are too.

The Matchups That Actually Matter

Position	Cubs	Padres
Shortstop	Jackson Merrill	Xander Bogaerts
Center Field	Pete Crow-Armstrong	Fernando Tatis Jr.
Starting Pitcher	Tyler Glasnow	Dylan Lesko

Jackson Merrill vs Xander Bogaerts at Shortstop
Merrill is our rising star trying to establish himself. Bogaerts is a proven champion with two World Series rings. This is a measuring-stick game for Merrill—can he compete with one of the best shortstops of his generation?

Pete Crow-Armstrong vs Fernando Tatis Jr. in Center
Crow-Armstrong’s defense is elite, but can he hit enough to be an everyday player? Tatis is a generational talent with 40-homer, 30-steal potential when healthy. The talent gap is obvious, but PCA needs to show he belongs on the same field.

Tyler Glasnow vs Dylan Lesko on the Mound
Glasnow is the established ace with elite strikeout stuff. Lesko is a young prospect with frontline potential. Glasnow should dominate, but against a lineup with Tatis, Machado, and Bogaerts, nothing’s guaranteed.

What the Cubs Need to See Today

Tyler Glasnow Dominates the Padres’ Stars
This is the test. Can Glasnow carve up Tatis Jr.? Can he make Machado look silly with his slider? Can he blow fastballs past Bogaerts? If he’s going to be our ace, he needs to dominate games like this—even in spring training.

Jackson Merrill Holds His Own
Merrill doesn’t need to out-hit Bogaerts. But he needs to show he can compete at this level. A couple of quality at-bats, hard contact, and smooth defense would be a win. We need to believe he’s the real deal.

Pete Crow-Armstrong Shows Offensive Growth
PCA’s defense is Gold Glove caliber. We know that. But can he hit enough to justify everyday playing time? Against a team with Tatis Jr. in center, PCA needs to show he’s more than just a defensive specialist.

Cade Horton or Matt Shaw Make an Impact
If either of these guys get innings, they need to capitalize. Horton should dominate if he pitches. Shaw needs to show his bat is ready. Spring training is their audition for Opening Day roster spots.

Don’t Get Embarrassed
The Padres have three future Hall of Famers in their lineup. We can’t stop them completely. But if Tatis, Machado, and Bogaerts combine to go 9-for-12 with three homers, that’s a problem. Make them work for everything.

What the Padres Will Bring (And Why They’re Dangerous)

Fernando Tatis Jr. will probably do something incredible—a moonshot homer, a stolen base, a diving catch. That’s what generational talents do. Manny Machado will get his hits. Xander Bogaerts will work counts and find gaps.

Dylan Lesko will be throwing max effort, trying to prove he’s ready for a big league rotation. If he’s sharp, he could give us problems early.

The Padres’ lineup is legitimately scary. When they’re clicking, they can score runs in bunches. Our pitching—Glasnow and whoever follows—needs to execute or this could get ugly.

Cubs vs Padres: Two Underachievers Trying to Prove Something

Both teams underperformed in 2025. Both have the talent to compete for the playoffs. And both are trying to establish an identity this spring.

The Padres have more proven stars. We have more young upside. They’re trying to stay healthy and maximize their championship window. We’re trying to develop our core and build something sustainable.

Spring training games show you where you are in that process. If we look competitive against a lineup with Tatis, Machado, and Bogaerts, that’s progress. If we get dominated, it’s a reality check.

Cubs Fan Prediction: Tight Game, We Steal It

Final Score: Cubs 6, Padres 5

Tyler Glasnow throws four scoreless innings, striking out Tatis Jr. twice and making Machado look silly on sliders. Dylan Lesko matches him early, keeping it scoreless through three.

In the middle innings, our young bats wake up. Jackson Merrill rips a double off the wall. Pete Crow-Armstrong legs out an infield single and steals second. Matt Shaw comes off the bench and drives in two runs with a clutch single.

The Padres fight back—Tatis launches a solo homer, Machado drives in two with a double—but our bullpen (led by guys auditioning for roster spots) executes in the late innings and we hold on for a one-run win.

It’s spring training, so the result doesn’t technically count. But beating a team with that much star power feels damn good regardless.

Why This Game Matters (Even in February)

We’re not chasing a Cactus League championship. We’re chasing validation that the offseason moves actually improved the roster.

Can Tyler Glasnow dominate elite hitters? Will Jackson Merrill become the franchise shortstop we desperately need? Can Pete Crow-Armstrong hit enough to be an everyday player? Are our prospects ready to contribute?

The Padres are asking whether their stars can finally stay healthy and deliver on their potential. We’re asking whether our young core can develop into stars.

Spring training is where those questions start getting answered. And against a lineup with Tatis Jr., Machado, and Bogaerts, we’ll learn a lot about where we actually stand.

Last season, 78–84 wasn’t good enough. Cubs fans are tired of “rebuilding” and “developing.” We want to compete. And today, we get a chance to show we can hang with the big boys.

Go Cubs Go!!! Let’s shock some people.

Chicago Fire FC II has signed defender Jack Sandmeyer, the club’s 2026 MLS SuperDraft selection, to an MLS NEXT Pro contract running through the 2026 season. The deal includes a club option for the 2027 transition season. Financial terms were not disclosed in accordance with league policy.

Sandmeyer, 23, was selected with the 18th overall pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft on Dec. 18, 2025. He most recently played as a graduate student at the University of North Carolina during the 2025 campaign, where he started all 20 matches as a defensive midfielder and logged more than 1,800 minutes.

“Jack has a good understanding of the game to go with good feet and a dominant physical presence,” said Chicago Fire II Head Coach Mike Matkovich. “He has a very mature mindset that has helped him quickly integrate himself into the team and gives him high potential to reach the next level.”

In North Carolina, Sandmeyer helped anchor a defense that posted a .850 goals-against average and recorded eight clean sheets. He scored one goal during the season — a bicycle kick in a draw against North Florida — and earned third-team All-ACC honors.

Before UNC, Sandmeyer attended UC Davis before transferring to the University of San Diego for his senior year. At San Diego, he started 19 matches and scored two goals, including a key strike in an NCAA Tournament upset over No. 10 Duke.

With the signing, Sandmeyer becomes the fourth former UNC-Chapel Hill player to join Chicago Fire FC in 2026. Director of Football and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter, along with midfielders Mauricio Pineda and Sam Williams, also played collegiately at North Carolina.

Chicago Fire FC competes in Major League Soccer with its professional roster. The club supports player development across the Midwest through youth programs and community initiatives, and plays its home matches at Soldier Field. Since entering MLS as an expansion team, the Fire have won both an MLS Cup and a U.S. Open Cup, building a brand rooted in Chicago’s local history.

Transaction: Chicago Fire FC II signed defender Jack Sandmeyer to an MLS NEXT Pro contract through the end of the 2026 season.