North Side Territory: A Chicago Cubs Podcast

With the Cubs starting to get into the flow of the season, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney answer timely questions from listeners. How concerned should Cubs fans be about the state of the bullpen? What are the takeaways from potential aces Cade Horton and Justin Steele suffering serious injuries in back-to-back years? Is it too early to start thinking about the trade deadline? (Never.) Listen to North Side Territory all year round for the latest information on the Cubs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is devastating news for Horton, who will need a major procedure on his right elbow, which will sideline one of the sport’s best young pitchers for the rest of the year. As the Cubs absorb this information, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney describe the scene in the clubhouse and outline the updated plans for the rotation. One name involved in this discussion is Lucas Giolito, who’s still out there as a free agent. How is the club evaluating Giolito right now? North Side Territory breaks down all the angles to this big story.Use our code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ten games into the season, the Cubs have already placed 40 percent of their Opening Day rotation on the injured list. The short-term outlook for Matthew Boyd appears better than Cade Horton’s situation, but the organization’s depth is being severely tested in April and the major-league club simply isn’t playing well right now. What’s the real level of concern here? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back to talk it through with insights from the clubhouse and the manager’s office.Use our code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cubs are sending mixed signals about Horton, their potential ace who’s now dealing with a forearm issue. With the club waiting for more information off further testing, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney describe the scene in Cleveland and outline the options for the rotation. Questions from listeners also involve the Cubs’ plans for the trade deadline and strategy around the ABS system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Cubs get into the flow of the season, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney spot some of the early trends and share what they’re looking for in the first month. The rotation, led by Matthew Boyd, is always a focus and moving in the right direction. Right field remains a question mark, both in April and for the long team. And something interesting is happening with Pete Crow-Armstrong’s swing. Get up to speed with the go-to show for the latest information on the Cubs.Start your 7-day free trial today at FOXOne.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s never easy for Crow-Armstrong to hide his emotions, but it was almost impossible during Friday’s news conference at the Wrigley Field office building, where the Cubs heralded his six-year, $115 million contract extension. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney take you inside the room and behind the scenes of the negotiations, explaining how it happened and why it matters to so many different parties. Listen to North Side Territory all season long for the latest information on the Cubs.Enjoy 50% off for life plus Free Shipping AND 3 Free Gifts at MenGoToMars.comGet 10 free meals and a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box at HelloFresh.com/FT10FM. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as a discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In one financial quarter, the Cubs committed $431 million to Nico Hoerner, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Alex Bregman, solidifying them as building blocks at Wrigley Field. Is this a new way of doing business? Yes and no. With direct insights from the key players involved in the negotiations, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney outline the thinking behind these big moves and how the deals came together.Get 10% off your first month of BlueChew Gold with code FOUL at BlueChew.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opening Day at Wrigley Field was kind of dud, but the Cubs delivered a six-year agreement with Hoerner, a homegrown Gold Glove second baseman and a fan favorite for his style of play. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney look into the motivations for this deal, how the front office has seemingly evolved with extensions and why the club now has a clear identity and a solid foundation for the future.Get 10 free meals and a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box at HelloFresh.com/FT10FM. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as a discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.Start your 7-day free trial today at FOXOne.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Opening Day being treated as a deadline, the Cubs and Crow-Armstrong’s camp came together to finalize a six-year, $115 million deal that solidified him as a new face of the franchise. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney take you inside the negotiations and explain what each side was thinking during the process. If you want to know how the Cubs operate, and what people inside the organization think of Crow-Armstrong, listen to North Side Territory for those insights from the front office and the clubhouse.Use our code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountIf you like your money, Mint Mobile is for you. Plans start at $15/month at MintMobile.com/TerritorySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearing the end of spring training, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney open their notebooks for some information on how the team is coming together. Why did Cubs manager Craig Counsell tell his hitting coaches to stay away from Ballesteros? And what’s the story behind this elite hitting prospect? Plus, some reports from evaluators who maybe aren’t as high on Chicago’s pitching staff. Should this be a concern heading into Opening Day? All that and more on the latest episode of North Side Territory, your go-to show for a behind-the-scenes look at the Cubs.    Get 10% off your first month of BlueChew Gold with code FOUL at BlueChew.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What did the Cubs really think of how Team Venezuela handled their closer? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain Palencia’s rise through the organization and onto the stage of an electric championship game. As the Cubs welcome key players back from the WBC, the focus will be getting the entire group on the same page and preparing for Opening Day. How will the pitching staff take shape? And what should we make of the Cactus League performances by Jameson Taillon, Shota Imanaga, Cade Horton and Edward Cabrera? Listen to North Side Territory all season long for the latest information and unique insights from the clubhouse and the front office.Get 10% off your first month of BlueChew Gold with code FOUL at BlueChew.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Near the end of a relatively smooth spring training, the Cubs are dealing with some uncertainty. The club continues to monitor Suzuki, who injured his right knee while playing for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic, making it questionable whether he will be able to start the season on time. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney have the latest updates on this situation, from Suzuki’s timeline to the team’s current plans for right field and the internal deliberations on how to fill out the Opening Day roster. Listen to North Side Territory all season long for information, insight and analysis.Start your 7-day free trial today at FOXOne.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Opening Day fast approaching, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney analyze some of the decisions that club officials will be facing before the Cubs pack up and leave Arizona. The Cactus League numbers won’t reveal much about Horton, one of the sport’s best young pitchers. But how the Cubs manage the next stage of his career will be fascinating to watch. For certain players, however, the results in spring training matter. Find out who is being closely watched on the latest episode of North Side Territory, the go-to show for information on the Cubs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the latest news from Cubs camp, where Boyd returned after his stint with Team USA. The Athletic’s Cubs beat writers explain why naming the Opening Day starter was a relatively straightforward decision and what that means moving forward. Plus a look at Pete Crow-Armstrong’s World Baseball Classic highlight reel and how that can propel him toward another MVP-caliber season. Follow North Side Territory all season for insights from the field level and the clubhouse.Get 10 free meals and a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box at HelloFresh.com/FT10FM. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as a discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.Start your 7-day free trial today at FOXOne.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As spring training continues and the World Baseball Classic entertains, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back with some nuggets from their notebooks. Leading off, do the results in spring training matter for a Gold Glove shortstop with a $177 million contract? Actually, yes, to a degree, given the changes that Swanson made this offseason. Plus what to make of the latest outings from Matthew Boyd (Team USA) and Jameson Taillon (Canada) as well as some WBC names to file away as the Cubs try to maintain their presence in Japan. Use our code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountStart your 7-day free trial today at FOXOne.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is there another Brad Keller surprise in camp for the Cubs this spring? How would Nico Hoerner's ability to play shortstop impact the team's chances of extending him? What's the plan for Ben Brown? Sahadev empties the mailbag and answers these questions and more. Start your 7-day free trial today at FOXOne.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Team USA’s unbelievable collection of talent includes two Cubs stars who could play prominent roles in this global event. Alex Bregman and Pete Crow-Armstrong are constantly talked about, but this is a huge moment for both players, and a sign of Chicago’s progress over the last several years. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney discuss Bregman’s influence on the team and how his presence has changed the tenor of this training camp. Plus, Crow-Armstrong’s deep connections to USA Baseball and how Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd factors in the WBC plans.Start your 7-day free trial today at FOXOne.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s the current timeline for Justin Steele as the All-Star pitcher comes back from elbow surgery? And should you be concerned about Jameson Taillon and Shota Imanaga at this point? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney have the latest information from Arizona, plus a look at how Michael Busch has finally filled the club’s post-Anthony Rizzo void at first base. For real insights and observations from spring training, follow North Side Territory.Start your 7-day free trial today at FOXOne.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back with their roster projections and insights from the Arizona complex. Tyler Austin’s unfortunate injury and Michael Conforto’s arrival have somewhat changed the picture. How are the Cubs planning to start the season? At this point, their rotation appears to be healthy while at least one bullpen job seems to be up for grabs. Plus, an explainer on Shota Imanaga’s velocity boost and why that matters. For the latest information on the Cubs, follow North Side Territory throughout spring training.Use our code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spring training is fully underway, but the Cubs haven’t stopped making moves. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney get you up to speed with the latest from Arizona, where the Cubs will be welcoming a one-time All-Star outfielder. Moisés Ballesteros has also arrived in camp after visa-related delays. Where does the rookie fit in now? Plus a look at Seiya Suzuki’s trajectory as he leaves for the World Baseball Classic in what will be a huge platform year for the Japanese outfielder. Follow North Side Territory throughout spring training for in-depth coverage from Mesa.Use our code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountQuit overspending on wireless with 50% off Unlimited premium wireless. Plans start at $15/month at MintMobile.com/TerritorySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tony Clark scandal hovered over spring training as union officials visited Cubs camp on Wednesday in Arizona. Sahadev Sharma joins Patrick Mooney with a full report from Mesa. The Athletic beat writers then give a very encouraging update on Cade Horton, who after an awesome rookie season already looks like a potential Cy Young Award contender and Game 1 playoff starter. Plus details on a subtraction to Chicago’s front office and what that might mean for the club’s pursuit of Japanese talent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In what’s become an annual tradition, Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts separately addressed the team and the Chicago media covering spring training in Arizona. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney give Cubs fans the most important takeaways from that session with the club’s owner. How should Marquee Sports Network be judged at this point? What does the league’s TV future look like? Where does all that fit into the push for a salary cap in the upcoming labor negotiations? What about money for the trade deadline? For comprehensive coverage of the Cubs all year round, subscribe to North Side Territory.Our listeners get 15% off plus free shipping when they buy two or more pairs of prescription glasses at WarbyParker.com/FOUL — using our link helps support the show. #WarbyParker #adSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is Pete Crow-Armstrong working on this year? And how will Alex Bregman help the young star reach that next level? Sahadev Sharma joins Patrick Mooney with his early impressions from Arizona. The Athletic beat writers discuss the risk-reward approach to trying to change Crow-Armstrong’s game as well as Bregman’s influence within the clubhouse, which is already apparent. Follow North Side Territory throughout spring training for the latest on a Cubs team that is planning to be a World Series contender.Quit overspending on wireless with 50% off Unlimited premium wireless. Plans start at $15/month at MintMobile.com/TerritorySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the first formal workout for Cubs pitchers and catchers in Arizona, Sahadev Sharma joins Patrick Mooney for a rundown of the sights and sounds in Mesa. The Athletic beat writers capture the new expectations surrounding the team and wonder if we’ll see a different Craig Counsell this year (doubt it). Nevertheless, the Cubs manager made headlines with his preliminary plan for the ninth inning, naming Daniel Palencia as his anticipated closer. And while the Cubs are back, it still left another question hanging out there: Are they done with their offseason yet? Get 10 free meals and a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box at HelloFresh.com/FT10FM. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as a discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a rough stretch of Chicago winter filled with snow, ice and bone-chilling temperatures, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are looking forward to pitchers and catchers reporting to Arizona. The Athletic writers explain why the offseason still doesn’t feel over yet in February, what they’ll be paying attention to in Mesa and how the pitching staff will have to come together (or not). Follow North Side Territory throughout spring training, when Sharma and Mooney will be in the clubhouse and around the complex gathering information and insights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although another move or two could still be out there, the Cubs checked a lot of boxes this winter, adding to a roster that will be expected to win 90-plus games, a division title and multiple playoff rounds. With spring training right around the corner, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney hand out their offseason grades, reviewing what the Cubs got right and pointing out what could go wrong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With so many good questions from listeners, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney broke up their latest mailbag into two parts. In this episode, the beat writers analyze the possibility of long-term deals for Pete Crow-Armstrong and Nico Hoerner, and outline the plans for Moisés Ballesteros. Plus, a rundown of some of their favorite interviews over the years at Wrigley Field, and why Anthony Rizzo could be a great broadcaster in his new role.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With spring training rapidly approaching, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back with a pitching-centric mailbag, answering questions from listeners about which free agents are still in play, how Craig Counsell will manage the bullpen and whether the Cubs will go with a six-man rotation. Listen all year round for the latest information from the North Side.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As subzero weather grips Chicago, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are looking forward to spring training in Arizona and what’s next for the Cubs. In this episode, the two beat writers analyze the Peralta deal and what it means for the Brewers and the rest of the National League. Another Cooperstown election and the 10-year reunion of the 2016 World Series team prompts a question: Will anyone from that group make the Hall of Fame? Plus more on Chas McCormick and the strong sense that this front office is not done yet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It could be nothing. But this is a front office that is always willing to listen, never viewing a player as untouchable. And the Cubs are clearly signaling that they’re not yet done with their offseason moves. So where does that leave Shaw and Hoerner now that the Cubs have a potential surplus of infielders after the addition of Alex Bregman? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share what they’re hearing on North Side Territory, the go-to show for offseason news and analysis of the Cubs. Quit overspending on wireless with 50% off Unlimited premium wireless. Plans start at $15/month at MintMobile.com/TerritorySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now that the Tucker saga has a predictable ending – the top free agent is heading to Dodger Stadium – The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney give some insights into why the Cubs seemed to move on a long time ago. Closing Alex Bregman’s five-year, $175 million deal certainly took a lot of heat off the Cubs organization leading into its annual winter convention. But the front office also hasn’t yet shut down any of the trade speculation surrounding Hoerner, Shaw and a potential surplus of infielders. North Side Territory, your offseason home for Cubs news and analysis, gets into all of those angles and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What an introduction to Chicago for the two-time World Series champion who purposely chose No. 3 for his new jersey. Yes, Bregman wants a third World Series ring to add to his collection. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain the significance of this moment, how the five-year, $175 million deal came together and where Bregman is planning to make an impact, on and off the field. Get 10 free meals and a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box at HelloFresh.com/FT10FM. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as a discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On an electric night for Chicago sports fans, the Cubs reminded the city and the baseball world that they are still a big-market force, closing a five-year, $175 million deal with Bregman before the Bears roared back for a playoff victory over the Packers. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain why the Cubs have been so enamored with the All-Star third baseman and what Bregman’s arrival means for the rest of this year and beyond.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After trading for Edward Cabrera and upgrading their starting rotation, the Cubs have a clear need for another hitter and a genuine opportunity to level up their roster. With the free-agent market moving slowly, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain where the Cubs are at with Bo Bichette, Alex Bregman, Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker, analyzing their potential fits both on and off the field.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down all the angles to Chicago’s biggest offseason move thus far – what the Cubs see in Cabrera, why Owen Caissie was dealt to the Marlins and where the front office goes from here. For detailed scouting reports and behind-the-scenes insights, listen to North Side Territory all winter and throughout the season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy New Year from North Side Territory, the show that covers all the offseason angles involving the Cubs. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back to sketch out what the Cubs might do now that Tatsuya Imai has decided to sign with the Astros. Look for certain names to resurface in free agency, and expect more trade rumors to pop up. Plus, an explainer on what the Cubs have done with their bullpen and how that sets up the rest of the winter (and start of spring training).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.