Cubs vs. Italy: Spring Training Preview, Tuesday 3/3, 2:05 PM CT

MESA, Arizona — As the baseball world gears up for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), the Chicago Cubs are set to face Team Italy in an exciting Spring Training matchup at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. The game, scheduled for 2:05 PM CT on Tuesday, March 3rd, is part of the Cubs’ preparation for the MLB season and also serves as a key exhibition for Team Italy as they fine-tune their roster ahead of the international tournament.

While this is just a preseason game, the stakes are high for both teams. Cubs fans are eager to see the latest additions to their roster, especially as the team looks to bounce back from a rough season. For Italy, it’s an opportunity to showcase their talent and continue building momentum as they aim for success in the WBC.

Former Cubs in the Italy Roster: A Special Reunion

One of the most intriguing aspects of this matchup is the inclusion of former Cubs players Jon Berti and Miles Mastrobuoni on the Italian roster. These two players, who once wore the Cubs uniform, bring a sense of familiarity and nostalgia to the game. Their return to the diamond in this international context adds another layer of excitement for Cubs fans, who are used to seeing these names in a Chicago uniform.

Additionally, Alex Maestri, a former Cubs prospect born in Italy, is serving as one of Italy’s pitching coaches. Maestri, who had a promising career with the Cubs before transitioning into coaching, will surely bring valuable insight to the Italian squad. Alongside him is Dave Righetti, a former MLB pitcher, who will be working with Maestri to develop Italy’s pitching staff.

This combination of familiar faces and fresh talent makes the matchup even more compelling. Cubs fans will have the chance to watch their old players compete against their current team, making for a unique and emotional experience.

Cubs on the WBC Rosters: Representing Across the Globe

While Tuesday’s exhibition is a local event, it also serves as a reminder of how the Cubs are represented on the global stage. Several Cubs players are participating in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, with players representing teams all over the world. Among those are:

• Alex Bregman, Matthew Boyd, and Pete Crow-Armstrong, who will be representing Team USA. These players bring a mix of experience and raw potential, making them critical to the success of the American team.

• Javier Assad, representing Mexico, is another Cubs pitcher who will be looking to make a splash on the international stage.

• Miguel Amaya (Panama), Daniel Palencia (Venezuela), and Jameson Taillon (Canada) will also play important roles for their respective teams.

• Seiya Suzuki will be representing Japan, and his performance will be one of the most anticipated, as he is seen as one of the top talents in the world.

Seeing Cubs players compete in the WBC is a testament to the organization’s growing international reach and the development of their talent pipeline. For Cubs fans, it’s exciting to see their homegrown talent shine in the global spotlight.

Cubs’ Pitching Staff: A Closer Look at the Starting and Relief Options

For Cubs fans, one of the most exciting parts of this game is the opportunity to watch the team’s pitching staff in action. Cade Horton, a young pitcher who has shown significant promise, will be starting for the Cubs. Horton has been a standout in the Cubs’ system, and this Spring Training game is a chance for him to continue proving himself as a future star for the team.

Joining Horton on the mound will be several other key pitchers, including Jeff Brigham, Gavin Hollowell, Jack Neely, Ethan Roberts, and Jacob Webb. These pitchers have all shown flashes of brilliance and will be looking to earn spots in the Cubs’ bullpen or starting rotation. With the Cubs looking to improve their pitching staff in 2026, this game will be an important test for these players.

While Horton’s start is the main event, Cubs fans will be watching closely to see how each of these pitchers performs in a live game setting. With so many options available, the Cubs are in a strong position to have one of the most dynamic pitching staffs in the league this season.

Italy’s Lineup: Who to Watch for on the Italian Side

Though the Cubs are the clear favorites in this game, Italy has its own set of players to watch. Aside from the aforementioned Berti and Mastrobuoni, Italy will feature a roster of talented players who have made their mark in various international leagues. The lineup for Italy is expected to be a balanced mix of experience and youth, with several players looking to prove themselves on the global stage.

Though the full details of Italy’s starting lineup and pitching rotation were not available at the time of writing, fans can expect a team ready to compete. Italy has traditionally been a competitive force in the WBC, and with players like Berti and Mastrobuoni, they’ll look to carry that tradition forward.

Italy’s ability to challenge the Cubs in this exhibition game will be important for their preparations for the WBC, as they face off against top-tier talent and test their skills in a high-pressure environment.

No TV or Radio: How to Follow the Game

Unfortunately, this game will not be broadcast on TV or radio, leaving many Cubs fans searching for alternative ways to follow the action. Fortunately, the game will be available for live streaming on MLB.com, and fans can follow the game’s progress through online forums and social media.

Cubs fans can tune in to the Bleed Cubbie Blue community for real-time updates, as there will be a game thread opened 5 minutes before the first pitch, and an overflow thread will follow 90 minutes after the game begins. These threads provide a space for fans to discuss the game as it unfolds and share their thoughts with fellow Cubs supporters.

Additionally, MLB.com’s live streaming page will have all the action covered, providing fans with live updates and commentary as the game progresses.

WBC Exhibition Games: The Global Stage for Baseball

Tuesday’s Cubs vs. Italy game is just one of 14 exhibition games being played today between WBC teams and MLB squads. These exhibition games are an essential part of the preparation for the upcoming World Baseball Classic, as teams look to test their lineups, build team chemistry, and fine-tune their skills ahead of the tournament.

For baseball fans, these exhibition games provide an exciting opportunity to watch international matchups and get a glimpse of the players who will be representing their countries in the WBC. With so many top-tier teams and players involved, the games offer a unique preview of the global talent on display.

The Significance of Spring Training and International Friendlies

Spring Training is always an exciting time for baseball fans, but games like Cubs vs. Italy bring an added sense of urgency and anticipation. While it’s still early in the season, these games serve as important building blocks for both teams as they work toward their ultimate goal: winning a championship.

For the Cubs, the key to a successful 2026 season lies in their ability to develop young talent, shore up their pitching staff, and build team chemistry. This game against Italy is a chance for Cubs players to gain valuable experience, work out the kinks in their game, and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.

For Team Italy, the stakes are equally high as they prepare for the WBC. Every game is an opportunity to evaluate players, experiment with lineups, and develop a strategy for success in the tournament. Italy has a solid track record in international play, and they’ll be looking to make a statement in 2026.

Conclusion: A Game Full of Meaning

While Cubs vs. Italy may seem like just another exhibition game in the grand scheme of Spring Training, it holds much more significance. For Cubs fans, it’s a chance to see their team prepare for the season, watch former Cubs players in action, and enjoy the spectacle of international baseball.

For Italy, it’s an important step in their journey to the World Baseball Classic, as they fine-tune their roster and develop their strategy. This game represents much more than just a friendly matchup — it’s a pivotal moment in both teams’ preparations for one of the biggest international tournaments in baseball.

As we approach the game, one thing is certain: this will be a must-watch for any baseball fan, and Cubs supporters have plenty of reason to be excited. The action, the drama, and the international flair make it a game that will be remembered long after the final pitch.