North Side Territory

Coming off a long weekend for the club’s only World Series championship team in more than a century, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney empty some newsy items from their notebooks. Why did David Ross have no second thoughts about coming back to Wrigley Field after getting fired as manager? When will Theo Epstein’s competitive juices start flowing again? And how will Jed Hoyer pull off trades for pitching at the deadline? Listen for some prospect names to know and potential structures for deals.To get your new wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month, go to MintMobile.com/Territory. That’s it there’s no catch.

The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the Cubs’ 2026 draft class, giving insights into particular players and the strategies within the room. This push for more pitching could have a direct impact on the plans at the trade deadline. Listen for more on first-round pick Cade Townsend, top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins and some under-the-radar names who could make their way to Wrigley Field.Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount

The club’s performance over the next two-plus weeks absolutely matters. The Cubs can nudge some of the bubble teams they’re trying to do business with, the Twins and Tigers, and then create more separation in the division race during their road trip to Pittsburgh and St. Louis. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney lay out what Jed Hoyer’s front office is looking for, explain how Craig Counsell’s staff can remodel the bullpen and give updates on some pitchers the Cubs are counting on in the second half.Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount

After watching the Home Run Derby, Jon Lester is back for some good conversation with The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney, reflecting on his All-Star Game memories and looking ahead to this weekend’s reunion for the 2016 World Series team. Why did Kyle Schwarber go to the next level after leaving Wrigley Field? What do fans really think of Pete Crow-Armstrong? And how did Anthony Rizzo become so good on TV? Listen now for unique insights and perspectives from a former player and two beat writers in Chicago.Use code foul50off to get 50% off and free daily greens per box, with new subscription only, while supplies last at Factormeals.com/foul50off

The trade deadline won’t solve everything. It’s a team game, but certain individuals are under a different spotlight and carry more responsibilities, due to their positions, paychecks and accomplishments. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney identify three players who have to step up for the Cubs after the All-Star break.Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount

It’s no secret that Jed Hoyer’s front office is looking to add pitching before the Aug. 3 trade deadline. But how do the Cubs go about it this time? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney have some ideas, based on their reporting, knowledge of the team and early reads of the market. Plus, an update on the expectations for Justin Steele and some more historical references for Pete Crow-Armstrong’s MVP-level performance.Shop now at Fabletics.com/Foul and get 70 to 80% off everything when you sign up as a new VIP.

Only in Wrigleyville. A Cubs-Cardinals Fog Game, with neighborhood fireworks going off on the Fourth of July, became another chapter to this unpredictable season. The one constant, though, has been Pete Crow-Armstrong as the center of attention. There was no mystery or suspense around who would be the Cubs’ All-Star representative. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain how PCA got to this next level and why this performance is sustainable. Plus, a look at the state of the pitching staff with a much-needed All-Star break on the horizon.See how K12 Powered Schools can help unlock your child’s full potential. Enroll online today at K12.com/foul

As a heat wave descended upon Chicago, the Cubs turned their games at Wrigley Field into batting practice, setting off some offensive fireworks before the Fourth of July. After questions about whether he should be benched, Swanson has responded with a red-hot stretch. Bregman hasn’t really heated up yet, but he’s in the news for a lack-of-hustle moment and a thumbs-down gesture. And oh by the way, Pete Crow-Armstrong just had one of the best months ever for a franchise marking its 150th anniversary. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break it all down. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount

Big show announcement: Jon Lester, a three-time World Series champion, will be making regular appearances as a special guest analyst on North Side Territory. In his debut episode with The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney, Lester talks about the 10-year reunion tour for his 2016 teammates, what made that championship club so special and how it compares to this year’s squad. Lester also explains what Alex Bregman is going through as a big free agent in a new city, the importance of clubhouse chemistry and how to approach this roller-coaster season.Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount

In front of three sellout crowds filled with Cubs fans, Craig Counsell’s team cut into the Brewers’ division lead with a gutsy performance. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney give you behind-the-scenes perspectives from the visiting clubhouse in Milwaukee as well as field-level insights. What do you think of the manager and the front office now? Why does David Peterson look like such a good fit? And where does Ben Brown go from here? Listen up to get ready for the second half of the season.Go to Quince.com/foul for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

The Cubs had to do something, given the state of their pitching staff. The David Peterson deal is far from a blockbuster move, but it makes a lot of sense for this team right now. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain the direction that Jed Hoyer’s front office is taking, assess the rest of the National League field and identify the trade chips the Cubs will have at their disposal this summer. Plus, what’s up with Justin Steele’s timeline and Hoyer’s recent comments on the radio?Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount

