Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast North Side Territory: A Chicago Cubs Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What we’re hearing about the Cubs as a big offseason kicks off | 29 Oct 2026 | 00:28:08 | |
The World Series is over and the Brewers are champions for the first time. It is not a great look for the big-market franchise located roughly 90 miles from Milwaukee. But the Cubs have a huge opportunity to reshape their club before Major League Baseball’s widely anticipated lockout. Now that the offseason is officially here, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney look at The Brewers Way, how the Cubs approached the last pre-lockout frenzy and why they stepped up to retain a key hitting coach for Pete Crow-Armstrong. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Cubs mailbag: How do they overhaul their pitching program to catch up with the Brewers? | 28 Oct 2026 | 00:33:27 | |
As Milwaukee enjoys the World Series drama, the Cubs are trying to revamp their pitching systems and prepare for a pivotal offseason. Before the Hot Stove action begins, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney set the scene by answering questions from listeners. The focus is, obviously, on Chicago’s issues with pitching development and why the Brewers are light years ahead of their big-market rivals. Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Five Cubs who need to bounce back next year | 24 Oct 2026 | 00:31:12 | |
Money can’t fix everything with this team. As much as the Cubs need to spend on free agents and make trades this offseason, internal improvements will also have to happen. Closing the gap on the Brewers and making a deeper postseason run will require certain players stepping up next year. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney give you five names to consider, with reasons for (and against) optimism. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| What we’re hearing about the Cubs behind the scenes | 23 Oct 2026 | 00:34:41 | |
While the focus should be on the World Series, the baseball industry is also going through the hiring-and-firing season for coaches and executives. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney give you the details on what this means in Wrigleyville. Their reporting provides details on Jared Banner taking a GM job in Baltimore, the Mets looking at Pete Crow-Armstrong’s personal hitting coach and the Cubs running it back with their pitching coaches. Plus more on an outside-the-box candidate in Seattle’s manager search and the Cubs hiring an international scout away from the Rays. Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Five free agents who would fit the Cubs’ group of position players | 14 Oct 2026 | 00:25:23 | |
While pitching remains the clear focus for the Cubs, the organization will still need to make additions to a strong group of position players. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney preview where the Cubs could be heading this offseason, giving you five names to know plus an overview of the upcoming free-agent market and the current shape of the roster. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Five free agents the Cubs should target to fix their pitching | 13 Oct 2026 | 00:33:24 | |
Everyone knows what Jed Hoyer’s front office will be focused on this offseason. It’s pitching, pitching and more pitching. But who, exactly, should the Cubs be pursuing? Faced with the possibility of having to rebuild their entire starting rotation, there is one obvious name that stands out at the top. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney lay out their early read on the Tarik Skubal situation, and then share more names to know before the Hot Stove heats up. Ready to save time and win more jobs? For a limited time only, our listeners get 50% OFF their first 3 months at HousecallPro.com/FOUL #ad See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Five Cubs who should be back next season | 09 Oct 2026 | 00:35:04 | |
Changes are definitely coming to this roster, but the Cubs won’t be starting from scratch. Besides a core group of players, the club also has decisions to make on upcoming free agents who may have strong interest in a reunion. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain why Clay Holmes and David Peterson would make a lot of sense in the 2027 rotation. Plus, a full breakdown of Chicago’s catching situation, with Carson Kelly eligible to become a free agent. Are Miguel Amaya and Owen Ayers ready to take over behind the plate? Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Start your FOX One 3-day Free trial today at FOXOne.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Five Cubs who won’t be back next season | 08 Oct 2026 | 00:33:15 | |
While the Cubs are in offseason planning mode, the Dodgers and Brewers are back in the National League Championship Series. Pitching is always a focus in October, and that remains the challenge for an organization that will have to almost entirely rebuild the rotation as well as the bullpen. With that in mind, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down who they think won’t be returning to Wrigley Field with the 2027 Cubs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| For Cubs president Jed Hoyer, the offseason agenda is clear: Add a ton of pitching, catch up to Brewers | 03 Oct 2026 | 00:25:49 | |
