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• BCB After Dark: Which Cub will emerge behind the plate?

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images The late-night/early-morning spot for Cubs fans asks which Cubs catcher will have the better 2025 It’s Wednesday night here at BCB After Dark: the hippest hangout for night owls, early risers, new parents and Cubs fans abroad. Please come in out of the cold and join us. There’s no cover charge this evening. We can check your coat for you. We ...2025
See more articles Javier Assad latest news
• 2025 South Side Sox Prospect Vote: Round 21

Matt Dirksen/Getty Images Ky Bush tops our Round 20 ballot. So, who is the 21st-best prospect in the White Sox system? In order to avoid setting the mark for longest time on the Prospect Vote ballot, Ky Bush leapfrogged Sean Burke and Nick Nastrini — from fourth place into first — to win Round 20, with 45 of 206 votes (22%): Bush is merely tied for the longest stay on the ball...2025
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• Patrick Wisdom is heading to play in Korea in 2025

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images The Cubs infielder provided some memorable moments in Chicago. News item from over the weekend: [KBO_ENG] Former Chicago Cubs slugger Patrick Wisdom is heading to the KBO and will be looking to help defend the title of the reigning champs https://www.rawchili.com/3907728/ [KBO_ENG] Former Chicago Cubs slugger Patrick Wisdom is heading to ...2024
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• Ryne Sandberg’s cancer has, unfortunately, returned

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images Not good news for the Cubs Hall of Famer Over the past year, we learned that Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, undergone treatment and had been declared cancer-free. A statue was dedicated in his honor in Gallagher Way next to Wrigley Field last June 23, on the 40th anniversary of the famous Sandberg Ga...2024
Read about Ryne Sandberg news today
• The Cubs have some roster decisions to make by Friday

Mike Tauchman | Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images Nov. 22 is the deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible and pre-arb players. After Tuesday’s two Cubs DFAs (Adbert Alzolay and Brennen Davis) to make room for two players (Owen Caissie and Ben Cowles) the team wanted to protect from the Rule 5 Draft, the 40-man roster is once again full. That, obviously, isn’t goin...2024
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• Ian Happ wins 3rd Gold Glove

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images The Cubs left fielder wins for the third-straight season The Rawlings Gold Glove Awards were announced this evening and for the third-straight season, the Cubs’ Ian Happ was given the award for the top defender in left field in the National League. Happ is the first Cubs’ outfielder to win a Gold Glove three years in a row. He was tied for th...2024
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• 2025 South Side Sox Prospect Vote: Round 21
2025

Visit the page Prospect Vote
• Ryne Sandberg’s cancer has, unfortunately, returned
2024

Read about Ryne Sandberg injury update
• Cody Bellinger does not opt out of his 2025 contract and will remain a Cub

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images The plot thickens. We’ve been waiting for news on Cody Bellinger and here it is: BREAKING: Chicago Cubs CF/1B Cody Bellinger picked up his $27.5 million player option for the 2025 season and will not be a free agent, sources tell me and @JeffPassan.— Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) November 2, 2024 So Bellinger will remain a Cub and play a t...2024
Read about Cody Bellinger injury report
• The Cubs should be stealing more bases

Nico Hoerner steals second base against the Twins | Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images A closer look at the team’s running tendencies relative to the rest of the league this season. One of the big developments last season was the dramatic increase in stolen bases league-wide as the rules were adjusted to encourage teams to run more. How much more did teams run? A lot. In 2022 ...2024
Continue with Nico Hoerner injury status
• Combined no-hitters in major league history

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images Here’s some more interesting baseball history. The Cubs had Shōta Imanaga, Nate Pearson and Porter Hodge combine for a no-hitter over the Pirates Wednesday evening at Wrigley Field. That's still a rare enough feat that I thought you'd like to see a list of the 20 other combined no-hitters in major-league history. June 23, 1917, first game. B...2024
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• Baseball history unpacked, September 2

Happy birthday, Christian Bethancourt! | Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images A M-W-F digest, replete with #Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB content, gathered from reputable sources. Pappas throws a no-no and other stories. Happy birthday to Christian Bethancourt! On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Bleed Cubbie Blue is pleased to present a light-hearted, Cubs-centric look at baseba...2024
Read about Christian Bethancourt injury
• Cubs 3, Blue Jays 2: You keep me hangin’ on

