Category: Chicago, Illinois Local News

Chicago’s legendary sports scene is never done and never outdone. This year, the city will be hosting an array of major athletic events, including the Midwest Regional of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship.

This multi-game event will bring all the excitement of March Madness to Chicago’s iconic United Center for one weekend only. Whether you’re in town for the tournament or just soaking up the energy of spring in Chicago, there’s plenty to do across the city all weekend long.

Check out what’s happening in Chicago before, during, and after March Madness weekend.

What better way to celebrate Chicago’s birthday than with a free hot dog at Chicago’s finest, the Wiener’s Circle?

Find out if you’ve got that dog in you by completing the Sun-Times’ Chicago Mini Crossword in under 90 seconds, while getting roasted by Wiener’s Circle staff.

If you do, you’ll win a free Chicago dog and relish in the glory of being a real wiener! 🌭

When: Chicago’s birthday! Wednesday, March 4 from 1-2:30 p.m. CT
Where: The Wiener’s Circle (2622 N Clark St)

This event is free and open to the public.

Registration isn’t required, but you can RSVP to add to your calendar and get an email reminder here.

February 23, 2026 | Salt River Fields, Scottsdale, AZ | 1:10 PM MT | MLB Network, NBC Sports Chicago

The Chicago White Sox (63–99 last year) face the Colorado Rockies (66–96) in what’s basically a showcase of who’s rebuilding better. Both teams were terrible in 2025. Both are banking on young prospects to save the franchise. And both are desperate to prove they’re heading in the right direction.

For White Sox fans who endured 99 losses, spring training games like this matter because they show whether our top prospects are actually the real deal or just more organizational filler. Can Colson Montgomery handle major league pitching? Will Drew Thorpe develop into a frontline starter? Can Luis Robert Jr. stay healthy long enough to matter?

The Rockies are asking similar questions about Ezequiel Tovar, Chase Dollander, and their wave of young talent. Whoever gets better answers this spring has a shot at being less embarrassing in 2026.

Where the White Sox Stand (Spoiler: Rock Bottom)

2025 Record: 63–99

Ninety-nine losses. Let that sink in. We were historically, embarrassingly bad. The pitching was a disaster. The defense made routine plays look impossible. And offensively, we couldn’t score runs if our lives depended on it.

But that was the plan—tear it down, tank for high draft picks, stockpile prospects, and rebuild from scratch. It’s brutal to watch in real-time, but if it leads to sustained success, it’s worth it.

Key Players:

• Luis Robert Jr. (CF): When healthy, elite talent—power, speed, defense. The problem is “when healthy.”
• Colson Montgomery (SS): Our top prospect and potential franchise cornerstone. This spring is critical.
• Erick Fedde (SP): Veteran arm who can mentor young pitchers and eat innings.

Top Prospects to Watch:

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

Drew Thorpe is on the mound today, which is a big deal. This is his chance to show he can compete against major league hitters (even if they’re Rockies hitters). If his command is sharp and his stuff plays, we might have something.

The Colorado Rockies: Also Terrible, Different Problems

2025 Record: 66–96

Colorado lost 96 games last year, which somehow makes our 99 losses look even worse. But they’re also rebuilding, also relying on prospects, and also hoping their young core develops faster than expected.

Key Players:

• Kris Bryant: Former MVP who’s been injured more than healthy lately
• Ezequiel Tovar (SS): Young shortstop with defensive skills and developing bat
• Nolan Jones (OF): Breakout candidate with power potential

Top Prospects:

• Chase Dollander (RHP): Getting the start today, has velocity and upside
• Adael Amador (INF): Versatile infielder fighting for playing time
• Yanquiel Fernandez (OF): Developmental outfielder with tools

The Rockies play half their games at Coors Field, where pitching goes to die. That makes developing arms even harder. If Dollander can succeed in that environment, he’s legitimately special.

Position-by-Position Breakdown

Position	White Sox	Rockies
Center Field	Luis Robert Jr.	Nolan Jones
Shortstop	Colson Montgomery	Ezequiel Tovar
Starting Pitcher	Drew Thorpe	Chase Dollander

Luis Robert Jr. vs Nolan Jones in Center
When healthy, Robert is one of the most talented center fielders in baseball—elite speed, 30-homer power, Gold Glove defense. Jones is trying to prove he can be an everyday player with consistent production. Talent advantage: Robert, if he’s actually healthy.

