March 15, 2026 | Camelback Ranch, Glendale, AZ | 2:05 PM CT | MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network
The Chicago Cubs face the Los Angeles Dodgers in spring training today, and this is the ultimate test. They won 94 games and the NL West last year. We went 78–84 and missed the playoffs. That sixteen-game gap is what we’re trying to close.
The Dodgers have Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman—two of the best players in baseball. Walker Buehler is a proven ace. They’re deep, talented, and always competing for championships. They’re everything we’re trying to become.
We have Tyler Glasnow, Jackson Merrill, and Pete Crow-Armstrong—our new core trying to prove we can compete with the elite teams. This is the measuring stick game.
For Cubs fans, this is our chance to see whether our young core can hang with a team that wins 94+ games every year. Can we compete with the Dodgers? Or are we still years away?
Where the Cubs Stand With Spring Winding Down
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, but today we face real championship competition.
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
- Kevin Alcántara (OF): Toolsy outfielder still developing
Today’s our chance to compete with a championship-caliber team. The Dodgers won 94 games. Can we show we’re closing the gap?
The Los Angeles Dodgers: Perennial Powerhouse
2025 Record: 94–68 (NL West Champions)
The Dodgers won 94 games and the NL West. They’re always in the World Series conversation. Mookie Betts does everything at an elite level. Freddie Freeman is a consistent MVP candidate. Walker Buehler is healthy and dominant.
Key Players:
- Mookie Betts (SS/Utility): Former MVP, does everything at an elite level
- Freddie Freeman (1B): Consistent MVP candidate, elite hitter
- Walker Buehler (RHP): Ace-level starter, gets the start today
Top Prospects:
- Dalton Rushing (C): Catching prospect with upside
- Diego Cartaya (C): Another catching prospect in their deep system
- Gavin Stone (RHP): Pitching prospect developing
The Dodgers are what championship organizations look like. They win every year. They develop talent. They spend wisely. We’re trying to get there.
The Matchups That Define This Game
| Position | Cubs | Dodgers |
|---|---|---|
| Shortstop | Jackson Merrill | Mookie Betts |
| Center Field | Pete Crow-Armstrong | James Outman |
| Starting Pitcher | Tyler Glasnow | Walker Buehler |
Jackson Merrill vs Mookie Betts
Merrill is our franchise shortstop trying to establish himself. Betts is a former MVP and one of the best players alive. The talent gap is massive, but Merrill can show he’s on the right developmental path.
Pete Crow-Armstrong vs James Outman in Center
Crow-Armstrong has elite defense and speed. Outman is solid and productive for a championship team. PCA has the higher upside, but Outman’s the more proven player right now.
Tyler Glasnow vs Walker Buehler on the Mound
Both are elite starters when healthy. Glasnow has more strikeout ability. Buehler has more playoff success. This should be the best pitching matchup of our spring.
What the Cubs Need to See Today
Tyler Glasnow Competes With Walker Buehler
Glasnow’s been excellent all spring. Against a Dodgers lineup that won 94 games, he needs to show he can dominate championship-caliber competition. Three or four scoreless innings would be a statement.
Jackson Merrill Shows He Belongs
Against Buehler and the Dodgers’ pitching, Merrill needs to show he can compete at this level. Quality at-bats matter more than results against elite competition.
Pete Crow-Armstrong Keeps Showing Growth
PCA’s defense is already elite. Against a championship team that executes everything well, he needs to keep showing the bat is catching up.
Young Guys Compete With the Best
Horton, Shaw, and Alcántara should all look good. Competing against a 94-win team shows where you are in your development.
Show We’re Closing the Gap
The Dodgers won 94 games. We won 78. That sixteen-game gap is what we’re trying to close. If we can compete today, it shows we’re moving in the right direction.
What Los Angeles Will Bring
Mookie Betts will do something spectacular because he’s an MVP. Freddie Freeman will work professional at-bats. Walker Buehler will challenge our hitters with elite stuff and command.
The Dodgers’ championship experience and organizational excellence will be on full display. They’re everything we aspire to be.
Cubs Fan Prediction: Competitive Game, Slight Edge to LA
Final Score: Dodgers 6, Cubs 4
Tyler Glasnow throws four solid innings with six strikeouts, showing he can compete with championship lineups. Walker Buehler matches him with elite command and quality stuff.
Jackson Merrill goes 2-for-3 with a double and looks ready for Opening Day. Pete Crow-Armstrong makes a highlight-reel catch and legs out an infield single.
But Mookie Betts goes 3-for-4 with a homer and reminds everyone why he’s one of the best. Freddie Freeman adds clutch hits. The Dodgers’ championship depth takes over late.
We compete. We show we’re improving. But they’re the 94-win team, and it shows in crunch time.
Why This Game Matters
The Dodgers won 94 games and the NL West. We won 78 and missed the playoffs. That sixteen-game gap is what we’re trying to close in 2026.
Can Tyler Glasnow dominate a championship lineup? Will Jackson Merrill show he can compete with Mookie Betts? Can our young core prove they’re ready for elite competition?
The Dodgers represent what we’re trying to become—championship-caliber organization that wins 90+ games every year. They do everything right. We’re trying to get there.
Spring training is almost over. Opening Day is approaching. And games like this show how far we still have to go to become championship contenders.
Go Cubs Go!
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