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images The Cubs made a rainy game interesting in the ninth, but hung on for a win. You can be forgiven for thinking this, because I sure was: When Jorge López was greeted, in his first save opportunity as a Cub, with a home run by Addison Barger, I immediately thought: “Hey, Hector Neris could have done THAT!” But unlike Neris in too many save oppor...2024
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• Cubs roster moves: Matt Mervis, Hayden Wesneski recalled, Kyle Hendricks to IL, Garrett Cooper DFA

Matt Mervis bats during 2024 Spring Training | Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The Cubs first base prospect gets another MLB opportunity. Garrett Cooper didn’t play much for the Cubs, batting .270/.341/.432 (10-for-37) in 12 games, starting nine times (six as DH, three at first base). He had a double, triple and home run. Today, the Cubs designated Cooper for assignment. To replace Coop...2024
Visit the page Matt Mervis injuries
• Cubs roster moves: Jameson Taillon, Patrick Wisdom activated from injured list

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images Hayden Wesneski and Miles Mastrobuoni were returned to Iowa. Even with today’s rainout, the Cubs announced two roster moves, about an hour after the postponement. First, the Cubs activated Jameson Taillon from the injured list. He was going to start Thursday night’s game. It’s not yet clear whether he’ll start Friday afternoon instead. Taillon missed all ...2024
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• Cubs finalize Opening Day roster

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The final decisions on who is going north with the team were revealed today. With the first game of the season in Texas just three days away, the Cubs revealed who will make up the Opening Day 26-man roster. Cubs finalize roster:IF Nick Madrigal and IF Miles Mastrobuoni fill out the benchLHP Luke Little and RHP José Cuas get the final bullpen spotsOF Al...2024
Check it out Nick Madrigal injury update

• Cub Tracks’ stealth blogging

#4, the invisible man | Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB news and notes, hand-selected for your possible pleasure, with commentary. What even is ‘content’? Welcome to today’s episode of Cub Tracks news and notes™, a greatest-hits collection of Chicago-style beat writers and bloggers, ground from #Cubs, #MiLB, and #MLB baseball, overheated, steeped in writers’ tears,...2023
Visit the page Cub Tracks
• Cub Tracks’ best paw forward
Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images All the #Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB news you can use, four days a week. Clark is looking for a Clark bar and a Clark station, on Clark St. Welcome to today’s edition of Cub Tracks news and notes™, a greatest-hits collection of Chicago-style beat writers and bloggers, ground from #Cubs, #MiLB, and #MLB baseball, overheated, steeped in writers’ tears, and then c...2023
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2025
"Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images The late-night/early-morning spot for Cubs fans asks which Cubs catcher will have the better 2025 It’s Wednesday night here at BCB After Dark: the hippest hangout for night owls, early risers, new parents and Cubs fans abroad."

2024
"Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images We’re getting closer to real games — well, real practice games, anyway."

2023
"Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The righthander is on the road to return to the Cubs."

2022
"| Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The team is likely to see major turnover by the time they take the field at Wrigley next March 30."

• 2025 South Side Sox Prospect Vote: Round 21
2025

Visit the page Prospect Vote
• The Cubs have some roster decisions to make by Friday
2024

Visit the page Mike Tauchman salary rumors
• Cody Bellinger does not opt out of his 2025 contract and will remain a Cub
2024

See more articles Cody Bellinger
• A few more thoughts about the Chicago White Sox’ historically bad season

The Campfire Milkshake is the best thing about the 2024 White Sox | Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images We are witnessing something that hasn’t been done in decades — or maybe ever. You all know how historically bad the 2024 White Sox season has been. They are off today, before hosting the A’s this weekend on the South Side. (Scout ‘em if you want, the A’s visit Wrigley starting Monday.) Th...2024
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• Cub Tracks’ Brown harvest

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images #Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB news and notes, links and discussion, plus more or less scientific food for thought. Part of the future is coming to a park near you. Plus game notes and other amusements for the discerning reader. WELCOME to today’s episode of Cub Tracks news and notes™, a greatest-hits collection of Chicago-style beat writers and bloggers, ground ...2024
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• Cubs release Carl Edwards Jr., Dominic Smith

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images Two more cuts to the roster as we get closer to Opening Day. The Cubs today announced that they have released two non-roster invitees to Spring Training, right-handed pitcher Carl Edwards Jr. and first baseman Dominic Smith. Both players opted out of their contracts when they were told that they would not make the Opening Day roster. The moves reduce the ...2024
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• Cub Tracks turns the page