Colson Montgomery vs Ezequiel Tovar at Shortstop
Montgomery is our franchise hope—elite bat, solid glove, potential All-Star. Tovar is already established as a good defensive shortstop with a developing offensive game. This is a fun measuring-stick matchup for Montgomery.

Drew Thorpe vs Chase Dollander on the Mound
Both are young pitchers with upside trying to prove they belong in major league rotations. Thorpe has better command. Dollander has more velocity. Whoever executes today shows they’re ahead in their development.

What the White Sox Need to See Today

Drew Thorpe Commands the Zone
Three or four solid innings with fastball command and confident off-speed pitches. Against a Rockies lineup that can hit, Thorpe needs to show he can execute. If he gets lit up, it raises questions. If he dominates, it builds confidence.

Colson Montgomery Shows He’s Ready
A couple of quality at-bats—hard contact, smart approaches, maybe a walk or two. Defensively, make the routine plays look routine. Montgomery is the future of this franchise. Every spring training rep matters.

Luis Robert Jr. Stays Healthy
That’s literally it. Just get through the game without tweaking something. If Robert can give us a full season of his talent, everything changes. But we need to see him play without breaking down.

Bryan Ramos Makes Contact
Ramos has power, but can he handle major league pitching consistently? Show some bat-to-ball skills, don’t chase garbage in the dirt, and prove you’re more than just a Triple-A masher.

Defense Doesn’t Embarrass Us
We ranked near the bottom in fielding percentage last year. The Rockies were just as bad. Whoever makes fewer mistakes probably wins. Execute fundamentals and don’t beat ourselves.

What the Rockies Will Bring

Chase Dollander will be pumping mid-90s fastballs and trying to overpower us. Nolan Jones will be looking to drive the ball and show he’s a legit everyday player. And Ezequiel Tovar will make smooth defensive plays at short because that’s what he does.

Colorado’s young bats can do damage, especially if our pitching doesn’t execute. They’re not intimidating, but they’re scrappy and trying to prove something—just like us.

The Reality of Two Bad Teams Playing in February

Let’s be honest—this game doesn’t matter. Neither team is competing for anything meaningful this season. The Rockies will probably lose 90+ games again. We’ll be lucky to win 70.

But for fans who suffered through last year, these spring training games matter because they show whether the rebuild is actually progressing. Are our top prospects developing? Is our pitching getting better? Can we execute fundamentals?

The Rockies are in the same boat. Two organizations at rock bottom, hoping their young cores develop into something competitive in 2-3 years.

White Sox Fan Prediction: Close Game, We Lose

Final Score: Rockies 5, White Sox 4

Drew Thorpe gives us three solid innings, allows maybe one run, and shows his stuff translates. Colson Montgomery goes 2-for-3 with a double and looks every bit like a future star. Luis Robert Jr. crushes a solo homer because that’s what he does when healthy.

But Colorado’s late-game offense—led by Nolan Jones and their young bats—scratches across runs in the seventh and eighth innings. Chase Dollander dominates early, and their bullpen holds us down.

We’ll compete. We’ll show flashes. But ultimately, we’re still figuring out who we are, and that costs us in a close spring training game.

And honestly? That’s okay. This is where we are. Rebuilding. Developing. Hoping our prospects turn into major leaguers. The goal isn’t winning Cactus League games—it’s building a foundation for sustainable success.

Why This Game Matters (Even Though It Doesn’t)

The scoreboard doesn’t matter. But the development does.

Can Colson Montgomery hit major league pitching? Will Drew Thorpe show command and confidence? Can Luis Robert Jr. stay healthy? Will Bryan Ramos prove he’s ready?

These answers determine whether we’re competitive in 2027-2028 or if we’re stuck in perpetual rebuild mode.

The Rockies are asking the same questions. And whoever develops their young core faster has a shot at relevance. The other franchise keeps losing 95+ games and wondering when it’ll turn around.

For now, we’re watching prospects audition. And hoping that in a couple years, we’re the ones winning meaningful games while some other team is stuck in spring training purgatory.

Go Sox!!! 

