March 7, 2026 | Sloan Park, Mesa, AZ | 2:05 PM CT | MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network
The Chicago Cubs wrap up spring training today against the Oakland Athletics, and this is exactly the kind of game we should win. They went 59โ103 last yearโone of the worst records in baseball. We went 78โ84 and missed the playoffs. Neither team was good, but weโre clearly further along.
The Aโs are deep in a painful rebuild. Weโre trying to take the next step with Tyler Glasnow, Jackson Merrill, and Pete Crow-Armstrong. They have Mason Miller throwing 102 mph and a bunch of prospects hoping to develop. We have an established core trying to prove weโre ready to compete.
For Cubs fans, this is the final spring training game before Opening Day. Can we finish strong against an inferior opponent? Will our young guys show theyโre ready? Or do we stumble against a team we should beat comfortably?
Where the Cubs Stand Heading Into Opening Day
2025 Record: 78โ84
Weโve talked about last season all springโ78โ84, another missed playoff run, too many close games that slipped away. The front office responded by signing Tyler Glasnow and acquiring Jackson Merrill.
Spring training has been productive. Now we need one final strong performance before the games start counting.
Key Players:
- Tyler Glasnow (SP): Elite strikeout pitcher whoโs 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 whoโs impressed
- Kevin Alcรกntara (OF): Toolsy outfielder still developing
Todayโs the last game before Opening Day. Finish strong. Head to Chicago with momentum. Show weโre ready for the real thing.
The Oakland Athletics: One of Baseballโs Worst Teams
2025 Record: 59โ103
Oakland lost 103 games last yearโone of the worst records in baseball. Theyโre rebuilding, stockpiling prospects, and hoping young talent develops into major leaguers. Sound familiar? Thatโs where we were a few years ago.
Key Players:
- Zack Gelof (INF): Young infielder with offensive potential
- Shea Langeliers (C): Defensive-minded catcher
- Mason Miller (RHP): Throws 102 mph with elite strikeout stuff
Top Prospects:
- Tyler Soderstrom (C/1B): Bat-first prospect with power
- Jacob Wilson (SS): Young shortstop still developing
- Henry Bolte (OF): Athletic outfielder with tools
The Aโs are years away from competing. We should beat them comfortably if we execute.
The Matchups That Matter Today
| Position | Cubs | Athletics |
|---|---|---|
| Shortstop | Jackson Merrill | Jacob Wilson |
| Center Field | Pete Crow-Armstrong | Henry Bolte |
| Starting Pitcher | Tyler Glasnow | Mason Miller |
Jackson Merrill vs Jacob Wilson at Shortstop
Merrill is our established franchise shortstop. Wilson is a young prospect still trying to prove he belongs. The talent gap is clearโMerrill should dominate this matchup.
Pete Crow-Armstrong vs Henry Bolte in Center
Crow-Armstrong has elite defense and speed with a developing bat. Bolte is a toolsy prospect still putting it together. PCA is further along and should show it today.
Tyler Glasnow vs Mason Miller on the Mound
Both throw gas with elite strikeout stuff. Glasnow has more experience and command. Miller has raw velocity but less refinement. Glasnow should dominate a weaker Aโs lineup.
What the Cubs Need to See Today
Tyler Glasnow Finishes Spring Perfectly
Glasnowโs been dominant all spring. Today, one final strong performance against Oakland sends him into Opening Day with maximum confidence. Three or four scoreless innings with strikeouts. Cap off a perfect spring.
Jackson Merrill Ends Spring on a High Note
Merrillโs been solid all spring. Today, against weaker competition, he should dominate. Go 3-for-4, make smooth defensive plays, and head to Chicago feeling great about Opening Day.
Pete Crow-Armstrong Shows Heโs Ready
PCAโs had a strong spring offensively. One more quality performance todayโhard contact, aggressive baserunning, elite defenseโand he heads into the season with confidence.
Young Guys Finish Strong
Horton, Shaw, and Alcรกntara should all look good against Oaklandโs inferior competition. Final strong showings solidify roster spots and build confidence.
Win Comfortably
Oakland lost 103 games last year. We should beat them by multiple runs. Anything less would be concerning heading into Opening Day.
What Oakland Will Bring
Mason Miller will pump 102 mph fastballs and challenge our hitters. Zack Gelof might get a couple hits. But the Aโs are one of the worst teams in baseball, and itโll show.
Theyโre rebuilding and hoping prospects develop. Weโre trying to compete for playoffs. The talent gap is massive.
Cubs Fan Prediction: Comfortable Win to End Spring
Final Score: Cubs 6, Athletics 3
Tyler Glasnow throws four scoreless innings with eight strikeouts, dominating one final time before Opening Day. Mason Miller shows flashes of his 102 mph heat but gives up three runs.
Jackson Merrill goes 3-for-4 with two doubles and finishes spring training hot. Pete Crow-Armstrong makes a highlight-reel catch, steals two bases, and goes 2-for-3.
The Aโs show some fightโTyler Soderstrom crushes a solo homerโbut our depth and talent overwhelm them. We cruise to a comfortable three-run win.
Itโs not close. Weโre the better team, and it shows from start to finish.
Why This Final Spring Game Matters
Spring training is over after today. The losses start counting for real. And we need to finish strong before Opening Day.
Can Tyler Glasnow cap off a perfect spring? Will Jackson Merrill head to Chicago hot? Can our young core show theyโre ready for the regular season?
Oakland is one of the worst teams in baseball. If we canโt beat them comfortably, thatโs a red flag. But if we dominate like we should, we head into Opening Day with confidence and momentum.
Last season, 78โ84 wasnโt good enough. Cubs fans are tired of missing the playoffs. We want to compete. And spring training has shown weโre moving in the right direction.
Now itโs time to prove it when the games actually count.
Go Cubs Go!!! Finish spring strong and get ready for Opening Day.
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