Amid an onslaught of pitching injuries, Jed Hoyer’s front office made a deal with the Mets out of desperation, hoping a change of scenery and an elite defense can help a one-time All-Star get back on track. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the Peterson trade from multiple angles, including what the Cubs gave up, where they’re trending as the trade deadline approaches, and why they won’t stop now. Plus, updates on Ben Brown and Edward Cabrera from New York.Get 20% off your first order of $125 or more at MackWeldon.com with promo code FOUL

Nearing the halfway point of the 162-game schedule, the Cubs, at times, have looked both like a World Series contender and a club that should be broken apart at the trade deadline. Those extremes have still left the Cubs in a decent position to make the playoffs, though the margin for error is much smaller now and winning the division appears to be a remote possibility. To put everything in context, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney hand out their midseason grades for Jed Hoyer’s front office, Craig Counsell’s coaching staff, the everyday players at Wrigley Field and a battered pitching staff.To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/FOUL. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance.

Nearing the halfway point of an up-and-down season, the Cubs are searching for answers, and the fans have plenty of questions about the team’s direction. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back with another mailbag episode that gets into the idea of Matt Shaw as a trade chip, how Jed Hoyer’s front office is trying to fix the pitching pipeline, Craig Counsell’s evolving lineups and more up-to-date information from Wrigley Field.

Amid the deep slump that has impacted almost the entire lineup, the calls for the Cubs to bench their $177 million shortstop are getting louder. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney examine the entire Swanson situation, beginning with the votes of confidence from the manager and the front office. Why are the Cubs so committed to their current defensive alignment? How long will that arrangement last? And what are the potential alternatives?Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount

Here we go again. The Cubs are dealing with yet another rash of pitching injuries. Did getting pushed in the World Baseball Classic lead to Palencia’s choppy season? Why hasn’t Cabrera delivered on the promise the Cubs saw when they made that trade with the Marlins? And will Steele have enough runway to be an impactful pitcher this year? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney bring you up-to-date information from Wrigley Field, based on their reporting.Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount

Signing Alex Bregman and trading for Edward Cabrera were well-received moves by Chicago’s front office, designed to level up the Cubs from a wild-card team to a World Series contender. It hasn’t worked out that way, at least not yet. How does Bregman get out of this slump? What is Cabrera working on with the team’s pitching coaches? Where do the Cubs go from here? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share what they’re hearing.Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount

It's a crossover! Patrick Mooney joins Splash Hit Territory host FP Santangelo to preview the weekend series with the San Francisco Giants. The guys discuss perspectives on both clubs, the incredible Giants comeback against the Nationals and how Pete Crow-Armstrong plays with fire. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount

There’s no sugarcoating it. The big-name free agent signed to a five-year, $175 million contract hasn’t lived up to expectations, and his underperformance is dragging down the entire team. Bregman’s offense isn’t the only issue for the Cubs right now, but the All-Star third baseman stood at his Wrigley Field locker late Sunday night and blamed himself for the team-wide slump that could ruin the entire season. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share their reporting from the clubhouse.To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/FOUL. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance.

After the giddiness during the Cubs’ two 10-games winning streaks, the entire tone of this campaign has changed dramatically. It’s reflected in the latest batch of questions for Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney, Chicago-based writers for The Athletic. At a time when the Brewers are a small-market machine, Cubs fans want answers on the organization’s process, the team’s identity and the chemistry in the Wrigley Field clubhouse. Listen for a balanced perspective as well as those behind-the-scenes observations.

It’s not a great marketing slogan for Wrigley Field, but Cubs manager Craig Counsell perfectly summed up the experience of watching this offense fail to deliver in clutch situations: “It makes you sit in discomfort.” With Cubs fans getting restless, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney open their notebooks to share information on why Counsell is mostly sticking with his guys, when the rotation should get some reinforcements and how this prolonged slump could impact the front office’s approach to the trade deadline.

After expectations soared with two separate 10-game winning streaks early in the season, the Cubs crashed in May, falling out of first place and erasing nearly all of their cushion with a 10-game losing streak. June represents a new opportunity with a softer stretch in the schedule and starting pitchers potentially getting healthy. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the month ahead, with a particular focus on Pete Crow-Armstrong and Alex Bregman, based on conversations with those players. For insights and information directly from the clubhouse, listen to “North Side Territory” all year round.

