The Imai sweepstakes ended with the Japanese pitcher picking an unexpected team and settling for a smaller contract than projected. The Astros took on some risk, but they could also be rewarded with a very good pitcher. Why didn’t the Cubs sign Imai? And where do they go from here? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break it all down on North Side Territory, the show for all the latest offseason news surrounding the Cubs.

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Looking ahead to a new season, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney see a playoff-caliber team that’s approaching a cliff. With so many key players close to reaching free agency – and questions about the farm system and the baseball budget – this should be a fascinating year around the Cubs. Who stays? Who goes? What’s different from the organization’s last cliff? And why do some of these issues sound familiar?

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The baseball industry does not shut down during Thanksgiving week. As the Cubs continue to scour the pitching market, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney sit down to answer good questions from listeners. The Athletic writers share some of the names they’re hearing, in terms of bullpen targets. Plus a breakdown of the Phil Maton deal and some trade possibilities. Listen to North Side Territory throughout the offseason for the latest developments around the Cubs.

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Good starting pitching and an explosive offense have masked some of the issues with Chicago’s bullpen. A winning record and an early lead in the division have also slightly lowered the concern level at Wrigley Field. But Cubs manager Craig Counsell and president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer are taking a proactive approach to fixing the bullpen. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain the trade for Drew Pomeranz, the differences between this group and last year’s unreliable bullpen, and the big-picture thinking that guides these decisions.

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By demoting Matt Shaw to the minors, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer and manager Craig Counsell demonstrated that their patience will not be unlimited. The recent shake-up was also felt in the bullpen, an area where the Cubs have to be aggressive until something else clicks. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down what all these decisions mean, and how this proactive approach also applies to the trade deadline and beyond.

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After exchanging extension proposals around the start of the season, Cubs officials and Pete Crow-Armstrong’s camp decided to hold off and focus on the season. What went into that decision? Who are the comps for Crow-Armstrong? And how did each side feel the process was handled? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney answer those questions and discuss another bullpen meltdown in the latest episode, using information gathered during the team's West Coast trip.

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The bad news coming out of Dodger Stadium overshadowed the Cubs winning two of three games against the defending World Series champs. All-Star pitcher Justin Steele is scheduled to undergo major surgery. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney have the latest information from the team’s current West Coast trip, including insights into Steele’s situation and how the rotation plans are taking shape.

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With the Cubs on the West Coast, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney answer questions from fans about what’s next. The Athletic writers have the latest from Dodger Stadium on Justin Steele and how his injury could force the team to scramble. Will Jed Hoyer’s front office be more aggressive ahead of the trade deadline? Are there any standouts at Triple-A Iowa? And what is the buzz around Cade Horton?

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A good start has been interrupted by the injury news regarding an All-Star pitcher. Still, the Cubs are in decent shape after the season’s first homestand at Wrigley Field. Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic give you their latest information, more insight on Matt Shaw and a robust offense, and a preview of what could be a brutal West Coast trip.

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The impact of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s 14-year, $500 million megadeal will be felt in Chicago as Kyle Tucker has already started to put together a potential monster season. The Blue Jays finally locking up a star with a contract extension will put more pressure on the Cubs. After the club enjoyed a very good opening weekend at Wrigley Field, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney sit down to discuss Tucker’s future, the bullpen situation and more early takeaways from the North Side.

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Shota Imanaga again pitched like an ace in the franchise’s 150th home opener. Kyle Tucker continues to show why he might be the sport’s No. 1 free agent next winter. The closer situation is becoming a thing. Ten games into the season, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic discuss the team’s emerging identity as well as the sights and sounds in Wrigleyville.

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The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney dig into the franchise’s situation, which has impacted the rebuild the Cubs once refused to call a rebuild. Why does the franchise with the third-highest revenue in Major League Baseball spend like an ordinary team? How did so many National League teams surpass the Cubs in this area? With the gates reopening for another season at Wrigley Field, a look at how they got here.

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After a circuitous road trip to start the season, the Cubs return to Wrigley Field with some momentum and the type of player they’ve been lacking in recent seasons. The home opener will be a chance for Tucker to take in the Friendly Confines and learn more about what it’s like to play in Chicago. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney get into the impact of Tucker’s hot start, what they’re seeing in the rotation and why you don’t have to panic about the bullpen (yet).