Within every end-of-season briefing with the Chicago media, the Cubs’ top baseball executive always has a few talking points, some things you might not have thought of before, and bigger ideas and themes that will shape the club’s planning and internal messaging. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney interpret what they heard in the Wrigley Field interview room and explain what it means going forward. Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Start your FOX One 3-day Free trial today at FOXOne.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| The End: Cubs’ season is over after no-show performance in playoffs | 01 Oct 2026 | 00:29:15 | |
What just happened? Yes, the Cubs looked a little shaky near the end of the regular season, but the Padres absolutely dominated this Wild Card Series from start to finish. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney provide insights and information directly from the clubhouse at Petco Park. Listen to find out how the club’s stars were processing the end, why the Padres were a bad matchup and where this big-market franchise goes from here. Start your FOX One 3-day Free trial today at FOXOne.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| With Cubs on brink of elimination, we’ll see how resilient they really are | 30 Sep 2026 | 00:31:27 | |
What a clunker to open this Wild Card Series in San Diego. The Cubs looked overmatched in every phase of Game 1 as the Padres pushed them to the brink of playoff elimination. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share their reporting and insights from Petco Park, where the Cubs definitely won’t get any kind of home-field advantage. How does Chicago’s pitching plan line up for Game 2? What’s the current mood in the clubhouse? Where does the turnaround begin? We’re about to find out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| As Cubs limp into playoff rematch with Padres, a look at what matters now (and what doesn’t) | 27 Sep 2026 | 00:26:54 | |
What a finish to the regular season — Alex Bregman’s freak accident, Pete Crow-Armstrong’s 40-40 moment, a clinch party in Wrigleyville, a last-minute doubleheader at Fenway Park and a detour to Florida. It all leads into another wild-card series against the Padres. Before the Cubs travel to San Diego, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share what they’re hearing and seeing. Should you be concerned about the offense? Is the bullpen actually in a better place? Who’s in the playoff rotation? Listen for an early preview of a must-see matchup. Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Don’t sleep on @ultrapouches. New customers get 15% Off with code BASEBALL at takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad Kalshi - kalshi.com/r/BASEBALL Deposit and place at least $25 in total trades using code BASEBALL to unlock $55 reward. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| What we’re hearing about Alex Bregman and the Cubs’ playoff planning | 23 Sep 2026 | 00:24:51 | |
Bregman Watch is on. In an unexpected, overwhelmingly positive update — under the circumstances — the Cubs expressed their belief that the All-Star third baseman will play again this year, and maybe even during the final weekend of the regular season. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney interpret this news and also share some of their late-season takeaways from Wrigley Field. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Alex Bregman’s freak injury clouds the Cubs’ playoff picture | 21 Sep 2026 | 00:24:56 | |
Even with their magic number to clinch a postseason spot cut down to one, the Cubs weren’t necessarily in a celebratory mood. The Bregman moment was that unsettling, and his presence is that important to the team. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share what they heard and saw in Cincinnati, including an interesting update on how the Cubs are already running their bullpen in playoff mode. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Don’t sleep on @ultrapouches. New customers get 15% Off with code BASEBALL at takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Cubs are on the verge of clinching a playoff spot, but are they trending in the right direction? | 19 Sep 2026 | 00:22:14 | |
The magic number is dwindling to a point where the Cubs will almost certainly qualify for the playoffs. Maybe it doesn’t matter how they get there. But heading into the final week of the regular season, it’s easy to spot the areas of concern. You also have to acknowledge the good things that put them in this position. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break it all down, including a full report on the team field trip to Churchill Downs that Alex Bregman and Craig Counsell helped organize. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| With offense/defense clicking, Cubs have everything except their bullpen in order for playoffs | 17 Sep 2026 | 00:27:00 | |
Pete Crow-Armstrong appears to be a lock for National League MVP. Alex Bregman continues to show why he was such a coveted free agent. And Shota Imanaga is locked in again. The Cubs would be rolling into the playoffs — if their bullpen wasn’t such a big question mark. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break it all down after a big series win over the first-place Braves. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/FOUL. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| How the Cubs stack up in the National League wild-card race | 14 Sep 2026 | 00:27:51 | |
