North Side Territory: A Chicago Cubs Podcast

Maybe the Cubs should’ve gotten another pitcher at the trade deadline

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hindsight is 20/20, but this was an immediate question following MLB’s trade deadline: Why didn’t the Cubs acquire another starter for the stretch...

Trade deadline recap: Did the Cubs pass or fail?

01 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Both of these things can be true: The Cubs significantly improved their roster and missed a great opportunity. Time will tell whether the Cubs made th...

Breaking down Jed Hoyer’s contract extension

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the trade deadline looming, the Cubs took one potential distraction off the table, finalizing a deal with president of baseball operations Jed Ho...

Remembering Cubs icon Ryne Sandberg

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The death of “Ryno” hit people hard. The Hall of Famer bonded generations of Cubs fans who watched him perform at Wrigley Field and on the WGN sup...

Cubs mailbag: Trade deadline, Wrigley Field vibes and more

25 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the baseball industry heats up in late July, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back to answer more questions from listeners. T...

As Cubs look for more pitching, 22 trade names for the deadline

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s no secret that the Cubs are actively searching for more pitching and trying to make deals within this final week before the trade deadline. Bet...

The trade deadline chatter around the Cubs is picking up

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Brewers will not let up, forcing the Cubs to stay on top of their game and turning this into a true division race. With the July 31 trade deadline...

Cubs news and notes: The latest on Kyle Tucker and their trade chips for the deadline

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Looking ahead to the second half, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain what Kyle Tucker has brought to the Cubs and the expectat...

Cubs mailbag: Trade deadline, Jed Hoyer’s future, pitching outlook and more

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the All-Star break almost over, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney answer questions from listeners about the Cubs’ plans for th...

Cubs’ second-half guide: Trade deadline, stars to watch and more

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Cubs should enjoy their All-Star break, because they will be immediately tested. From a Brewers team that won’t go away to a pressure-packed tra...

What the Cubs are trying to accomplish at the trade deadline

11 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Through their reporting, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney have some on the names on Chicago’s radar as the baseball industry approaches the July 31...

Cubs president Jed Hoyer visits North Side Territory ahead of the trade deadline

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s that time of year. Cubs officials are simultaneously preparing for the 2025 MLB Draft and the July 31 trade deadline. For insights and perspect...

Trade deadline plans, All-Star picks and more takeaways from Wrigley Field

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Cubs put on a great show over the holiday weekend, dominating the Cardinals on the Fourth of July and “Sunday Night Baseball.” The Athletic’...

Trade deadline preview: The Cubs will be ultra-aggressive

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As a first-place team on the Fourth of July, the Cubs already know what direction they’re heading, planning to make big moves at the trade deadline ...

Will more Cubs join Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker at the All-Star Game?

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With two-thirds of the National League’s starting outfield, the Cubs will be well-represented at Major League Baseball’s showcase event. But Pete ...

The Cubs will have money for the trade deadline. What about Kyle Tucker?

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

At the beginning of July, the Cubs are in a prime position to add at the trade deadline. Jed Hoyer, the club’s president of baseball operations, con...

The Cubs at the halfway point: Big expectations for what’s next

27 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After 81 games, the Cubs are leading their division and fueling hopes for October baseball at Wrigley Field. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patri...

A low point for Pete Crow-Armstrong and the Cubs

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

During this high-flying season, Pete Crow-Armstrong has established himself as a legitimate MVP candidate who does so many things the right way for a ...

The current state of the Cubs-Cardinals rivalry

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With a four-game series unfolding at Busch Stadium, The Athletic’s Katie Woo, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney get together for a crossover episode...

All the Cubs angles to the stunning Rafael Devers trade

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A blockbuster deal between the Red Sox and Giants doesn’t necessarily mean that the trade market is about to heat up, but it does reframe certain th...

Pete Crow-Armstrong keeps putting on a show (just not at the Home Run Derby)

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Though Pete Crow-Armstrong says he’s not interested in participating in the Home Run Derby this summer, it’s clear that people want to see “PCA”...

Cubs news and notes: Kyle Tucker, Shota Imanaga and more from Wrigley Field

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While the offense has certainly cooled off, the Cubs have actually extended their lead in the division, which is a sign of a good team. The Athletic’...

Cubs prospect watch, looking ahead to trade deadline

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the Cubs expected to be big buyers at the July 31 trade deadline, now is a good time to check in on their prospects and see what they will have t...

Cubs mailbag: Dealing with the Marlins plus more on roster additions and lineup questions

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the trade deadline approaching, listeners are curious about Sandy Alcantara as well as Jed Hoyer’s previous discussions with Miami’s front of...