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With the offseason activity beginning to pick up in that window after the GM meetings and before Thanksgiving, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney focus on the two players who received qualifying offers from the Cubs. Imanaga will return to Wrigley Field on a one-year, $22.025 million contract while the Cubs are positioned to get a draft pick if/when Tucker signs with a different team. What does Imanaga’s decision mean for the current baseball budget and the club’s overall offseason goals? And how will the Cubs somehow replace Tucker and get better next season? Listen to North Side Territory all winter for the latest on the Cubs.

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After their disappointing showing in the Tokyo Series, the Cubs restarted their regular season with a much-needed win over the Diamondbacks. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma joins Patrick Mooney from Phoenix, where the Cubs showed attention to detail and some of the little things that can add up over the course of a 162-game season. Plus panic meters for Justin Steele and Ryan Pressly, and the Cody Bellinger trade exposed after the Cubs designated Cody Poteet for assignment.

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The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney sit down for the insiders’ look at how this year could unfold in Wrigleyville. Who’s on the hot seat? What are the names you need to know? Which team is becoming the true rival within the division? All that and more predictions in this season-preview show.

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The Cubs wrapped up spring training with a series of roster decisions and an 0-2 record in real games. Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney, The Athletic’s Cubs beat writers, bring you the latest from Arizona, where Justin Steele will try to get back on track against the Diamondbacks. Why is Ben Brown making the rotation such a big deal? And is it too soon to start second-guessing Craig Counsell’s lineup decisions?

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With the Tokyo Series behind them, the Cubs are already back to work in Arizona. Looking ahead, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down a brutal schedule to start the season, the latest on Nico Hoerner, and some more roster maneuvering. Also, have you seen what Cam Smith is doing in Houston’s camp? Cubs fans and the Chicago media will be talking about the Kyle Tucker trade for a long time.

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It wasn’t an accident that the Cubs were picked for the Tokyo Series. While the Dodgers are still the preeminent team in Japan, the Cubs have spent years building up their international presence, which has already paid off with the signings of Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga. How did Yu Darvish give the Cubs credibility in this space? And who are some of the next players positioned to make a jump to the majors? Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic share what they’re hearing.

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The Cubs’ opener was a little sloppy and kind of boring, but this event is truly more than just a game. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma joins Patrick Mooney from Japan, where it feels like Shohei Ohtani is everywhere and the atmosphere is electric. How the Cubs come out of this international trip will be telling.

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Craig Counsell has made it clear from the start of spring training that the Cubs are going to use their Japan trip as a bonding experience. Finally here and close to playing games, that's exactly what they've done early on. Sahadev Sharma shares what the team has done to grow closer, then answers questions about the Cubs pursuit of more pitching depth, whether there is concern for some poor pitching performances this spring, thoughts on prospect depth and trades and then stories from Sahadev's first few days in Tokyo.

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And so has Sahadev Sharma, who’s on the ground in Tokyo, joining Patrick Mooney ahead of a showcase event for Major League Baseball and Nippon Professional Baseball. The Athletic writers wrap up Phase 1 of spring training, dig into more roster decisions and describe the vibes around the team. The Cubs are genuinely excited for Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki, and looking forward to the electric atmosphere that they will encounter inside the Tokyo Dome against the Dodgers.

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After a few twists and turns, the Cubs landed on bringing their top prospect to Japan and almost certainly making him a big part of their Opening Day roster. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney discuss all the roster ramifications and how things set up for the Tokyo Series. How much does the club believe in Rule 5 draft pick Gage Workman? And what to make of Brad Keller’s spring showing? The games are about to get real.

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As Opening Day comes into focus, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney answer questions from listeners. Once again, the Cubs’ spending pattern is a topic of conversation for fans, media and even people who work for the team. Would winning the division this year change the financial equation? Or are there larger forces at play? Turning their attention back to the field, The Athletic writers also get into which performances matter in spring training, who’s winning the job battles and how patient the Cubs will be if their relievers falter early in the season.

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Do the Cubs have enough young talent to sustain a perennial playoff contender? Geoff Pontes joins the show to discuss his top-10 rankings of the organization’s best prospects. In a wide-ranging conversation with The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney, the Baseball America writer shares his reporting on the farm system’s pitching deficit, as well as perspectives on the hitters who can move quickly toward Wrigley Field and the trade chips potentially on the table.

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Spring training has largely gone according to plan for a Cubs team that has high expectations. But those vibes are always subject to change. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the roster discussions before the Cubs soon leave for Japan. One pitcher in particular has opened eyes and likely forced his way onto the roster while third base, the No. 5 starter and the final bench spots are still very much under consideration. Bubble Watch is on.