February 23, 2026 | Sloan Park, Mesa, AZ | 2:05 PM CT | Marquee Sports Network

The Chicago Cubs wrap up another Arizona series today against the Kansas City Royals, and this one actually has some juice to it. Jackson Merrill, our prized offseason acquisition at shortstop, goes head-to-head with Bobby Witt Jr., one of the best young players in baseball.

Both teams finished below .500 last year—we went 78–84, they went 71–91—and both are banking on young cores to drag them back to relevance. The difference? The Royals already have their franchise cornerstone in Witt Jr. We’re hoping Merrill becomes ours.

Tyler Glasnow takes the mound again, giving Cubs fans another chance to see what our new ace looks like. And with prospects like Cade Horton and Matt Shaw potentially getting innings, this game could tell us a lot about where we actually stand heading into 2026.

Where the Cubs Are After the Offseason Moves

2025 Record: 78–84

We’ve been over this—last season sucked. We were supposed to compete, and instead we finished six games under .500 and missed the playoffs for the millionth time. The offense was inconsistent, the pitching was shaky, and by September we were playing for pride.

The front office responded by going out and getting Tyler Glasnow, one of the most talented arms in baseball when healthy. They brought in Jackson Merrill to finally solve the shortstop problem. And they’re betting on guys like Pete Crow-Armstrong taking the next step.

Key Players:

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

Top Prospects to Watch:

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

Today’s game is another test. Can Glasnow dominate a lineup with legitimate talent? Will Merrill continue adjusting to big league pitching? Can our young guys show they’re ready to contribute?

The Kansas City Royals: Young and Dangerous

2025 Record: 71–91

The Royals were bad last year, but they’ve got something we don’t—a legitimate, no-questions-asked superstar in Bobby Witt Jr. The guy’s 25 years old and already one of the best all-around players in baseball. Elite speed, elite power, elite defense. He’s the real deal.

Key Players:

• Bobby Witt Jr. (SS): Franchise player, MVP candidate, everything you want in a cornerstone
• Salvador Pérez (C): Veteran leader, still dangerous with the bat
• Vinnie Pasquantino (1B): Power bat who can change games with one swing

Top Prospects:

• Ben Kudrna (RHP): Young arm with upside, getting the start today
• Cayden Wallace (3B): Developmental third baseman
• Gavin Cross (OF): Outfield prospect with tools

The Royals are building around Witt Jr., which is smart. When you have a player that good, you build everything else around him. We’re hoping Merrill becomes that guy for us, but he’s got a long way to go before he’s in Witt’s stratosphere.

The Matchup Everyone’s Watching

Position	Cubs	Royals
Shortstop	Jackson Merrill	Bobby Witt Jr.
Starting Pitcher	Tyler Glasnow	Ben Kudrna
Catcher	Miguel Amaya	Salvador Pérez

Jackson Merrill vs Bobby Witt Jr. at Shortstop
This is the story of the game. Witt Jr. is already a star—30-30 potential, Gold Glove defense, the whole package. Merrill is trying to prove he can be our version of that. He’s got the tools, but can he produce at that level? This is a measuring-stick game.

Tyler Glasnow vs Ben Kudrna on the Mound
Glasnow is the established ace with elite stuff. Kudrna is a young prospect trying to show he belongs in a big league rotation. The talent gap is obvious, but Glasnow needs to dominate these matchups to justify the contract we gave him.

Miguel Amaya vs Salvador Pérez Behind the Plate
Amaya is our young catcher trying to establish himself as an everyday player. Pérez is a future Hall of Famer and one of the best catchers of his generation. Amaya can learn from watching how Pérez works a game.

What the Cubs Need to See Today

Tyler Glasnow Stays Dominant
After his last start, Glasnow needs to keep building confidence. Three or four scoreless innings with strikeouts and command. Show Bobby Witt Jr. and the Royals’ lineup that he’s going to be a problem all season.

Jackson Merrill Keeps Adjusting
Another quality day at the plate—good at-bats, hard contact, maybe a stolen base. And defensively, continue making the routine plays look easy. We need to believe he’s the real deal at shortstop.

Pete Crow-Armstrong Shows Offensive Growth
PCA’s defense is elite. We know that. But can he hit enough to be an everyday player? A couple of hard-hit balls and smart at-bats today would go a long way.

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 opportunity to force their way onto the Opening Day roster.