The next two weeks will define the Cubs’ season. Making the playoffs is an annual goal that remains within reach, even a likely outcome. But until the first bottle of champagne is popped, the Cubs are going to have to sweat it out with the Phillies, Padres and Diamondbacks. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the state of play in the middle of September. Missing the playoffs would be an organizational failure that wastes Pete Crow-Armstrong’s likely MVP season, the best defense in baseball and the sport’s highest-scoring offense. Stay tuned. To get your new wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month, go to MintMobile.com/Territory. That’s it there’s no catch. Start your FOX One 3-day Free trial today at FOXOne.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Cubs mailbag: Why do they keep getting lapped by the Brewers? | 10 Sep 2026 | 00:34:53 | |
With the Cubs getting swept out of Milwaukee, it seems like a good time to hear what the fans are thinking. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney answer questions from listeners who want to know: Are Cubs officials as frustrated as Cubs fans when the Brewers are running away with the division title again? Moving forward, how will this late-season slump influence the organization’s strategies around pitcher development and bullpen construction? And is anyone coming from Triple-A Iowa to help this team? Listen for behind-the-scenes insights and the latest information on the Cubs. Go to Quince.com/foul for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| No obvious answers for Cubs after their bullpen implodes again in Milwaukee | 09 Sep 2026 | 00:30:25 | |
With the playoffs fast approaching, the Cubs are running out of time to fix their bullpen. The available relief options are also limited in the middle of September. What’s the current mood in the clubhouse? How did it get to this point? And who might be able to help with these issues? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share their reporting and insights from Milwaukee. Shop now at Fabletics.com/Foul and get 70 to 80% off everything when you sign up as a new VIP Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| With the National League Central race all but over, how will the Cubs respond? | 08 Sep 2026 | 00:27:11 | |
Another tough loss in Milwaukee spotlighted the gap in the division as well as the manager’s decisions. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain what Craig Counsell was thinking and where the Cubs go from here. Within the next three weeks, the Cubs have to figure out their bullpen, finish ahead of the Phillies and try to peak at the right time. Because the Brewers are clearly the class of the NL Central over a 162-game schedule. The playoffs might be a different story. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Go to Quince.com/foul for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| What we’re hearing: How the Cubs are lined up for the stretch run | 06 Sep 2026 | 00:27:48 | |
With three weeks remaining in the regular season, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney assess where the Cubs stand on Labor Day, and how they would match up against the first-place Brewers in a potential playoff rematch. The Athletic beat writers also provide information on the state of the pitching staff, as the Cubs have to prepare for the possibility of making it through four postseason rounds. Who would you trust to start a playoff game? And what should they expect from Justin Steele, Shelby Miller and Ben Brown moving forward? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| The Cubs are in trouble if they can’t fix this bullpen | 02 Sep 2026 | 00:27:47 | |
Who would you trust to pitch the late innings of a big game at Wrigley Field? That’s the dilemma facing Cubs manager Craig Counsell and his coaches as they try to get a group of relievers back on track before the playoffs. With the Brewers holding a commanding lead in the division and the Phillies surging in the wild-card race, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney examine the club’s options moving forward. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| What to watch around the Cubs in September: Pete Crow-Armstrong can’t be a one-man show | 31 Aug 2026 | 00:32:06 | |
The PCA Show captivated some of the greatest players in franchise history, who gathered at Wrigley Field over the weekend for a 150th anniversary celebration. Not only has Crow-Armstrong moved ahead of Shohei Ohtani in the National League MVP race, he’s also put himself in the best-season-ever conversation for a club that was founded in 1876. Still, there are areas of concerns as the Cubs enter the final month of the regular season. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney outline the road ahead, with major questions about Shota Imanaga’s spot in the rotation, who can be trusted out of the bullpen, and if the Cubs can hold off the Phillies for the top wild-card spot and put some pressure on the Brewers in September. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Cubs Hall of Famer Jon Lester explains how to deal with umpires and sign stealing | 28 Aug 2026 | 00:34:07 | |
Ahead of a big weekend at Wrigley Field, where the Cubs are holding a 150th anniversary celebration, Jon Lester returns to the show to give his perspective on the current team, which just returned from a difficult road trip. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney chat with Lester about Pete Crow-Armstrong’s emotional reaction and pointed comments after a blown balk call. Lester also gives a scouting report on former teammate Quintin Berry, the Cubs third-base coach involved in a sign-stealing back-and-forth with the Diamondbacks. Listen for insider insights drawn from the field and the clubhouse. To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/FOUL. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Cubs news and notes: Pete Crow-Armstrong blows up, Ben Brown goes down and the bullpen looks shaky | 27 Aug 2026 | 00:28:31 | |