The X-factors that explain the Cubs right now

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After a relatively easy May, the Cubs are facing much tougher tests during these road series in Detroit and Philadelphia. The experience should benefi...

With best record in NL, Cubs keep taking care of business

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Good teams are supposed to beat bad teams, so you can’t ding the Cubs for taking advantage of a weaker part of the schedule, especially when those m...

Cubs mailbag: Will this be the most aggressive team at the trade deadline?

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s still relatively early, but it’s already clear that the Cubs are planning to buy at the July 31 deadline and trade for the finishing pieces t...

Kyle Tucker’s status and what we’ve learned about the Cubs

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The biggest headline at the moment is Kyle Tucker’s injury scare. But two-plus months into the season, there is a lot for Cubs fans to like about th...

Cubs All-Quarter Century Team

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How would you put together a roster of the best Cubs players since 2000? Spinning off a project for The Athletic, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney do...

Cubs mailbag: Cade Horton, Matt Shaw, trade deadline and more

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the Cubs continue to roll, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney take questions from listeners and explain what’s making this first-...

Sizing up the Cubs with one-third of the season completed

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time to break down a first-place team that is exceeding all expectations. What has gone right? And what could go wrong? The Athletic’s Sahade...

Cubs vs. Reds as the division race picks up speed

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fifty games into the season, the Cubs are 10 over .500 and leading the National League Central. The Reds, however, could be a problem. For a scouting ...

Pete Crow-Armstrong is built for this

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Undeniably, the breakout star of this Cubs season is Pete Crow-Armstrong, who is quickly gaining notice beyond Wrigley Field and becoming one of the m...

Cubs give Matt Shaw another chance to show he belongs

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Cubs didn’t really hesitate last month when they demoted Matt Shaw, the club’s Opening Day third baseman and top prospect heading into the sea...

Cubs mailbag: Now what would a Pete Crow-Armstrong extension look like?

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As Pete Crow-Armstrong blossoms into one of the game’s most exciting players, it’s worth revisiting why contract talks were tabled and how both si...

Justin Turner finally has his big moment as a Cub

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is exactly why the Cubs wanted Justin Turner on their team. And this is exactly what Turner needed after a brutal start to the season had some pe...

Moisés Ballesteros is coming to Wrigley Field

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In what’s becoming a regular occurrence, the Cubs are calling up another elite prospect to make his major-league debut. To get you prepared for Mois...

The scouting report on Cade Horton

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With top pitching prospect Cade Horton lined up to make his major-league debut on Saturday night in New York, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patr...

How can the Cubs fix their closer situation?

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After a historically bad outing, it’s back to the drawing board for Ryan Pressly. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down what...

With Shota Imanaga out, Cade Horton could be next up in Cubs rotation

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Already down one All-Star pitcher, the Cubs will again have to reshape the top of their rotation now that Shota Imanaga has joined Justin Steele on th...

Cubs mailbag: When is Cade Horton coming to Chicago?

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the Cubs off to a great start, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney open up the inbox to field questions from listeners and look ahead to what’s a...

Cubs hitting coach Dustin Kelly joins North Side Territory

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the offense rolling through the first month of the season, Cubs hitting coach Dustin Kelly joins Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athleti...

What we learned about the Cubs in April

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After the Cubs passed baseball’s most difficult opening test, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share their takeaways from the firs...

Do the Cubs have the best offense in baseball?

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s not a silly question to ask at this early stage of the season. The numbers are off the charts. The entertainment value is back at Wrigley Field...

Wrigley Field is rocking again

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Once again, the Cubs are becoming a must-see attraction. In a city that desperately wants to see a winner, and an iconic stadium that lacked buzz in r...

How to fix the Cubs bullpen

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 div...

Cubs officials showing sense of urgency with roster

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

By demoting Matt Shaw to the minors, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer and manager Craig Counsell demonstrated that their patience will ...

Why the Cubs and Pete Crow-Armstrong tabled contract talks

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Justin Steele’s season is over

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Cubs Mailbag: Justin Steele, trade deadline and more

12 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 lates...

Cubs news and notes: Justin Steele’s setback

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 hom...

What Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s deal means for Kyle Tucker

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 po...

The Cubs are back for another season at Wrigley

05 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Why is payroll such an ongoing story for the Cubs?

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Cubs takeaways: As advertised, Kyle Tucker is a star

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Reactions to Opening Day 2.0

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After their disappointing showing in the Tokyo Series, the Cubs restarted their regular season with a much-needed win over the Diamondbacks. The Athle...

Bold predictions for a Cubs season that won't be boring

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Previewing another Opening Day

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

News and notes before the next Opening Day

22 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 bre...