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images Typically acerbic #Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB news and notes, links and discussion, plus more or less scientific food for thought. All about Bellinger, more about Bellinger, and some stuff about Bellinger. Plus news. WELCOME to today’s episode of Cub Tracks news and notes™, a greatest-hits collection of Chicago-style beat writers and bloggers, ground from #Cub...2024
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• A first look at 2024 Cubs ticket pricing

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images Season ticket holders got a presale for single game tickets Wednesday. Here’s a look at some pricing trends. Cubs single game tickets go on sale tomorrow, Friday, February 23. Here’s a page where you can find links for tickets to every game, along with listings of the promotions available. BCBer Lifetime Cubs Fan, who writes up some info on Wrigley Field ...2024
See more articles Wrigley Field salary rumors
• The Daily Belli watch: 8 days to the Cubs Spring Training opener

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images One week from tomorrow, there will be spring baseball. Pitchers and catchers had their official report date to Cubs Spring Training Wednesday and President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer held a news conference. He had things to say about Cody Bellinger. ‘‘There’s a lot of good free agents out there,’’ Hoyer said. ‘‘Certainly, it’s been a really late-ev...2024
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• A look at Cubs trades in the expansion era: 2023

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images A look back at last year. The Cubs appeared to be headed toward another deadline selloff until they won eight in a row in late July. That, along with Dansby Swanson’s reported plea to Jed Hoyer to not sell off every year, prompted the Cubs to make a couple of small “buy” deals at the deadline. March 27: Acquired Carlos Guzman from the Tigers for Zach McKi...2024
See more articles Dansby Swanson contract rumors

• 2025 South Side Sox Prospect Vote: Round 21
2025

Continue with Prospect Vote stats
• The Cubs should be stealing more bases
2024

See also Nico Hoerner stats
• A few more thoughts about the Chicago White Sox’ historically bad season
2024

See more White Sox
• Baseball history unpacked, September 2
2024

Check it out Christian Bethancourt scores
• The Cubs have lost 33 percent of their Quality Starts this season

Justin Steele exits a game against the Giants at Wrigley Field | Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images Winning even half of those games would have this team in a very different position in the standings It’s been a frustrating season for Cubs fans and Monday’s loss against the Minnesota Twins was a pretty good example. Kyle Hendricks has been a bit of a roller coaster ride in his...2024
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• Cub Tracks turns the page
2024

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• A first look at 2024 Cubs ticket pricing
2024

See more articles Wrigley Field stats
• 5 bold predictions for the 2024 Cubs

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images In which I go out on the proverbial limb to forecast the year to come. You know what? A year ago today I posted 5 bold predictions for the 2023 Cubs and, revisiting them in November, I did pretty well. All that did is make me more confident that I can do it again this year. That’s probably misplaced confidence, but it’s not going to stop me. I’m going to...2024
Read about Adbert Alzolay scores
• 2023 Season in Review: Angel Zerpa

Photo by Matt Dirksen/MLB Photos via Getty Images In a larger sample, the lefty struggled a little more. Angel Zerpa looked impressive for the Kansas City Royals in 2021 and 2022, despite only pitching a handful of innings. His 2021 ERA was 0.00 over five innings and he followed that up the next season with a 1.64 ERA over eleven innings. Heading into 2023, there was optimism that those re...2023
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• Let’s take a peek at the Royals’ 2024 payroll

Photo by Matt Dirksen/MLB Photos via Getty Images I’m already ready to look ahead. The Royals are playing out the string, with the only drama remaining being by how much will they set the new club record for losses? We will take deeper dives on the off-season when it gets here, but I did want to give Royals fans ready to start discussing next year’s team a peek at the payroll situation. T...2023
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• BCB After Dark: Which Cub will emerge behind the plate?
2025

Check it out Javier Assad
• Patrick Wisdom is heading to play in Korea in 2025
2024

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• A first look at 2024 Cubs ticket pricing
2024

Check it out Wrigley Field
• The 10 best Cubs photos of 2023

Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports There were memorable moments this past season that produced some great photographs. This is the last week of calendar year 2022 and so it’s time for year-end things! As has been my practice in previous years, I am today posting 10 of what I think are the best Cubs photos of the past season. So close Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images Drew ...2023
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• Cub Tracks’ Belli full

