March 12, 2026 | Sloan Park, Mesa, AZ | 2:05 PM CT | MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network
The Chicago Cubs host the Seattle Mariners at Sloan Park today, and this is another tough test. They went 89–73 and made the Wild Card last year. We went 78–84 and watched from home. That 11-game gap is what we’re trying to close.
The Mariners have Julio Rodríguez—one of the most exciting young superstars in baseball. George Kirby is a legit ace. Cal Raleigh provides power behind the plate. They’re a playoff team with homegrown talent and sustainable success.
We have Tyler Glasnow, Jackson Merrill, and Pete Crow-Armstrong—our new core trying to prove we can compete with playoff-caliber teams.
For Cubs fans, this is another measuring-stick game. Can we hang with a team that made the playoffs? Will our young core show they’re ready to compete at that level?
Where the Cubs Stand With Opening Day Approaching
2025 Record: 78–84
Another disappointing season. Another year watching other teams play in October. 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 been dominant 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
Spring training is almost over. Today’s another chance to compete with a playoff team before Opening Day.
The Seattle Mariners: Playoff Team Built the Right Way
2025 Record: 89–73 (Wild Card)
Seattle made the playoffs behind elite pitching and Julio Rodríguez’s superstar talent. George Kirby is one of the best young pitchers in the American League. Cal Raleigh provides power and leadership behind the plate.
Key Players:
- Julio Rodríguez (CF): Five-tool superstar, 30-30 potential, franchise cornerstone
- Cal Raleigh (C): Power-hitting catcher who anchors the lineup
- George Kirby (RHP): Elite starter with strikeout stuff, gets the start today
Top Prospects:
- Harry Ford (C): Catching prospect with upside
- Cole Young (SS): Versatile infielder trying to establish himself
- Emerson Hancock (RHP): Pitching prospect pushing for rotation spot
The Mariners are what we’re trying to become—playoff team with homegrown stars, elite pitching, and sustainable success. They developed Julio. We’re hoping Merrill and Crow-Armstrong become our versions of that.
The Matchups That Matter Today
| Position | Cubs | Mariners |
|---|---|---|
| Shortstop | Jackson Merrill | Cole Young |
| Center Field | Pete Crow-Armstrong | Julio Rodríguez |
| Starting Pitcher | Tyler Glasnow | George Kirby |
Jackson Merrill vs Cole Young at Shortstop
Both are young shortstops with upside. Merrill is more advanced and has higher offensive ceiling. Young is versatile and solid. Merrill should have the edge.
Pete Crow-Armstrong vs Julio Rodríguez in Center Field
This is the comparison everyone wants to see. Julio is already a superstar—30-30 guy with elite everything. Crow-Armstrong is trying to become our version of that. The gap is massive right now, but PCA’s trajectory is encouraging.
Tyler Glasnow vs George Kirby on the Mound
Both are elite starters with ace-level stuff. Glasnow has more velocity and strikeout ability. Kirby has pinpoint command and consistency. This should be the best pitching matchup of our spring.
What the Cubs Need to See Today
Tyler Glasnow Dominates a Playoff Lineup
Glasnow’s been excellent all spring. Today, against a Mariners lineup that made the playoffs, he needs another dominant performance. Three or four scoreless innings with strikeouts would cap off a perfect spring.
Jackson Merrill Keeps Building Confidence
Merrill’s had a solid spring. Against playoff-caliber competition with Kirby on the mound, another quality performance builds momentum toward Opening Day.
Pete Crow-Armstrong Competes With Julio Rodríguez
PCA will never out-hit Julio right now—Julio’s already a superstar. But he can show he’s on the right developmental path. Elite defense, aggressive baserunning, smart at-bats.
Young Guys Finish Strong
Horton, Shaw, and Alcántara should all look good. Spring training is almost over—one final strong showing before Opening Day.
Compete With a Playoff Team
Seattle made the playoffs. We didn’t. If we can compete with them today, it shows we’re closing the gap.
What Seattle Will Bring
Julio Rodríguez will do something spectacular—elite speed, power, defense, everything. George Kirby will challenge our hitters with elite command and quality stuff. Cal Raleigh might crush one because that’s what he does.
The Mariners’ playoff experience and organizational excellence will test us. They know how to win, and it’ll show.
Cubs Fan Prediction: Close Game, Slight Edge to Seattle
Final Score: Mariners 6, Cubs 4
Tyler Glasnow throws four scoreless innings with seven strikeouts, showing he can dominate playoff-caliber lineups. George Kirby matches him with elite command and pinpoint pitching.
Jackson Merrill goes 2-for-3 with a double and looks ready for Opening Day. Pete Crow-Armstrong makes an incredible catch and legs out an infield single.
But Julio Rodríguez does what superstars do—crushes a two-run homer, steals two bases, makes a ridiculous catch. The Mariners’ playoff experience and depth take over late, and they edge us by two.
We compete. We show we’re close. But they’re the playoff team, and it shows in crunch time.
Why This Game Matters
Spring training is almost over. Opening Day is coming. And this game shows whether we can actually compete with playoff teams.
Can Tyler Glasnow dominate a Mariners lineup that made the postseason? Will Jackson Merrill show he’s ready to be our franchise shortstop? Can Pete Crow-Armstrong prove he’s becoming a complete player?
Seattle represents what we’re trying to become—playoff team with homegrown superstars like Julio Rodríguez. They developed their star. We need to do the same with Merrill and Crow-Armstrong.
Last season, we went 78–84 while Seattle went 89–73 and made the playoffs. That 11-game gap is what we’re trying to erase in 2026.
Go Cubs Go!!!
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