Pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training is what real baseball fans look forward to, especially those of us in the Midwest. This is baseball’s unofficial kickoff and the light at the end of the dark winter tunnel. It signals longer days, warmer weather, and that “next year has arrived” optimism. It is also when front offices start showing their cards, letting fans know whether we are building toward the future or pushing for a World Series run.
For Chicago Cubs and White Sox fans, the 2026 spring feels especially loaded. The Cubs carry real expectations after what felt like a surprising run toward contention, while the White Sox enter the year needing a true rebuild, something even a diehard Cubs fan like myself can understand. I have no doubt the Cubs will be contenders this season, with the usual caveat of health. And with the addition of Alex Bregman and Kevin Wright getting a spring invite, the front office is clearly signaling it wants more than just a postseason appearance.
So let’s dig in. Grab the sunscreen and head out to the Cactus League fields for Cubs vs. Sox spring action at Sloan Park on March 20.
Chicago Cubs: Quiet Confidence, Real Expectations
Spring in Mesa always feels like a party, but for the Cubs this year, it carries more expectation than nostalgia.
Theo Epstein’s arrival in Chicago helped change the culture of this franchise for good. Jed Hoyer has carried that forward, and for the first time in generations, Cubs fans expect to compete. Now the focus turns to the roster reporting to Sloan Park and whether this group can take the next step.
The Rotation
Cade Horton is a personal favorite. He enters his second season coming off an 11-4 2025 campaign and a blistering 1.64 ERA over his final seven starts. I would love to see him get the Opening Day nod, especially since I plan to be in the stands again.
Shota Imanaga finished 9-8 last year with 117 strikeouts. His record may not jump off the page, but his ability to neutralize top hitters makes him a valuable piece. The next step is consistency that matches the salary and expectations.
And the biggest news in Mesa is Justin Steele. His recovery is ahead of schedule and he is already throwing off the mound. He will likely begin the year on the IL, but a return later in the spring would be a major boost.
Craig Counsell has also named Daniel Palencia as the Cubs’ closer heading into camp.
Behind the Plate
Catcher defense, game-calling, and steady offense are foundational to winning teams.
Miguel Amaya (.281) and Carson Kelly (.249) anchored the position in 2025, while top prospect Moisés Ballesteros flashed real upside late in the year, hitting .298 in limited at bats. The question this spring is whether Ballesteros can continue developing behind the plate and earn the trust of the pitching staff.
Kelly’s strong start and late fade last season raised some questions, while Amaya showed the more consistent bat. The battle behind the plate is one of the most interesting storylines in Mesa.
Chicago White Sox: Rebuild, Reset, Regroup
The White Sox arrive at Camelback Ranch coming off a 60-102 season and a last-place finish in the AL Central. Last year clarified the mission and put urgency behind the front office.
The Rotation
If you are circling arms to watch this spring, start with Shane Smith, Sean Burke, and Davis Martin.
Smith’s 2025 line, 7-8 with a 3.81 ERA, 145 strikeouts, and a 1.20 WHIP across 146 innings, gives the Sox a legitimate building block.
Burke went 4-11 with a 4.22 ERA and now needs to show he can be more than just promising. When you are asked to carry innings, consistency matters.
Martin quietly stabilized the staff with 142 innings, 104 strikeouts, and a 4.10 ERA. This trio forms the backbone of the rotation, though there is still room for additions and improvement.
The bullpen gets a boost with Seranthony Domínguez, whose 79 strikeouts last year show his upside. His presence allows Grant Taylor to shift into a longer role after a rookie season that included six saves and 54 strikeouts in 36 innings.
Behind the Plate
The White Sox have real competition behind the plate heading into 2026.
Kyle Teel hit .273 with eight home runs and a .786 OPS. Edgar Quero added a .268 average and 36 RBI. Korey Lee hit .257 in limited action with a .762 OPS.
It is a crowded room, and spring training will go a long way in determining who earns consistent playing time.
The Spring Training Experience
A trip to Phoenix for spring training is one of the best ways to kick off baseball season. With 15 teams spread across the Cactus League, there is no shortage of games to see.
For Chicago baseball fans, it doesn’t get much better than Cubs and Sox sharing the desert sun. And while nothing replaces a July afternoon at Wrigley or a warm night on the South Side, when pitchers and catchers report, we know one thing for sure.
Baseball is officially back, and that means the long winter is finally over.
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