After a 2-4 road trip through Seattle and Arizona, the Cubs look like a team that could use a day off in Chicago. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share their reporting and observations on PCA’s explosion after a blown balk call and Brown’s setback, which casts doubt on his ability to return this season. Plus, an updated look at Craig Counsell’s circle of trust and how the Cubs will try to get their bullpen right over this final month before the playoffs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| What we’re hearing: Craig Counsell says it’s “go time” for Cubs | 25 Aug 2026 | 00:32:20 | |
In a moment that demonstrated both the team’s sense of urgency and impressive roster depth, Cubs manager Craig Counsell made Shota Imanaga’s last start the shortest outing of his major-league career, not messing around at this stage of the playoff race. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down what it means for Imanaga, Counsell and the plans for October. Plus, reporting from the dugout and the clubhouse on why Kevin Gausman looks like a Game 1 playoff starter, and how Justin Steele and Ben Brown could fit onto the postseason pitching staff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Cubs’ playoff roster projection: How the pitching staff will look in October | 21 Aug 2026 | 00:31:13 | |
With newfound depth and a number of pitchers working their way back into the roster conversations, the Cubs are facing a series of difficult decisions as they gear up for the stretch run. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney talk through what they’re hearing about the pitching plans for the rest of the season, Game 1 of the playoffs and potentially multiple postseason rounds. Who’s in? Who’s out? And who’s on the bubble? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Crosstown takeaways: What we learned from epic Cubs-White Sox series | 20 Aug 2026 | 00:32:46 | |
Chicago sports fans were treated to an awesome spectacle at Wrigley Field with two dramatic walk-offs, a nasty fight in the bleachers that went viral and unforgettable individual performances that made you wonder what it would be like if these two teams somehow met in October. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share their reporting from the North Side with insights into managers’ decisions, Seiya Suzuki’s upcoming free agency and the pitchers the Cubs are hoping to get back for the playoffs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Pete Crow-Armstrong makes his MVP case as Cubs work around late-season issues | 18 Aug 2026 | 00:32:59 | |
PCA created another signature moment for the highlight reels attached to his MVP campaign and this crosstown rivalry. That walk-off homer against the White Sox was only the latest example of his magical season, which has elevated his teammates as well as the entire organization. The Cubs need that presence while covering for the absence of Gold Glove shortstop Dansby Swanson and Edward Cabrera’s disappointing year. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share their reporting from Wrigley Field. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Cubs mailbag: Can they catch the Brewers? Plus more on potential playoff rosters and free agents | 15 Aug 2026 | 00:23:06 | |
With the Cubs rolling into the stretch run, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back to answer your questions. Does this team have enough left in the tank to overtake the Brewers? How will Craig Counsell and his coaches rearrange the pitching staff once Edward Cabrera and Ben Brown are healthy? Who’s closing the first playoff game? How will the front office replace Seiya Suzuki if he walks as a free agent? Listen for reporting and behind-the-scenes insights from Wrigley Field. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Jon Lester: The 2026 Cubs are a World Series contender that can match up with the Dodgers | 12 Aug 2026 | 00:31:41 | |
Jon Lester returns to the show for another wide-ranging conversation with The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney. After attending the 10-year reunion for the 2016 World Series team at Wrigley Field, Lester gives his scouting report on the 2026 Cubs, how they match up with the Dodgers and what works in October. Lester also explains the clubhouse dynamics before and after the trade deadline, plus how the Dodgers recruit free agents and run their business. Lester knows from experience. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| What we’re hearing: Post-deadline outlook on the Cubs’ offseason plans | 11 Aug 2026 | 00:34:45 | |
While the Cubs are absorbed in the playoff race, this period after the trade deadline is a good time to reassess the organization’s future. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the roster, the upcoming free agents and some internal replacements on the horizon. Could Ian Happ and/or Seiya Suzuki stick around next season? Would the Cubs consider flanking Pete Crow-Armstrong with Pedro Ramírez and Matt Shaw in the outfield? What about the pitching staff? Plus, some intel on Owen Ayers, a top catching prospect the Cubs did not trade at the deadline, with the idea that he might be a September call-up. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| How the Cubs are built for October after the trade deadline | 08 Aug 2026 | 00:28:35 | |
