Spring Training is in full swing, and the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox are gearing up for another exciting season. But before the games begin, let's take a closer look at what's in store for these two teams in 2026.
The Cubs: A Division Contender
The Cubs are no strangers to success, and they're looking to build on their recent achievements. Paul Sullivan, a seasoned Chicago baseball journalist, notes that the Cubs are aiming to win their division and secure a playoff spot. While they may not be spending like the Los Angeles Dodgers, they have the largest payroll in the National League Central, which could give them an edge.
Sullivan highlights the division's competitiveness, with the Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers expected to be the top contenders. Despite the Brewers' recent trade of their ace pitcher, Freddy Peralta, the Cubs remain a force to be reckoned with.
The White Sox: A Fresh Start
On the other side of town, the White Sox are embracing a new era. Coming off three straight 100-loss seasons, they've made significant strides in 2025, improving by 19 wins from their historically poor 2024 campaign. The team's front office is optimistic about continuing this upward trend in 2026.
James Fegan, a senior writer at Soxmachine.com, points out two key players who could make a significant impact. Munetaka Murakami, a free-agent signing from Japan, boasts an impressive home run record, while 23-year-old infielder Colson Montgomery possesses elite power and excellent defensive skills at shortstop.
The White Sox have also bolstered their pitching staff with the addition of veteran pitchers Erick Fedde, Seranthony Dominguez, and Jordan Hicks, which should help strengthen their bullpen and provide strategic options throughout the season.
Labor Negotiations and the CBA
As the season approaches, another crucial issue looms: labor negotiations. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is set to expire on December 1, and Paul Sullivan suggests that negotiations between Major League Baseball owners and the players' union could be tense. The owners' desire for a salary cap may clash with the players' preferences, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the outcome.
The First Pitch
The Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox will kick off their spring training schedule with a game against each other on February 20th at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. As the season unfolds, fans can expect a thrilling competition between these two historic franchises, with the potential for dramatic moments and exciting storylines.
