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Chicago Cubs Pete Crow-Armstrong Close to Signing Contract Extension

By
Aldo Soto
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Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) celebrates while running the bases after scoring a homer in the seventh inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs, Friday, May 23, 2025, at Great American Ball Park in Downtown Cincinnati.

OH HELL YEAH! The Chicago Cubs and Pete Crow-Armstrong are reportedly close to signing a contract extension just a few days before Opening Day. The two sides have been trying to work out a deal since last year, and after a failed attempt prior to the 2025 season, the Cubs are now closing in on a new deal for Crow-Armstrong that guarantees he’ll be in center field at Wrigley Field for the long haul.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan was the first to report that an agreement between the Cubs and Crow-Armstrong was being finalized on Monday night. Just last week, national MLB insider Jon Heyman reported that the Cubs were willing to significantly increase their offer to Crow-Armstrong after they approached him last spring training. The initial offer in 2025 was between the $60 million and $90 million range, depending on a few different reports.

MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand has also reported that the Cubs are closing in on a contract extension with Crow-Armstrong, although no numbers have been confirmed as of yet.

In 2025, Crow-Armstrong led the Cubs with a 5.4 fWAR, won a gold glove in center field, and had the franchise’s first 30/30 season since the mid-90s.

According to Passan, Crow-Armstrong’s extension will begin in 2027. It is a six-year, contract extension worth $115 million. That will guarantee Crow-Armstrong will be with the Cubs through the 2032 season, meaning this deal bought out four years of arbitration and two free agent years. The main difference in this contract extension that differs from recent ones around the league is that the Cubs did not include any further player or team options that could have potentially led to a much longer agreement.

That being said, the two sides obviously had no issues coming to a deal and it is very possible that the Cubs and Crow-Armstrong could eventually rip up this current contract and sign a new extension if he wants to stick around and if the Cubs want him as he hopefully continues to ascent in the league.

Oh, and by the way, March 25, is Pete Crow-Armstrong’s 24th birthday.

Ryan Poles’ Rare Pro Day Visit Could Reveal Bears’ Plan At Pick No. 25

By
Erik Lambert
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ryan poles
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) and defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor (3) celebrates after sacking Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles has always been a scout at heart. So it isn’t surprising he would be on the trail watching prospects in person. That is how he can get the best feel for players in his mind. The Senior Bowl and scouting combine are both over. Now, teams are sending representatives across the country to attend college pro days, getting their last look at players they may covet and how they test. Poles usually pops up at a few of them each spring, and history says it might be wise to pay attention.

Over the past three years, the Bears GM attended the pro day of a player the Bears eventually selected in the 1st round of the draft.

  • 2023: Held private workout with Darnell Wright on the Tennessee campus
  • 2024: Attended the USC pro day for Caleb Williams
  • 2025: Attended the Michigan pro day for Colston Loveland

So far, Poles has only been confirmed at the Oklahoma pro day. No prospect from that program is expected to go in the 1st round, save maybe for R Mason Thomas, a prominent pass rusher who isn’t a great fit for Dennis Allen’s defense. Things took a considerable turn on Monday when NFL Network reporter Cameron Wolfe confirmed Poles’ presence at the Miami pro day.

It isn’t hard to guess why Ryan Poles was there.

Miami has several prospects lined up to go early this year. At the top of that list are edge rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor. The two combined for 22 sacks on the season, making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. Chicago has a glaring need for a difference-making pass rusher on their defensive line. Either one of them could be the answer they’ve been looking for. The obvious question is whether they fall to the Bears at #25. For months, everybody thought this was impossible.

However, draft season has a way of muddying the waters. Despite their outstanding production, Bain and Mesidor are hounded by red flags. Bain measured with 30-inch arms at the scouting combine, significantly below average for a typical NFL edge rusher. Mesidor, on the other hand, turns 25 years old this season. Teams almost never like spending 1st round picks on older prospects. Poles being there would suggest he thinks there is a reasonable chance that one or both of them are in play for the Bears.

Player AgeDraft YearRound (Pick)NFL Team
Kevin Dodd2420162 (33)Tennessee Titans
Bronson Kaufusi2420163 (70)Baltimore Ravens
Jermaine Johnson II2420221 (26)New York Jets
Keion White2420232 (46)New England Patriots
Jared Verse2420241 (19)Los Angeles Rams
Marshawn Kneeland2420242 (56)Dallas Cowboys
Chris Braswell2420242 (57)Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bralen Trice2420243 (74)Atlanta Falcons
Zavier Thomas2420247 (245)Arizona Cardinals
Miles Cole2420247 (253)Jacksonville Jaguars
Jordan Burch2420253 (78)Green Bay Packers

History is on the Bears’ side.