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The dynamic center fielder known as “PCA” is an elite defender with a lot of self-awareness and some interesting hairstyles. How good can he be? And should the Cubs push to sign him to a long-term contract extension right now? Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic weigh the risks and the rewards with those types of deals, and analyze what the front office and the player’s side are thinking. Plus more about Kevin Alcántara, another young outfielder with swagger and a very high ceiling, as well as the latest on Matt Shaw, the top prospect trying to make the team in time for the Tokyo Series.

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In an intriguing development on Chicago’s South Side, billionaire investor Justin Ishbia could be in line to take over the White Sox and reimagine that crosstown franchise. Jon Greenberg, The Athletic columnist who first broke this story, gives Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney the inside scoop. From an infusion of new money to a potential stadium project to future TV opportunities, the rivalry would not stay the same. The bottom line: More competition would be good for the Cubs.

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What if Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw aren’t ready for the Tokyo Series? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the roster options and ponder what this lineup could look like against the mighty Dodgers. Plus more on why Kevin Alcántara is opening eyes in camp, what ownership wants out of the front office (if changes are coming), and the best and worst parts of covering spring training.

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With two weeks until the team is scheduled to leave for Japan, the Cubs are closely monitoring their pitchers and thinking about the shape of the Opening Day roster. Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic keep you updated with the latest from spring training in Arizona. Sharma shares some new and exclusive information about Ben Brown’s mysterious injury last season, which now appears to be a nonissue for the talented pitcher. Cade Horton’s major-league debut remains an intriguing possibility this year. And there is one name that has jumped out in Mesa, likely forcing his way onto the club.

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This is a smaller move that could have a much bigger impact. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down where the 40-year-old fits in the lineup, how his postseason experience can influence the clubhouse and why Cubs players are so excited about the addition. Plus a look back at the 2021 deadline now that Alexander Canario, a prospect from the Kris Bryant trade, has been designated for assignment to make room for Turner on an improving roster. And before you know it, Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele will be pitching in the Tokyo Series.

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The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney field questions from listeners and give answers with insights collected at the start of spring training. Is there a disconnect between Seiya Suzuki and Craig Counsell? Does ownership trust the front office to make long-range decisions? In a pivotal year, the entire organization has a lot to prove.Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/foul and use code foul.

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Too soon to rule out the Cubs signing their new star player to a long-term contract extension? The Alex Bregman negotiations were not a promising sign. But it’s not all doom and gloom from Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic. Tucker is a legitimate franchise player who can make this a special season at Wrigley Field. And the front office is not necessarily done making moves in spring training. Plus positive signs from Ryne Sandberg and the Hall of Famer’s message to Matt Shaw.Visit MINTMOBILE.com/Territory where all 3-month plans are only $15 a month, including the Unlimited plan.

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Now that the Alex Bregman saga has ended, the Cubs can look forward and focus on what they have in Arizona. With that in mind, Patrick Mooney joins Sahadev Sharma with the latest from Mesa. The Athletic writers discuss the big opportunity in front of top prospect Matt Shaw, Nico Hoerner’s encouraging progress after offseason surgery, and the pitching plans for Ben Brown, Cade Horton and more.

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In the end, it wasn’t even that close. Bregman Watch concluded with the All-Star third baseman choosing the Red Sox, the chance to hit at Fenway Park and a deal that the Cubs’ front office ultimately could not match. Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic explain the pressure that Jed Hoyer is under, ownership’s tight control over the budget for baseball operations and where the Cubs go from here. Because Bregman represented the right player at the right time.

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Back from Las Vegas, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney compare notes after roaming The Cosmopolitan this week, trying to track down information on the Cubs. The two writers from The Athletic share what they heard and observed at the sport’s offseason kick-off event. Included in this episode: names the Cubs are targeting in free agency, an overall assessment of the pitching market and an update on the club’s bullpen strategy. Follow North Side Territory all winter for the latest news surrounding the Cubs.

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The scene in Arizona as spring training begins on Super Bowl Sunday. Patrick Mooney joins Sahadev Sharma from Arizona as The Athletic’s Cubs beat writers break down the latest news and notes. With pitchers and catchers officially reporting, there are two main questions: Is Jed Hoyer done making moves? And where is Alex Bregman?