Don’t Get Embarrassed by Witt Jr.
Look, Witt’s going to get his. But if he goes 4-for-4 with two homers and makes us look silly, that’s a problem. Make him work for everything.

What the Royals Will Bring

Bobby Witt Jr. is going to play hard and showcase why he’s a franchise cornerstone. Salvador Pérez will probably crush something. And Ben Kudrna will be throwing max effort, trying to prove he’s ready for the majors.

The Royals have offensive firepower with Witt and Pasquantino. If our pitching doesn’t execute, they’ll make us pay. But they’re also still developing, which means mistakes and opportunities for us to capitalize.

Cubs vs Royals: Tale of Two Rebuilds

Both teams are trying to build something sustainable. The Royals are further along because they have Witt Jr. already locked in as their guy. We’re hoping Merrill, Glasnow, and Crow-Armstrong become our core pieces.

Spring training games show you where you are in the process. If we look sharper, more prepared, and more competitive than Kansas City, that’s progress. If they look more cohesive despite having a worse record last year, that’s concerning.

The Royals are also testing young talent, evaluating depth, and trying to establish an identity. Whoever figures it out faster has a better shot at competing in 2026.

Cubs Fan Prediction: We Win Behind Pitching

Final Score: Cubs 6, Royals 4

Tyler Glasnow throws four scoreless innings, striking out five and looking every bit like the ace we paid for. Jackson Merrill goes 2-for-3 with a double and a stolen base, showing he can hang with elite competition.

Pete Crow-Armstrong makes a ridiculous diving catch in center field and legs out an infield single. Matt Shaw comes off the bench and drives in two runs with a clutch double.

Bobby Witt Jr. launches a solo homer because that’s what superstars do. Vinnie Pasquantino adds another. But our pitching depth—led by guys fighting for roster spots—holds them in check, and we win a competitive spring training game.

It’s February, so the result doesn’t technically count. But beating a team with Bobby Witt Jr. feels good regardless.

Why This Game Matters (Even in Spring Training)

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

Can Tyler Glasnow stay healthy and dominate? 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 Royals are asking similar questions about their young core. But they already have their answer at shortstop—Bobby Witt Jr. is that guy. We’re still hoping Jackson Merrill becomes ours.

Last season, 78–84 wasn’t good enough. Cubs fans are tired of “rebuilding” and “developing.” We want to win. And spring training is where we start proving that 2026 will be different.

Go Cubs Go. Let’s keep building momentum.

Chicago continues to rank among the nation’s leading hubs for medical research, supported by a network of major universities, hospitals, and research institutes working across disciplines from cancer care to biomedical engineering. Ongoing investment, institutional collaboration, and technological innovation are reinforcing the city’s influence in modern medicine.

Academic medical centers remain at the center of that effort. The University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the University of Illinois Chicago operate teaching hospitals and research laboratories that integrate patient care with scientific study. The model allows physicians and researchers to test emerging therapies, analyze health outcomes, and translate laboratory findings into clinical practice. Clinical trials conducted at these institutions offer patients access to experimental treatments that are not yet widely available.

Cancer research is among the most active areas of focus. Scientists are developing targeted therapies designed to attack cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. Immunotherapy — which trains the immune system to recognize and destroy tumors — is another major emphasis. Advances in genetic testing enable physicians to tailor treatments based on the biology of an individual patient’s tumor, with the goal of improving survival rates and limiting side effects.

Cardiovascular research also plays a significant role in Chicago’s medical landscape. Investigators study how genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors contribute to heart and vascular disease. Improved imaging technologies allow for earlier detection and more precise monitoring. Researchers are developing minimally invasive surgical procedures and advanced devices, including next-generation stents and heart-assist technologies, aimed at shortening recovery time and improving long-term patient outcomes.

Neuroscience is another rapidly expanding field. Laboratories across the city are examining Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and mental health disorders. Brain imaging tools enable researchers to track neurological changes over time and evaluate how therapies may slow disease progression. Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to analyze complex neurological data, helping scientists identify patterns that could support earlier diagnosis or new treatment approaches.

Public health research remains critical in a large and diverse urban center. Chicago-based researchers study how housing, education, income, and other social determinants influence health outcomes. Urban health studies inform programs designed to reduce disease risk and improve access to care. Through partnerships with community organizations, institutions address chronic illness, maternal health, and preventive services, with a focus on reducing disparities and promoting long-term wellness.

