March 18, 2026 | Sloan Park, Mesa, AZ | 3:05 PM CT | MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network
The Chicago Cubs host the Arizona Diamondbacks at Sloan Park today, and this is another quality test. They went 82–80 last year and just missed the playoffs. We went 78–84 and also missed. That four-game gap is what we’re trying to close.
The Diamondbacks have Corbin Carroll—one of the most dynamic young stars in baseball. Zac Gallen is a legit ace. Ketel Marte provides veteran leadership. They’re young, exciting, and built for sustained success.
We have Tyler Glasnow, Jackson Merrill, and Pete Crow-Armstrong—our new core trying to prove we can compete with playoff-caliber teams. We’ve still got spring games left, but Opening Day is approaching.
For Cubs fans, this is another measuring-stick game. Can we hang with a team that’s knocking on the playoff door?
Where the Cubs Stand As Spring Continues
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
We’ve still got more spring games to fine-tune things. Today’s another chance against quality competition.
The Arizona Diamondbacks: Young and Dangerous
2025 Record: 82–80
Arizona finished two games over .500 and just missed the playoffs. Corbin Carroll is a superstar—speed, power, defense, baserunning. Zac Gallen is one of the best pitchers in the National League. Ketel Marte provides veteran production.
Key Players:
- Corbin Carroll (OF): Dynamic superstar with 30-30 potential, elite defense
- Zac Gallen (RHP): Ace-level starter with elite command, gets the start today
- Ketel Marte (INF): Veteran All-Star who does everything well
Top Prospects:
- Jordan Lawlar (SS): Top shortstop prospect still developing
- Druw Jones (OF): Elite defensive center fielder with Hall of Fame lineage
- Brandon Pfaadt (RHP): Developing starter with upside
The Diamondbacks are what we’re trying to become—young, exciting, knocking on the playoff door. They developed Carroll into a superstar. We’re hoping Merrill and Crow-Armstrong become our versions of that.
The Matchups That Matter Today
| Position | Cubs | Diamondbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Shortstop | Jackson Merrill | Jordan Lawlar |
| Center Field | Pete Crow-Armstrong | Corbin Carroll |
| Starting Pitcher | Tyler Glasnow | Zac Gallen |
Jackson Merrill vs Jordan Lawlar at Shortstop
Both are top shortstop prospects. Merrill looks more ready right now. Lawlar has been hyped for years but hasn’t put it all together yet. This is a good comparison for both.
Pete Crow-Armstrong vs Corbin Carroll in Center Field
This is the matchup everyone wants to see. Carroll is already a superstar—30-30 guy with elite defense. Crow-Armstrong is trying to become our version of that. The gap is massive, but PCA’s trajectory is encouraging.
Tyler Glasnow vs Zac Gallen on the Mound
Both are elite starters. Gallen has pinpoint command and consistency. Glasnow has more velocity and strikeout ability. This should be the best pitching matchup of our spring.
What the Cubs Need to See Today
Tyler Glasnow Competes With Zac Gallen
Two elite starters. Glasnow’s been dominant all spring. Against Gallen and the Diamondbacks’ lineup, three or four quality innings would continue his strong spring.
Jackson Merrill Keeps Building
Merrill’s had a solid spring. Against Lawlar and quality competition, keep building momentum with more spring games ahead.
Pete Crow-Armstrong Shows He’s Closing the Gap
PCA will never out-hit Carroll right now—Carroll’s already a superstar. But he can show he’s on the right developmental path. Elite defense, aggressive baserunning, smart at-bats.
Young Guys Keep Impressing
Horton, Shaw, and Alcántara should all look good. Keep building confidence against playoff-caliber competition.
Compete With a Playoff-Caliber Team
Arizona just missed the playoffs. If we can hang with them, it shows we’re progressing.
What Arizona Will Bring
Corbin Carroll will do something electric—stolen base, diving catch, maybe a homer. Zac Gallen will challenge our hitters with elite command and deceptive stuff. Ketel Marte will work professional at-bats.
The Diamondbacks’ young talent and playoff experience will test us. They know how to compete, and it’ll show.
Cubs Fan Prediction: Close Game, Slight Edge to Arizona
Final Score: Diamondbacks 6, Cubs 4
Tyler Glasnow throws four solid innings with seven strikeouts, competing well with Zac Gallen. Gallen matches him with elite command and pinpoint pitching.
Jackson Merrill goes 2-for-3 with a double and keeps his strong spring going. Pete Crow-Armstrong makes an incredible catch and legs out an infield single.
But Corbin Carroll does what superstars do—crushes a two-run homer, steals two bases, makes a ridiculous catch. The Diamondbacks’ depth and star power take over late.
We compete. We show we’re improving. But they’re the playoff-caliber team, and it shows.
Why This Game Matters
We’ve still got spring games left, but Opening Day is getting closer. Games like this against playoff-caliber teams show whether we’re ready.
Can Tyler Glasnow compete with Zac Gallen? Will Jackson Merrill keep progressing? Can Pete Crow-Armstrong show he’s becoming a complete player?
The Diamondbacks represent what we’re trying to become—young, exciting, playoff-caliber team. They developed Corbin Carroll. We need to do the same with Merrill and Crow-Armstrong.
Both teams finished around .500 last year. Both are trying to take the next step in 2026.
Go Cubs Go!!!
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