March 17, 2026 | Sloan Park, Mesa, AZ | 8:05 PM CT | MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network
The Chicago Cubs host the Los Angeles Angels at Sloan Park tonight, and we’re getting closer to Opening Day. We went 78–84 last year. They went 70–92. Both teams finished well below .500 and are trying to prove 2026 will be different.
The Angels have Mike Trout—one of the greatest players ever, stuck on a team that can’t win. Logan O’Hoppe is developing behind the plate. Reid Detmers has solid stuff on the mound. But they’ve wasted Trout’s entire prime with organizational incompetence.
We have Tyler Glasnow, Jackson Merrill, and Pete Crow-Armstrong—our new core trying to prove we’re ready for the regular season. We’ve still got more spring games ahead, but Opening Day is approaching.
For Cubs fans, this is our chance to beat a team we should beat comfortably. The Angels lost 92 games last year. We should handle them.
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
Opening Day is approaching, but we’ve still got more spring games to fine-tune things. Tonight’s another chance against a weaker opponent.
The Los Angeles Angels: Wasting Mike Trout’s Career
2025 Record: 70–92
The Angels lost 92 games last year. They have Mike Trout—arguably the best player of his generation—and they’ve completely wasted his prime. It’s organizational malpractice.
Key Players:
- Mike Trout (CF): Future Hall of Famer, one of the greatest ever, stuck on a terrible team
- Logan O’Hoppe (C): Young catcher developing offensive skills
- Reid Detmers (LHP): Left-handed starter with decent stuff
Top Prospects:
- Nolan Schanuel (1B): First baseman trying to establish himself
- Kyren Paris (INF): Versatile infielder in the system
- Ben Joyce (RHP): Hard-throwing reliever with electric arm
The Angels are stuck in purgatory—not bad enough to fully rebuild, not good enough to compete, wasting Trout’s Hall of Fame career.
The Matchups That Matter Tonight
| Position | Cubs | Angels |
|---|---|---|
| Shortstop | Jackson Merrill | Kyren Paris |
| Center Field | Pete Crow-Armstrong | Mike Trout |
| Starting Pitcher | Tyler Glasnow | Reid Detmers |
Jackson Merrill vs Kyren Paris at Shortstop
Merrill is our franchise shortstop who’s had a strong spring. Paris is a developmental infielder. Merrill should dominate this matchup.
Pete Crow-Armstrong vs Mike Trout in Center Field
When both are right, Trout is one of the greatest ever. But PCA’s on the rise and Trout’s prime is behind him. PCA has the higher trajectory right now.
Tyler Glasnow vs Reid Detmers on the Mound
Glasnow is the elite ace with strikeout stuff. Detmers is a solid lefty. Glasnow should dominate a weaker Angels lineup.
What the Cubs Need to See Tonight
Tyler Glasnow Continues His Dominant Spring
Glasnow’s been excellent all spring. Against the Angels’ lineup, he should cruise. Three or four scoreless innings keeps the momentum going.
Jackson Merrill Keeps Building
Merrill’s had a solid spring. Against weaker competition, keep building confidence and momentum with more spring games ahead.
Pete Crow-Armstrong Keeps Showing Growth
PCA’s defense is elite. Keep showing the bat is catching up. Hard contact, aggressive baserunning, smart approaches.
Young Guys Keep Impressing
Horton, Shaw, and Alcántara should all look good against the Angels. Keep building confidence with more games ahead.
Win Comfortably
The Angels lost 92 games. We should beat them by multiple runs. Build good habits for the games ahead.
What Los Angeles Will Bring
Mike Trout will probably do something incredible because he’s Mike Trout. Logan O’Hoppe might get his hits. Reid Detmers will challenge our hitters with left-handed breaking stuff.
But the Angels are one of the worst teams in baseball, and it’ll show. We’re the better team.
Cubs Fan Prediction: Comfortable Win
Final Score: Cubs 6, Angels 4
Tyler Glasnow throws four scoreless innings, continuing his dominant spring. Reid Detmers battles but gives up four runs.
Jackson Merrill goes 2-for-3 with a double and keeps his strong spring going. Pete Crow-Armstrong makes a highlight catch, steals a base, and goes 2-for-3.
Mike Trout crushes a solo homer because he’s still Mike Trout. Nolan Schanuel adds one. But our depth and talent overwhelm them.
Two-run win. We’re the better team, and it shows.
Why This Game Matters
We’ve still got spring games left, but Opening Day is getting closer. And we need to keep building momentum against teams we should beat.
The Angels lost 92 games. We should dominate them. Continue showing we’re ready for the regular season.
Can Tyler Glasnow keep his dominant spring going? Will Jackson Merrill keep building confidence? Can our young core keep showing they’re ready?
The Angels represent organizational failure—wasting a generational talent like Mike Trout. We’re trying to build something sustainable with Glasnow, Merrill, and our young core.
Go Cubs Go!!!
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