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images #Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB news and notes. It’s reportedly down to two teams now, vying for Cody Bellinger’s services. Welcome to today’s episode of Cub Tracks news and notes™, a greatest-hits collection of Chicago-style beat writers and bloggers, ground from #Cubs, #MiLB, and #MLB baseball, overheated, steeped in writers’ tears, and then cold-brewed overnig...2023
Check it out Cub Tracks
• A Cubsmas Advent Calendar: Craig Counsell will manage the Cubs

Craig Counsell will be the 56th manager of the Cubs | Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images Will the new manager bring his winning ways to the North Side of Chicago? This is Day Three of a Cubsmas Advent Calendar. You can read the explanation for the project and Day One here. I have rarely been as stunned and confused as I was on November 6 when I sat down at my computer. I’d flo...2023
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• A Cubsmas Advent Calendar: Pat Hughes is a Hall of Famer

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The radio voice of the Chicago Cubs won the Ford C. Frick Award in 2023 This is Day Four of a Cubsmas Advent Calendar. You can read the explanation for the project and Day One here. Every year as the snow begins to melt (before second or third winter, when we’ll wait for the snow to thaw again, but I digress) Cubs fans who have been desperate for baseball...2023
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• The Cubs have opened up season ticket sales to everyone

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images No more waiting list, apparently. An email dropped into my inbox this afternoon — yours too, perhaps — which read: Cubs season tickets are now available With full-season, half-season and 20-game plans available, there’s never been a better time to become a Cubs Season Ticket Holder. Enjoy priority access to postseason tickets, on-field gameday experience...2023
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• Cub Tracks’ pastime management

Alfred E. Counsell | Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images #Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB news and notes. Many interrresting things. Maybe put on the aluminum thinking caps today. Does this look like the picture of a man who has worries? Welcome to today’s episode of Cub Tracks news and notes™, a greatest-hits collection of Chicago-style beat writers and bloggers, ground from #Cubs, #MiL...2023
Read about Cub Tracks
• BCB After Dark: Time to cut ties?

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The late-night/early-morning spot for Cubs fans asks if the Cubs should non-tender a third baseman It’s another week here at BCB After Dark: the grooviest gathering for night owls, early risers, new parents and Cubs fans abroad. We’re so glad to see you this evening. Aren’t the fall leaves lovely? Please come in out of the chill fall air. There are still ...2023
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• Kyle Hendricks will make a rehab start for Iowa this Thursday
Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The righthander is on the road to return to the Cubs. Cubs righthander Kyle Hendricks, the last remaining active Cub who played for the team in the 2016 World Series, had two rough years in 2021 and 2022 and has not pitched in a game at all since a three-inning outing at Milwaukee July 5, 2022. Diagnosed with a shoulder injury, Hendricks chose rehabbing i...2023
See more articles Kyle Hendricks
• The Daily Belli watch: 9 days to the Cubs Spring Training opener

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images We’re getting closer to real games — well, real practice games, anyway. Today’s the day! Cubs pitchers and catchers report to the Sloan Park complex in Mesa for their first official workout, though some players were going through informal workouts earlier this week. And guess whose name was on Nico Hoerner’s lips? Cutting to the chase: Cody Bellinger is...2024
Check it out Spring Training
• Marcus Stroman opts out of his Cubs contract

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images This could change everything. Marcus Stroman had an opt-out of his Cubs deal for 2024, which would have paid him $21 million. Today, the Cubs have saved that money: Confirming @JonHeyman report, Cubs righty Marcus Stroman has opted out of his deal and is now a free agent. Was due $21 million for 2024. This was a 50/50 call after a down/injured second ha...2023
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• Cubs roster move: Brandon Hughes activated from injured list, Nelson Velázquez optioned
Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images At last, the Cubs have a lefthanded reliever. Before Saturday’s game, the Cubs announced that they had activated lefthanded reliever Brandon Hughes from the injured list and optioned Nelson Velázquez to Triple-A Iowa. Hughes had some minor knee inflammation during Spring Training and appeared in just four games during camp with a 6.75 ERA. He also made th...2023
See more articles Brandon Hughes
• Cody Bellinger watch: He’s still unsigned. What will it take to get him back in the Cubs fold?