Technological innovation continues to shape the future of healthcare in the city. Biomedical engineers are designing wearable health monitors, robotic surgical systems, and advanced prosthetics. Digital health platforms allow physicians to monitor patients remotely and respond more quickly to medical changes. Artificial intelligence tools are being tested to assist with diagnosis, treatment planning, and hospital operations, with the potential to increase efficiency and enhance patient safety.

Collaboration across sectors strengthens progress. Universities, hospitals, government agencies, and private companies frequently share data and funding to accelerate discovery. Partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms help transition new treatments from laboratory development to large-scale production. Federal grants and local investment programs provide financial support for long-term scientific initiatives.

Training future healthcare professionals is another pillar of Chicago’s research ecosystem. Medical students, residents, and doctoral candidates gain hands-on experience in both clinical and laboratory settings. Mentorship programs and research fellowships support young investigators pursuing new scientific approaches and innovative solutions.

Despite continued advancement, challenges remain. Medical research requires sustained funding, and economic pressures can slow progress. Ethical considerations surrounding genetic data, artificial intelligence, and experimental therapies require careful oversight. Ensuring equitable access to new treatments, particularly in underserved communities, remains an ongoing priority.

Global health events have also reshaped research priorities, increasing focus on infectious disease preparedness, vaccine development, and rapid diagnostics. Chicago institutions contribute to national and international networks that track disease trends and coordinate emergency response, applying lessons learned from past outbreaks to future planning.

Looking ahead, Chicago’s medical research community is expected to remain a driving force in healthcare innovation. Advances in genetics, biotechnology, and data science could further transform prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Personalized medicine, remote monitoring, and precision surgery are poised to become more integrated into everyday clinical practice.

Through sustained scientific effort, institutional partnership, and community engagement, Chicago continues to expand its contribution to global medicine — demonstrating how research, education, and patient care can intersect to improve human health.

A teenage boy was accidentally shot in a Morgan Park home Sunday, police said.

The boy, 15, was inside a home in the 11400 block of South Vincennes Avenue when someone he knew accidentally fired a gun, striking him in the leg, according to Chicago police.

The boy went to Roseland Hospital, where he was listed in good condition.

The shooter was taken into custody and charges are pending, police said. A gun was recovered at the scene, and detectives are investigating.

MILAN — No miracle needed. The United States is on top of the hockey world for the first time in nearly a half-century.

Jack Hughes scored in overtime and the U.S. defeated Canada 2-1 in the gold medal final at the Milan Cortina Olympics on Sunday to earn the nation’s third men’s title at the Games and its first since the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980 — 46 years to the day of the upset over the Soviet Union, too.

Unlike that ragtag group of college kids that pulled off one of the biggest shockers in sports history, the Americans in Milan were a machine that rode goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and a stacked roster full of NHL players through the tournament unbeaten.

“This is all about our country right now,” Hughes said. “I love the U.S.A. I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable. The USA Hockey brotherhood is so strong.”

Hughes’ goal off the rush off a pass from Zach Werenski 1:41 into 3-on-3 OT sent players into a wild celebration as Canada’s entire team watched from the bench. Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk carried a Johnny Gaudreau No. 13 around the ice as the latest tribute to the beloved player who was killed along with his brother in 2024.

Gaudreau’s parents, Guy and Jay, his widow, Meredith, and their oldest children were in attendance. It was John Jr.’s second birthday.

Hellebuyck was by far the best player on the ice, stopping 41 of the 42 shots he faced as Canada tilted the ice toward him. He made the save of the tournament by getting his stick on the puck on a shot from Devon Toews in the third period, then minutes later denied Macklin Celebrini on a breakaway — something he also did to Connor McDavid earlier.

“Unbelievable game by Hellebuyck,” Hughes said. “He was our best player by a mile.”

It was only fitting the Americans needed to go through Canada, their northern neighbor that beat them at the 4 Nations Face-Off a year ago and has won every international competition over the past 16 years that featured the world’s best players.

Not anymore.

Winning a fast-paced, riveting game that was full of big hits and plenty of post-whistle altercations, the U.S. got a goal from Matt Boldy 6 minutes in and led until Cale Makar tied it late in the second period. Hellebuyck and the penalty kill was a perfect 18 for 18 at the Olympics.