The Cubs are rolling right now, performing at a level that makes you think they might be able to catch the Brewers in the National League Central race and challenge the Dodgers in October. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back with some post-deadline notes and observations on the club’s major trade acquisitions, as well as some promising updates on key pitchers who are working their way back to Wrigley Field. Plus, a closer look at Pete Crow-Armstrong’s convincing MVP case. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| At the trade deadline, Cubs president Jed Hoyer did not mess around | 04 Aug 2026 | 00:29:53 | |
How do you like the Cubs now? After the players showed exceptional resiliency and cohesiveness throughout the season, the front office rewarded them with a buying spree at the deadline, giving up young talent to trade for playoff-tested pitchers. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break it all down with reporting and reactions from Wrigley Field. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Trade deadline reaction: Cubs get Kevin Gausman in much-needed move | 03 Aug 2026 | 00:21:09 | |
There it is. On the night before the trade deadline, the Cubs reached an agreement with the Blue Jays to acquire a big-game pitcher who produced two quality starts against the Dodgers in last year’s World Series. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back with details on the Gausman deal, insights into the Tarik Skubal talks and a reminder that Jed Hoyer’s front office is not done yet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Trade deadline buzz: The pitchers the Cubs are pursuing | 01 Aug 2026 | 00:30:22 | |
In the final days before the trade deadline, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share what they’re hearing about the Cubs’ plans. Yes, Jed Hoyer’s front office is all over the pitching market. And, yes, prices are sky-high at the moment. But that shouldn’t stop the Cubs from adding multiple pieces and leveling up this team as a World Series contender. Listen for the names currently under consideration. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| The MVP case for Pete Crow-Armstrong plus more Cubs news and notes | 29 Jul 2026 | 00:25:58 | |
PCA’s rapid growth as a hitter, combined with his spectacular defense for a playoff contender, has turned this into a real race for the National League MVP award. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney examine why Shohei Ohtani might not be such a slam-dunk candidate anymore. Plus, the story behind Alex Bregman’s bat switch and well-timed hot streak ahead of the trade deadline, and the current outlook on Ben Brown’s potential return to Wrigley Field. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| What we’re hearing: Why Cubs cut Jameson Taillon; pitching reinforcements coming; more on trade chips | 28 Jul 2026 | 00:28:44 | |
In DFA’ing one of the most respected players in their clubhouse, the Cubs put sentiment aside and focused on bottom-line production in the heat of a pennant race. On the Taillon decision, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney offer behind-the-scenes reporting and reactions from the locker room. With a different roster crunch looming, who are the Cubs counting on to get healthy, and what does that mean for the trade deadline? Plus thoughts on the young players who could be on the move as Jed Hoyer’s front office searches for more pitching. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Cubs mailbag: Your questions ahead of the trade deadline | 23 Jul 2026 | 00:25:48 | |
The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back with another show driven by questions from listeners. With the playoff race heating up and the Cubs clearly positioned as big buyers, the trade deadline remains the obvious topic of conversation. How does Jed Hoyer view the club’s World Series odds? Where does Matt Shaw fit into the team’s plans? And the Cubs wouldn’t actually trade Seiya Suzuki, right? Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount 🌶️ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Trade targets for the Cubs with the deadline nearing | 22 Jul 2026 | 00:32:00 | |
Here are the names you need to know. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the anticipated sellers and the teams on the fence that could impact the Cubs’ plans. Focused entirely on the pitching staff, Jed Hoyer’s front office will be very active before the Aug. 3 deadline. Listen to find out the pitchers who could be on the move to Wrigley Field. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| What we’re hearing about the Cubs: 2016 reunion, trade chips, deadline priorities | 20 Jul 2026 | 00:34:17 | |
Coming off a long weekend for the club’s only World Series championship team in more than a century, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney empty some newsy items from their notebooks. Why did David Ross have no second thoughts about coming back to Wrigley Field after getting fired as manager? When will Theo Epstein’s competitive juices start flowing again? And how will Jed Hoyer pull off trades for pitching at the deadline? Listen for some prospect names to know and potential structures for deals. 🌶️ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| The prospects and draft decisions shaping the Cubs’ trade deadline and future | 18 Jul 2026 | 00:28:37 | |