It’s a long season, but one-third of the way through a 162-game schedule is a good time to reassess, especially given the extremes of the club’s performance. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney give their takes, based on information from their travels, and conversations on the field and in the clubhouse. What’s the secret to the Brewers’ success? How will Craig Counsell adjust to the circumstances? And which direction will Jed Hoyer’s front office go at the trade deadline? Get 20% off your first order of $125 or more at MackWeldon.com with promo code FOUL

The 10-game losing streak is finally over. To put these wild swings of the season into context, listen to The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney, who share field-level insights and clubhouse observations from their reporting. How are the Cubs reacting to these ups and downs? At this point, when should the club be counting on Steele to return? (Because the latest update did not sound promising.) Plus, an explainer of why Ben Brown appears to be a different pitcher right now.Buy two months of BlueChew Gold and get the third for FREE with promo code FOUL at BlueChew.comUse our code 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.

An extreme downturn has made those two 10-game winning streaks feel like ancient history. Even if it’s not quite time to panic, it’s fair to wonder how good this team really is, and question how the club is going to get out of this rut. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney have some ideas, based on their reporting from inside the clubhouse. After reshuffling the lineup, benching veteran players and calling up top prospects from the minors, how many more cards do the Cubs have left to play?Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount

Once again, the Brewers showed they are a superior team, dominating a three-game sweep at Wrigley Field from start to finish. As the Cubs try to regroup, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain how they flipped from the hottest team in baseball to a club that looks completely discombobulated. Are the Brewers really that good? Shouldn’t Alex Bregman be better than this? And what do you want to see from Craig Counsell right now?

PCA looks like he needs a break. After his vulgar exchange with a White Sox fan on the South Side went viral, the Gold Glove center fielder has committed two glaring errors, physical mistakes that he believes comes from a place of being mentally distracted. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share their reporting from inside the Wrigley Field clubhouse, explaining what’s gone wrong for the Cubs recently. Plus, their understanding of the Edward Cabrera situation and how the Cubs might move forward with their pitching. To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/FOUL. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The PCA Show came to the South Side, which generated an electric atmosphere for the latest installment of the crosstown rivalry. In winning that three-game series, the White Sox showed off their young talent and exposed some areas of concern for the Cubs. Crow-Armstrong always plays with emotion, and the All-Star center fielder complimented the White Sox for the team they’re building, but the Cubs need to get their lineup going again. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney also break down the state of a pitching staff that appears to be feeling the effects from all those injuries.If you like your money, Mint Mobile is for you. Plans start at $15/month at MintMobile.com/Territory

Do the Cubs have enough top prospects in their farm system to make a blockbuster deal this summer? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back with another primer on the trade deadline, bringing you the names to know and explaining the concepts that guide Chicago’s front office. Does Kevin Alcántara have a future at Wrigley Field? Could Pedro Ramírez be a keeper? And are Matt Shaw and Moisés Ballesteros untouchable parts of the major-league roster? It’s still early in the season, but these are relevant questions as the Cubs think about ways to fortify a World Series contender.Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount

Ahead of another crosstown series on the South Side, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney empty their notebooks in Chicago. How has Brown evolved to the point where he might actually become that top-of-the-rotation starter the club previously envisioned? What do the Cubs see in the recently signed Hendriks, a former All-Star closer for the White Sox? And is this version of the White Sox for real? Get ready for a Cubs-Sox weekend with North Side Territory.Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount

Chicago’s front office does not expect to execute a major trade in May. But that process of scouting players, gathering information and reading the markets never really stops. And the Cubs have both a roster that can compete for a World Series title and a multitude of pitching injuries. For an overview of where things stand – and where this could be heading in the summer – The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share their preliminary list of starters on the radar for the trade deadline.Go to HelloFresh.com/FT10FM now to Get 10 Free Meals + a Free breakfast for Life! One per box with active subscription. Free meals applied as a discount on the first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. That’s HelloFresh dot com slash ft10fm to Get 10 Free Meals + free breakfast for Life.Use our code 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.

Blockbuster trades do not typically happen at this point in the baseball calendar. Still, it is not too early to start asking about how the Cubs will approach the trade deadline this summer. The team has performed at such a high level – and endured so many pitching injuries already – that the trade deadline will be a dominant topic around Wrigley Field. For an early read on the market, potential targets and possible trade chips, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are here for an interactive show, responding to listeners.