“I can’t even believe this,” Hughes said. “I mean it’s such an unbelievable game, USA-Canada. Such a good game. There’s so many great players. We’re a great team. That’s exactly how we wanted it to go. We’re underdogs to Canada, (but we) beat them. It could have gone either way.”

The U.S. finally came through after generations of churning out talent from the grassroots level like a production line. All but two of the 25 players on the team went through USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program.

That group of 23 includes captain Auston Matthews, the top line of Brady and Matthew Tkachuk and Jack Eichel, and the second set of brothers, Jack and Quinn Hughes. Much of the team played together either at the program, under-18s, the world junior championship or some combination of them.

The U.S. winning silenced criticism of general manager Bill Guerin and his management group choosing a roster full of experienced veteran players to fill specific roles and leaving four of the top 10 American goal-scorers in the NHL this season at home. Some decisions were no-doubters, like coach Mike Sullivan giving the net to Hellebuyck, who was the best goalie in the tournament.

Canada, back-to-back Olympic champions in 2010 and ’14 and winners of three of the first five, fell short while playing without injured captain Sidney Crosby. The 38-year-old two-time gold medalist and three-time Stanley Cup champion left the quarterfinal game against Czechia and sat out the semifinal game against Finland.

McDavid, the widely considered best player in the world who wore the “C” in Crosby’s absence, suffered another devastating defeat on the doorstep of a title. He and the Edmonton Oilers have lost to Matthew Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final each of the past two years.

February 22, 2026 | Sloan Park, Mesa, AZ | 2:05 PM CT | MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network

After a disappointing 78–84 season, the Chicago Cubs are back in Arizona with a revamped roster and renewed hope. Tyler Glasnow gives us the ace we’ve been missing. Jackson Merrill should finally lock down shortstop. And Pete Crow-Armstrong is ready to prove he’s an everyday center fielder.

Today we face the San Francisco Giants (74–88 last year), who are also trying to figure things out after missing the playoffs. Logan Webb is still elite, but they’re in transition mode with prospects like Kyle Harrison, Marco Luciano, and Luis Matos fighting for bigger roles.

This is exactly the kind of spring training game that matters. Two teams with talent trying to establish an identity. Two rosters full of young guys auditioning for the regular season. And for Cubs fans who sat through another sub-.500 year, it’s our first real look at whether the offseason moves actually matter.

Where the Cubs Stand After Another Lost Season

2025 Record: 78–84

Last year was frustrating. We were supposed to take a step forward, and instead we took a step sideways. The pitching was inconsistent. The offense disappeared for weeks at a time. And by September, we were playing out the string while watching other teams fight for playoff spots.

But the front office made moves. Tyler Glasnow was brought in to be our ace—elite velocity, swing-and-miss stuff, and championship experience. Jackson Merrill arrives to finally solve our shortstop problem. And guys like Cade Horton and Matt Shaw are knocking on the door, ready to contribute.

Pete Crow-Armstrong showed flashes last year, but he needs to prove he can hit consistently and be the center fielder of the future. If he takes that next step, everything changes.

Today, Glasnow gets the start. This is our first chance to see him in a Cubs uniform, even if it’s just spring training. If he can dominate for 3-4 innings and show he’s healthy, it sets the tone for the entire pitching staff.

The San Francisco Giants: Also Trying to Figure It Out

2025 Record: 74–88

The Giants were bad last year. Like us, they finished well below .500 and missed the playoffs. But they’ve got pieces. Logan Webb is one of the best pitchers in the National League. Kyle Harrison has frontline starter potential. And prospects like Marco Luciano and Luis Matos could break out.

Thairo Estrada provides infield versatility. Michael Conforto gives them a veteran bat. But this is a team in transition, trying to blend experienced guys with young talent and hoping it clicks.

Sound familiar? That’s basically where we are too.

The difference is we made bigger moves this offseason. Glasnow is a bigger addition than anyone they brought in. Merrill is a more established talent than Luciano (for now). And our farm system—finally—looks like it might actually produce impact players.

Position-by-Position Breakdown

Position	Cubs	Giants
Starting Pitcher	Tyler Glasnow	Logan Webb
Shortstop	Jackson Merrill	Marco Luciano
Center Field	Pete Crow-Armstrong	Luis Matos

Tyler Glasnow vs Logan Webb on the Mound
This is the headliner. Glasnow throws mid-to-high 90s with elite breaking stuff. Webb has pinpoint command and induces weak contact. Both are established aces. Whoever dominates today sets the tone for their team’s spring.