The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the Cubs’ 2026 draft class, giving insights into particular players and the strategies within the room. This push for more pitching could have a direct impact on the plans at the trade deadline. Listen for more on first-round pick Cade Townsend, top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins and some under-the-radar names who could make their way to Wrigley Field. 🌶️ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Trade deadline reset: How the Cubs are positioned out of the All-Star break | 17 Jul 2026 | 00:25:50 | |
The club’s performance over the next two-plus weeks absolutely matters. The Cubs can nudge some of the bubble teams they’re trying to do business with, the Twins and Tigers, and then create more separation in the division race during their road trip to Pittsburgh and St. Louis. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney lay out what Jed Hoyer’s front office is looking for, explain how Craig Counsell’s staff can remodel the bullpen and give updates on some pitchers the Cubs are counting on in the second half. 🌶️ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Jon Lester’s All-Star break outlook: Storylines, 10-year reunion and more | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:31:13 | |
After watching the Home Run Derby, Jon Lester is back for some good conversation with The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney, reflecting on his All-Star Game memories and looking ahead to this weekend’s reunion for the 2016 World Series team. Why did Kyle Schwarber go to the next level after leaving Wrigley Field? What do fans really think of Pete Crow-Armstrong? And how did Anthony Rizzo become so good on TV? Listen now for unique insights and perspectives from a former player and two beat writers in Chicago. 🌶️ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Three X-factors for the Cubs after the All-Star break | 12 Jul 2026 | 00:27:18 | |
The trade deadline won’t solve everything. It’s a team game, but certain individuals are under a different spotlight and carry more responsibilities, due to their positions, paychecks and accomplishments. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney identify three players who have to step up for the Cubs after the All-Star break. 🌶️ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| What we’re hearing about the Cubs before the All-Star break: Trade deadline thoughts and more | 11 Jul 2026 | 00:26:45 | |
It’s no secret that Jed Hoyer’s front office is looking to add pitching before the Aug. 3 trade deadline. But how do the Cubs go about it this time? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney have some ideas, based on their reporting, knowledge of the team and early reads of the market. Plus, an update on the expectations for Justin Steele and some more historical references for Pete Crow-Armstrong’s MVP-level performance. 🌶️ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| In the fog of the Cubs’ weird season, Pete Crow-Armstrong is becoming a superstar | 06 Jul 2026 | 00:24:05 | |
Only in Wrigleyville. A Cubs-Cardinals Fog Game, with neighborhood fireworks going off on the Fourth of July, became another chapter to this unpredictable season. The one constant, though, has been Pete Crow-Armstrong as the center of attention. There was no mystery or suspense around who would be the Cubs’ All-Star representative. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain how PCA got to this next level and why this performance is sustainable. Plus, a look at the state of the pitching staff with a much-needed All-Star break on the horizon. 🌶️ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| The Cubs are back, Dansby Swanson is on a roll, and what’s up with Alex Bregman’s thumbs down? | 02 Jul 2026 | 00:33:14 | |
As a heat wave descended upon Chicago, the Cubs turned their games at Wrigley Field into batting practice, setting off some offensive fireworks before the Fourth of July. After questions about whether he should be benched, Swanson has responded with a red-hot stretch. Bregman hasn’t really heated up yet, but he’s in the news for a lack-of-hustle moment and a thumbs-down gesture. And oh by the way, Pete Crow-Armstrong just had one of the best months ever for a franchise marking its 150th anniversary. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break it all down. 🌶️ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Jon Lester joins the show for a player’s perspective on the Wrigley Field experience | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:31:48 | |
Big show announcement: Jon Lester, a three-time World Series champion, will be making regular appearances as a special guest analyst on North Side Territory. In his debut episode with The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney, Lester talks about the 10-year reunion tour for his 2016 teammates, what made that championship club so special and how it compares to this year’s squad. Lester also explains what Alex Bregman is going through as a big free agent in a new city, the importance of clubhouse chemistry and how to approach this roller-coaster season. 🌶️ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| What we’re hearing about the Cubs after a big series win in Milwaukee | 29 Jun 2026 | 00:34:31 | |
In front of three sellout crowds filled with Cubs fans, Craig Counsell’s team cut into the Brewers’ division lead with a gutsy performance. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney give you behind-the-scenes perspectives from the visiting clubhouse in Milwaukee as well as field-level insights. What do you think of the manager and the front office now? Why does David Peterson look like such a good fit? And where does Ben Brown go from here? Listen up to get ready for the second half of the season. 🌶️ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||