March 21, 2026 | Sloan Park, Mesa, AZ | 8:05 PM CT | MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network
The Chicago Cubs host the Seattle Mariners at Sloan Park today, and this is one of our final spring training games before Opening Day. We went 78–84 last year. They went 85–77 and made the Wild Card. That seven-game gap is what we’re trying to close.
The Mariners have Julio Rodríguez—one of the most exciting young superstars in baseball. Logan Gilbert and George Kirby anchor an elite rotation. 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. Opening Day is approaching, and today’s another chance to show we’re ready.
For Cubs fans, this is our final chance to see how our young core stacks up against a team that made the playoffs last year.
Where the Cubs Stand With Opening Day Approaching
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
Opening Day is just around the corner. Today’s another test against a playoff team to show we’re ready for the regular season.
The Seattle Mariners: Playoff Team Built Right
2025 Record: 85–77 (Wild Card)
Seattle made the playoffs behind elite pitching and Julio Rodríguez’s superstar talent. Logan Gilbert and George Kirby are both quality starters. They develop pitching better than almost anyone and play fundamentally sound baseball.
Key Players:
- Julio Rodríguez (CF): Five-tool superstar, 30-30 potential, franchise cornerstone
- Logan Gilbert (RHP): Quality starter with consistency, gets the start today
- George Kirby (RHP): Elite starter with pinpoint command
Top Prospects:
- Harry Ford (C): Catching prospect with upside
- Cole Young (INF): Versatile infielder trying to establish himself
- Bryce Miller (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.
The Matchups That Matter Today
| Position | Cubs | Mariners |
|---|---|---|
| Shortstop | Jackson Merrill | Cole Young |
| Center Field | Pete Crow-Armstrong | Julio Rodríguez |
| Starting Pitcher | Tyler Glasnow | Logan Gilbert |
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
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, but PCA’s trajectory is encouraging.
Tyler Glasnow vs Logan Gilbert on the Mound
Both are quality starters. Glasnow has more velocity and strikeout ability. Gilbert has consistency and durability. This should be a quality pitching matchup.
What the Cubs Need to See Today
Tyler Glasnow Finishes Spring Strong
Glasnow’s been excellent all spring. One more quality performance against a playoff team’s lineup sends him into Opening Day with maximum confidence.
Jackson Merrill Ends Spring on a High Note
Merrill’s had a solid spring. One final quality performance against playoff-caliber competition sends him to Chicago ready for Opening Day.
Pete Crow-Armstrong Shows He’s Ready
PCA’s defense is elite. Against a playoff team with Julio Rodríguez in center, keep showing the bat is catching up and he’s ready for the regular season.
Young Guys Finish Strong
Horton, Shaw, and Alcántara should all look good in the final spring games. Head into Opening Day with confidence.
Show We’re Ready to Compete
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. Logan Gilbert will challenge our hitters with consistency and quality stuff. They’ll play fundamentally sound baseball.
The Mariners’ playoff experience and organizational excellence will test us one final time before the real games start.
Cubs Fan Prediction: Close Game, Could Go Either Way
Final Score: Cubs 5, Mariners 4
Tyler Glasnow throws four scoreless innings with eight strikeouts, finishing spring perfectly. Logan Gilbert matches him with quality pitching.
Jackson Merrill goes 2-for-3 with a double and ends spring hot. Pete Crow-Armstrong makes an incredible catch and legs out two infield singles. Matt Shaw drives in the go-ahead run.
Julio Rodríguez crushes a homer because he’s a superstar. But our depth and Glasnow’s dominance give us a one-run win at home.
We finish spring strong and head to Chicago ready for Opening Day.
Why This Final Spring Game Matters
Opening Day is almost here. This is our last chance to fine-tune things before the games count for real.
Can Tyler Glasnow finish spring perfectly? Will Jackson Merrill head to Chicago hot? Can our young core show they’re ready to compete with playoff teams?
The Mariners made the playoffs. We didn’t. That seven-game gap is what we’re trying to close in 2026.
Spring training has shown we’re improving. Now it’s time to prove it when the games actually count.
Go Cubs Go!!!
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