Chicago Cubs Kick Off Cactus League Play Against White Sox

Long leads off, Bregman at 3B, Taillon starting as Cubs open spring training schedule

Mar. 2, 2026 at 3:07am

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The Chicago Cubs open their Cactus League schedule this afternoon with a game against the Chicago White Sox at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. Breakout prospect Jonathon Long gets the start at first base, followed by Alex Bregman at third and Seiya Suzuki in center field. Miguel Amaya is behind the plate, Dylan Carlson is in right, and Chas McCormick is in left. Jameson Taillon takes the mound for the Cubs, facing off against White Sox pitcher Jonathan Cannon.

Why it matters

This early spring training matchup provides the first look at the Cubs' 2026 roster as they prepare for the upcoming season and the World Baseball Classic. Several key players like Bregman, Suzuki, and Amaya will be leaving soon to represent their national teams, so this game offers a chance to see them in action before they depart.

The details

The Cubs are fielding a lineup with a mix of top prospects and veteran newcomers as they kick off their Cactus League schedule. Breakout first baseman Jonathon Long leads off, followed by Alex Bregman at third base and Seiya Suzuki in center field. Behind the plate is Miguel Amaya, who will be playing for Panama in the WBC. In the outfield, Dylan Carlson and Chas McCormick are battling for a potential bench spot. On the mound, Jameson Taillon gets the start for the Cubs, looking to build momentum after an injury-plagued 2025 season.

  • The game starts at 2:05pm CT on February 20, 2026.

The players

Jonathon Long

A top Cubs prospect who will get the start at first base.

Alex Bregman

The veteran infielder will represent Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Seiya Suzuki

The Cubs outfielder will play for Samurai Japan in the WBC.

Miguel Amaya

The Cubs catcher will catch for Panama's national team in the WBC.

Jameson Taillon

The Cubs pitcher takes the mound as he looks to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“We've got to be ready for the World Baseball Classic.”

— Alex Bregman

“Suzuki playing center might seem a little strange, but he's got to hop a flight back to Japan on Monday.”

— Evan Altman, Author

What’s next

The Cubs and White Sox will play several more Cactus League games in the coming weeks as they prepare for the 2026 MLB season. Fans will be watching to see how the Cubs' roster battles and position battles shake out before Opening Day.

The takeaway

This early spring training matchup provides a first look at the 2026 Cubs as they gear up for the season and the World Baseball Classic. With several key players leaving soon for international competition, this game offers a chance to see the team's mix of prospects and veterans in action before the roster is disrupted.