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With spring training about to start, at least one projection system is bullish about the Cubs, and the offseason still isn’t over yet. Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic share what they’re hearing about the team’s internal win projections and how Alex Bregman would fit into those plans. Until that waiting game is over, the Cubs have to be considered a serious contender for the All-Star baseman, which keeps the pressure on the front office and ownership to make a big move that would push the club to another level.

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With spring training around the corner, Baseball America prospect writer Geoff Pontes joins the show to discuss why he’s so high on Matt Shaw, who could be the Opening Day third baseman next month. The conversation with Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic then gets into Cade Horton and whether the buzz is starting to fade around the top pitching prospect. Other hot topics include: what the Cubs gave up in the Kyle Tucker trade; whether Moises Ballesteros can catch; the club’s scouting in Latin America; sleeper prospects at lower-level affiliates; and the Cubs’ identity as an organization.

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Even with the report dates fast approaching, the offseason still isn’t over yet. This is also when the Cubs like to be opportunistic. What does that mean this time? Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic explore those options, and share their first impressions of new closer Ryan Pressly. Plus, some context around the San Diego trade rumors (Dylan Cease, Michael King) that typically draw in the Cubs.

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With the Cubs and Astros making another deal, Chandler Rome, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney get together for another crossover episode. How much does Pressly have left in the tank? And how much did the addition of Josh Hader bother Pressly last season? The reporters from The Athletic discuss what Pressly meant to the Astros, and what the All-Star reliever will bring to the Wrigley Field clubhouse. After trading for Pressly and Kyle Tucker, you would think that the Cubs would be all-in for Alex Bregman, but the signals have been mixed and ultimately this might be up to Astros owner Jim Crane.Get up to 10 FREE meals and a free high protein item for life at HelloFresh.com/FT10FM. One item per box with active subscription. Free meals applied as a discount on the first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.Watch NST and CCT on YouTube.

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Uh, no. But the offseason isn’t over yet, as Cubs officials might say. What’s next is the primary topic of conversation for Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney, The Athletic’s Cubs beat writers. 

They share the bullpen names that they’ve heard, and break down how those relievers would fit at Wrigley Field. 

Still, it’s been an offseason of mixed messages around the Cubs, a big-market team that hasn’t followed through on an all-in trade, allowing for a youth movement while also carefully monitoring the budget.

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Chandler Rome, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic get together for a scouting report on Kyle Tucker and how his personality will mesh in the Wrigley Field clubhouse, whether he is ready to be a face of the franchise, and what to make of his arbitration case. 

From there, they discuss Alex Bregman’s market and potential willingness to accept a short-term deal. Could the Cubs be a fit there? 

Plus, Houston’s plan for top prospect Cam Smith after the Tucker trade, and a name to keep on the radar for another possible deal between the Astros and Cubs this winter.

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In a wide-ranging conversation, the All-Star pitcher gives his overview of the Cubs’ offseason so far. 

Steele chats with Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic about the Kyle Tucker addition, the arbitration process, Roki Sasaki’s free agency, the anticipated reaction to Sammy Sosa this weekend at Cubs Convention, and more. 

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Welcome to Chicago. Thursday’s filing deadline came and went without an agreement between the Cubs and their newly acquired All-Star outfielder, moving both sides toward an arbitration hearing. What does this mean for the long-term relationship? Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic discuss the bad optics and peculiar timing of this development. Plus, there’s an introduction to the pitching guru the Cubs recently hired, hoping to take their organization to the next level. 

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The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are in Las Vegas for Major League Baseball’s GM meetings, reporting on the latest developments with the Cubs. At this traditional starting point for the offseason, the Cubs are signaling their intentions to think big with their pitching staff, not ruling out the top free agents. Listen to North Side Territory for a rundown on those early targets, the mood within the front office and the layers to the Shota Imanaga decisions.

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Before you know it, pitchers and catchers will be reporting for spring training in Arizona. 

But before the Cubs Convention and the final stages of the offseason, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney look back on the five biggest stories around the 2024 team. 

From the shocking Craig Counsell hire to the pressure building around Jed Hoyer’s front office, the writers from The Athletic have you covered, sharing what stood out to them while covering the beat.

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With the holidays approaching, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney take questions from listeners and readers. The reporting duo from The Athletic get into Jed Hoyer’s boldest move yet, what the priorities will be for the rest of the winter, whether Roki Sasaki and Corbin Burnes are in play, and where the Opening Day payroll will end up.

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