It has been an unbelievable stretch at the Friendly Confines, where the Cubs last lost a game on April 11 while simultaneously dealing with a multitude of pitching injuries. For perspective on this red-hot streak, as well as a preview of what’s to come, listen to Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney. The Athletic beat writers detail the Matthew Boyd situation and provide updates on swingman Ben Brown and Jaxon Wiggins, the organization’s top pitching prospect. Plus, real insights into why Shota Imanaga is again pitching at an All-Star level.Buy two months of BlueChew Gold and get the third for FREE with promo code FOUL at BlueChew.com

It’s still early, but the Cubs have already overcome several challenging moments and demonstrated so many different ways that they can win. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back to explain why this team is absolutely legit (and perhaps a little boring). It starts with up-the-middle defense – Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner and Pete Crow-Armstrong – that should never go into a slump. Plus, a look at how Ben Brown has turned around his career and stabilized a bullpen in flux. For the latest information from Wrigley Field, follow this show all season long.If you like your money, Mint Mobile is for you. Plans start at $15/month at MintMobile.com/TerritorySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You have to start with pitching. More than a month into the season, the Cubs have weathered an alarming amount of injuries. How much more can they withstand? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the pitching plans, anticipating the next moves and potential trouble spots. Plus, how are the Cubs going to use Moisés Ballesteros at catcher? And who’s for real in the National League Central?Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount

After a 3-3 road trip through Dodger Stadium and San Diego that has to be considered a success, the Cubs are back at Wrigley Field this weekend and looking to continue their momentum. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share some nuggets from their notebooks, beginning with another PCA resurgence on the West Coast. Plus, a comprehensive report on Steele’s diagnosis and a resetting of the timeline and the expectations for the All-Star pitcher. And, finally, why is Kyle Hendricks joining Detroit’s front office?Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount

While it’s too soon to label this a playoff preview, the Cubs got an up-close look at the two-time defending World Series champs. With the Dodgers ending the 10-game winning streak that showed a lot about the Cubs’ resourcefulness, it’s time to reset and assess what’s gone right and what’s gone wrong. One month into a new season, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney sound the alarm bells about the state of the pitching staff while also explaining the key elements of this good start.To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/FOUL. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance.Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riding a nine-game winning streak, the Cubs will see how they measure up this weekend against the two-time defending World Series champs. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down how the Cubs are playing through adversity, what to watch for against the Dodgers and why the club believes this high level of performance is sustainable. Listen all season long for behind-the-scenes information from Wrigley Field and up-to-date analysis of the Cubs.Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountGet up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/FOUL #squarepodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Right now, the Cubs are rolling, but everyone in baseball is still ultimately chasing the Dodgers. Why did Counsell bring up the two-way superstar and a perceived unfair advantage for the two-time defending World Series champs? For the story behind the story, listen to The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney. Plus, several important updates on a pitching staff that has come together and handled the early-season adversity. You can’t say the same for the Mets and Phillies, two underperforming big-market teams that have come into Wrigley Field already facing questions about managers on the hot seat and whether the season can be salvaged.Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/FOUL #squarepodUse our code 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.

Amid a wave of pitching injuries and a few hitting slumps, the Cubs are in a relatively good position at this point of the season. How are they doing it? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain the roster-building philosophy and personnel decisions that are paying off right now. Plus more on how Moisés Ballesteros is being developed at the major-league level and why Craig Counsell was looking up at the Wrigley Field press box after a recent in-game move.Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountGet up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/FOUL #squarepodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Cubs off to a so-so start, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney open the mailbag to answer questions from listeners and place some context around the beginning of the season. What factors go into Craig Counsell’s lineup decisions? How would you change the roster if you had an offseason do-over? And who’s to blame for this recent wave of pitching injuries? All that and more on the go-to show for the latest reporting on the Cubs.One thing to pack, five ways to power! Get 10% Off @Ridge with code FOUL at Ridge.com/FOUL #RidgepodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three weeks into a long season, three particular developments have caught our attention (besides the recent rash of pitching injuries). The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney spotlight these ideas and try to project what might be sustainable and what could be a long-term concern. Is there reason to think Shota Imanaga could again be a legitimate Cy Young Award contender? Is Nico Hoerner simply off to a hot start or turning into a potential MVP candidate? And how do you evaluate the offensive struggles of Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch at this particular moment?One thing to pack, five ways to power! Get 10% Off @Ridge with code FOUL at Ridge.com/FOUL #RidgepodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the injuries continue to pile up, the Cubs are looking at ways to add to their pitching staff. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share their reporting on the club’s interest in Lucas Giolito, a one-time All-Star who remains available as a free agent. The two Chicago beat writers lay out the pros and cons of that potential move. For in-depth analysis and unique information, follow this show all season long.Go to HelloFresh.com/FT10FM now to Get 10 Free meals + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box. Free meals applied as a discount on the first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. Must order the 3rd box by May 31st, 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.