Jackson Merrill vs Marco Luciano at Shortstop
Merrill is the more polished player right now—slick defender, consistent bat. Luciano has higher upside—elite raw talent, just needs to put it together. This is a fun measuring-stick game for both.

Pete Crow-Armstrong vs Luis Matos in Center
Both are toolsy young outfielders trying to prove they’re everyday players. Crow-Armstrong has the slight edge in experience, but Matos is talented. Whoever has a better spring could establish themselves as the guy.

What the Cubs Need to See Today

Tyler Glasnow Dominates
Three or four innings of pure filth. Mid-90s fastballs painting corners. Sliders that make hitters look silly. No command issues, no injury concerns. Just show Cubs fans that we finally have a legitimate ace.

Jackson Merrill Looks the Part
A couple of quality at-bats—maybe a line drive double, maybe a smooth opposite-field single. And defensively, make the routine plays look easy. We’ve been searching for a shortstop solution for years. Show us you’re the answer.

Pete Crow-Armstrong Takes the Next Step
PCA needs to hit. The defense and speed are there, but if he can’t consistently make contact and get on base, he’s a defensive replacement instead of an everyday player. A couple of hard-hit balls today would build confidence.

Cade Horton and Matt Shaw Make Statements
Both guys could contribute this season if they’re ready. Horton needs to show his stuff translates against major league hitters. Shaw needs to prove his bat is ready for the show. Spring training is their audition.

Clean Defense
No mental mistakes. No botched double plays. No routine fly balls that turn into adventures. Execute fundamentals and look like a team that’s ready for Opening Day.

What the Giants Will Bring

Logan Webb will probably deal for 3-4 innings. He’s one of the best pitchers in baseball, and even in spring training, he’s tough to hit. Kyle Harrison might get some innings behind him—big lefty with strikeout stuff.

Marco Luciano and Luis Matos will be motivated. They’re fighting for everyday roles, and a strong spring could lock them into starting spots. Expect maximum effort from guys who have something to prove.

The Giants are also rebuilding, but they’re a well-coached organization that plays fundamentally sound baseball. If we’re sloppy and they’re crisp, we’ll lose even with better talent.

The Cubs’ Offseason Moves Are Being Tested

This spring is all about one question: Did the front office actually improve the roster?

Tyler Glasnow should be an upgrade over what we had last year. Jackson Merrill should solve shortstop. The farm system prospects should be closer to contributing. But we need to see it on the field.

If Glasnow dominates, Merrill looks smooth, and Crow-Armstrong shows growth, then yeah—we’re better than last year’s 78-win team. If Glasnow struggles, Merrill looks lost, and PCA still can’t hit, then we’re in trouble.

Spring training games don’t count, but they reveal a lot. How guys handle their first at-bats. How pitchers command their stuff. How defenses communicate. All of that matters when you’re trying to establish an identity.

Cubs Fan Prediction: Tight Game, We Pull It Out

Final Score: Cubs 5, Giants 4

Tyler Glasnow throws four scoreless innings, showcasing that elite fastball and making Giants hitters look overmatched. Logan Webb matches him, keeping it scoreless early.

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

The Giants fight back—Marco Luciano launches one, Luis Matos shows his speed—but our bullpen (led by guys auditioning for roster spots) executes in the late innings and we hold on.

It’s close, it’s competitive, and it gives Cubs fans something to feel good about heading into the regular season.

Why This Game Actually Matters

We’re not chasing a spring training championship. We’re chasing answers.

Is Tyler Glasnow healthy and ready to be our ace? Can Jackson Merrill be the franchise shortstop we’ve been searching for? Will Pete Crow-Armstrong finally put it together? Are Cade Horton and Matt Shaw ready to contribute?

The Giants are asking similar questions about their young guys. Whoever gets better answers this spring has a better shot at competing in 2026.

Last year, we finished 78–84 and watched the playoffs from home. That can’t happen again. The fanbase is restless. The expectations are higher after the Glasnow signing. And spring training is where we start proving that 2026 will be different.

Go Cubs Go. Let’s build something.