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images Let’s throw some numbers around. The photo at the top of this post was chosen for a reason. Specifically, because it’s a photo of Cody Bellinger rounding the bases after a home run against the Cardinals last July... with the words CHICAGO CUBS prominently in view behind him. That, of course, is where we want him to remain for the 2024 season, and hopefull...2024
Check it out Cody Bellinger
• Cubs non-tender Codi Heuer, Ethan Roberts and Brandon Hughes; Patrick Wisdom signed

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The injured pitchers could come back on minor-league deals. Today was the deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players and here’s what the Cubs did: The Cubs are non-tendering RHP Codi Heuer, RHP Ethan Roberts and LHP Brandon Hughes. Additionally, Patrick Wisdom and the Cubs have agreed to terms on a contract, avoiding arbitration.— Andy...2023
See more articles Codi Heuer
• David Bote is among five Cubs roster cuts

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The team reduced the spring roster to 37 Thursday. There has been much discussion here about whether David Bote would make the Opening Day roster. After a strong start to Spring Training his numbers declined a bit, and now stand at .222/.271/.578 (10-for-45), but with five home runs. Thursday, the Cubs sent Bote back to the minor-league camp. Three other ...2024
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• The Daily Belli watch: 8 days to the Cubs Spring Training opener
2024

Continue with Spring Training

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596. Matt Dirksen

• BCB After Dark: Which Cub will emerge behind the plate?
2025

Visit the page Javier Assad
• 2025 South Side Sox Prospect Vote: Round 21
2025

Read about Prospect Vote
• Patrick Wisdom is heading to play in Korea in 2025
2024

Continue with Patrick Wisdom
• Ian Happ wins 3rd Gold Glove
2024

See more articles Ian Happ
• The Cubs have raised 2025 bleacher season ticket prices by 6.7 percent

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images The Cubs are banking on an improved team next year — or at least sustained interest. Cubs season ticket holders received their 2025 invoices Thursday afternoon. I can’t speak for other parts of the ballpark, but my bleacher season ticket price went up 6.7 percent — and that’s for two fewer games, because both games the Cubs will play next Mar...2024
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• A few more thoughts about the Chicago White Sox’ historically bad season
2024

Continue with White Sox
• Yankees 3, Cubs 0: Playoff hopes circling the drain, and Anthony Rizzo’s emotional return

Anthony Rizzo is celebrated on his return to Wrigley Field | Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images The only thing Cubs fans had to cheer for Friday afternoon was celebrating the former Cubs first baseman. If you are one who enjoys no-hitters, well, you nearly got to see another one at Wrigley Field Friday afternoon after Wednesday’s gem by Cubs pitchers. Cody Bellinger’s one-out ...2024
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• Combined no-hitters in major league history
2024

Read about Nate Pearson
• The Cubs have lost 33 percent of their Quality Starts this season
2024

See more articles Justin Steele
• Cubs roster moves: Matt Mervis, Hayden Wesneski recalled, Kyle Hendricks to IL, Garrett Cooper DFA
2024

Visit the page Matt Mervis

• Baseball history unpacked, September 2
2024

Click for news about Christian Bethancourt scandal
• Cub Tracks’ Brown harvest
2024

See more articles Cub Tracks gossip
• Cub Tracks’ filling in

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images #Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB news and notes. Ohtani, Yamamoto, other rumors and speculation. Who’s on first? Welcome to today’s episode of Cub Tracks news and notes™, a greatest-hits collection of Chicago-style beat writers and bloggers, ground from #Cubs, #MiLB, and #MLB baseball, overheated, steeped in writers’ tears, and then cold-brewed overnig...2023
Visit the page Cub Tracks buzz
• Cub Tracks’ land of the Giants
Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images #Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB news you can use, four days a week. The Cubs effort looks positively Lilliputian and the tide is going out. Marcus Stroman tries to play stopper. Welcome to today’s episode of Cub Tracks news and notes™, a greatest-hits collection of Chicago-style beat writers and bloggers, ground from #Cubs, #MiLB, and #MLB baseball, overheated, st...2023
Click for news about Cub Tracks gossip
• BCB After Dark: How high will the Cubs go?
Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The late-night/early-morning spot for Cubs fans asks if the Cubs will set any marks for contract value this winter. Welcome back to BCB After Dark: the swingin’ spot for night owls, early risers, new parents and Cubs fans abroad. It’s so good to see you again this evening. Come on in out of the cold. We can take your coat for you if you’d like. There are...2022
Read about José Abreu

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