How the Cubs became a destination for Japanese players

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

No Opening Day overreactions and more from the Tokyo Dome

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Patric...

Tokyo Mailbag: Cubs bonding, pitching depth and concerns and more

16 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 he...

The Cubs have landed in Japan!

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Profe...

Matt Shaw makes the squad

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Cubs mailbag: What’s the payroll moving forward?

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As Opening Day comes into focus, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney answer questions from listeners. Once again, the Cubs’ spending pattern is a topi...

Decisions looming as Cubs prepare for Opening Day

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Athle...

Pete Crow-Armstrong and the Cubs' youth movement

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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? A...

Would a new White Sox owner push the Cubs to spend more?

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Cubs mailbag: Countdown to Opening Day

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 optio...

How the Cubs are sizing up their pitching staff

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Open...

Why the Cubs signed Justin Turner

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Cubs mailbag: Communication issues

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney field questions from listeners and give answers with insights collected at the start of spring trai...

Kyle Tucker’s future

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

First impressions of Cubs camp

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Sa...

Detailing the Cubs’ offer to Alex Bregman

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Par...

The Cubs are back!

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 wr...

Alex Bregman would make the Cubs a legit 90-win team

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Sharm...

Who’s up and who’s down in the Cubs’ farm system

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 c...

Cubs still have work to do before spring training

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

The Ryan Pressly trade means another North Side/Crush City crossover episode

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the Cubs and Astros making another deal, Chandler Rome, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney get together for another crossover episode. How much do...

Have the Cubs done enough after the Kyle Tucker trade?

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Pat...

What we learned at Cubs Convention

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sammy Sosa was the main headliner, but he wasn’t the only big name at the team’s annual winter event. For a full recap, Brett Taylor of Bleacher N...

North Side/Crush City crossover episode: Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman and more Cubs/Astros links

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 i...

Justin Steele joins North Side Territory

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Talking about arbitration: The Cubs and Kyle Tucker haven’t made a deal

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Chicago. Thursday’s filing deadline came and went without an agreement between the Cubs and their newly acquired All-Star outfielder, mov...

What will a new year bring for the Chicago Cubs?

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Until proven otherwise, this still looks like an 83-win team. Unless the Cubs capitalize on this opportunity and continue the momentum that started wi...

The Cubs’ year in review: Top stories from 2024

26 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

Cubs mailbag: Will this be an all-in offseason?

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the holidays approaching, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney take questions from listeners and readers. The reporting duo from The Athletic get in...

Welcome back, Sammy Sosa

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In an open letter, Sammy Sosa acknowledged making “mistakes,” finally taking the step that Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts required for the former slug...

The Cubs’ makeover continues with the Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger trades

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For a team that appeared to be stuck at the start of the offseason, the Cubs have reimagined their roster by acquiring Kyle Tucker from the Astros and...

Cubs make a huge splash with Kyle Tucker trade

14 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s about time. The Cubs finally made a big move to acquire one of the best players in the game. Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic ...

Winter Meetings wrap-up: Kyle Tucker trade rumors and more buzz about the Cubs

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic run down what they heard in Dallas during one of baseball’s signature events. It all starts with ...

Why the Cubs are targeting a Kyle Tucker trade

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are reporting from the Winter Meetings, where the Cubs are trying to line up a deal with the Astros for Kyle Tucker,...

Jameson Taillon joins North Side Territory

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the winter meetings approaching, Cubs pitcher Jameson Taillon chatted with Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic about the latest hap...

What’s next for the Cubs after signing Matthew Boyd?

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Adding another piece to their rotation, the Cubs are betting on the upside that Matthew Boyd showed during Cleveland’s playoff run. But this two-yea...

Cubs mailbag, Part 2: More questions about trades and free agents as winter meetings loom

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The action within the baseball industry typically picks up after the Thanksgiving break. With some moves already in the works and the winter meetings ...

Cubs mailbag, Part 1: Where is the payroll heading?

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the Cubs out of the running for the best-of-the-best free agents, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney try to explain what’s going on in Wrigleyvi...

The Cubs’ offseason is starting to take shape

23 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From small deals to non-tender decisions to rumors about trades and free agents, the Cubs are starting to make some moves and narrow their options. Sa...

Cubs mailbag: Trade ideas, prospects to watch and more

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the offseason about to heat up, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic field questions from listeners on the next steps in Pete Crow-A...

How the free-agent market is beginning to shape up for the Cubs

15 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After laying some groundwork at the GM meetings, teams are starting to make moves. Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney discuss some of the names connect...