It might seem crazy for them to think they have a shot at Bain or Mesidor, but there are decades of NFL history to fall back on. Since the data started being tracked, no edge rusher with arms under 32 inches long has gone higher than 18th in the 1st round. That was Melvin Engram in 2012. As good as Bain is, this isn’t something teams tend to just gloss over. Length matters at this level, and players with short arms who are still great pass rushers are rare. Spending a top 15 pick on somebody like that is a significant risk. One that most general managers aren’t willing to take.

The same goes for Mesidor’s age. In the past 10 years, the highest any non-quarterback player 24 years old going into a draft was selected was Jared Verse in 2024. He went 19th overall. The next closest was Jermaine Johnson at 26th. That means Ryan Poles and the Bears have pretty decent odds that he will be on the board when they pick 25th. The GM has been pretty good at projecting which players have a legitimate chance of being available every year. He was right about Rome Odunze in 2024 and Loveland last year. Landing Bain or Mesidor at #25 would be a big win.

Bulls’ Late Wins Could Cost Them: A Draft Position Dilemma

By
Ryan Dauterive
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Mar 16, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) greets fans after the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bulls have been a mixed bag since the calendar turned to 2026. The year began with a subpar stretch of basketball from the usual suspects, before February’s trade deadline purge, which many credit as the final straw for the front office. After losing four out of five outings headed into the February 5th cutoff, Arturas Karnisovas decided to finally pull the plug on what has been relatively the same core group for the last five years of mediocrity. In a hectic week that featured a league-high seven trades, the entire roster was overhauled in exchange for several second-round draft picks and expiring contracts, an underwhelming reward considering what the same bunch would have returned at the trade deadline in 2025. Nonetheless, the new-look Bulls have been a mystery box. Some nights, they’ve looked exactly as expected for a team that only retained three rotation players, and other nights, Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey have flashed elite-level chemistry and talent to drag Chicago to victory. Here’s where their 28-42 record on the year has landed them for the upcoming draft.

Stuck In The Middle Yet Again

Despite the first aggressive trade deadline toward either contention or a rebuild, the Bulls have found themselves in an eerily similar position as the season concludes. With their current standing, and currently on the verge of winning yet another game that’ll do more harm than good in the long run, they’re highly unlikely to crack the top-eight of the draft lottery odds. The most likely scenario sees Chicago land between the ninth and tenth slot when the lottery is held, meaning there’s a good chance they won’t be awarded a top-ten draft pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Not only does this remove them from the running for a top prospect, but it also jeopardizes their ability to attract talent via free agency. Without an appealing addition, the current group has few names that opposing players are eager to join forces with.

The Silver Lining Of Meaningless Wins

Chicago’s main objective over the next dozen outings should be to go 0-12. Since they will not be qualifying for the play-in tournament for a fourth consecutive season, and any victories worsen their odds at landing a top draft pick, losing should be the goal. Next on the list should be testing the waters with the newly acquired assets on expiring contracts to determine which players are worthy of a long-term investment. In addition, finding out which ones fit best with cornerstone pieces, Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey. In the six weeks that they’ve boasted a completely different set of faces, a few things have been determined. Buzelis is the future, Giddey is a mainstay, and Leonard Miller, Rob Dillingham, and Collin Sexton might be worth an extended stay. This month, Buzelis is posting a team-high 21.4 points per game, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per night. While being granted the most minutes and freedom of his career, the second-year forward is proving he’s worth building around.

Preferably in losing efforts, Buzelis’s development continues to shine through as a rare bright spot for Chicago’s future. Can the Bulls recreate some of the lottery luck they landed back in 2008, and potentially draft one of the young superstars currently showing out in the NCAA tournament?

Mike Tauchman Has Proven The White Sox Right

By
ChiSoxFanMike
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Mar 15, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets right fielder Mike Tauchman (50) goes from first to third base on a hit by shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) against the Toronto Blue Jays at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

When the White Sox non-tendered Mike Tauchman last November, some fans, myself included, were surprised and even disappointed by the decision. After all, he performed admirably on the South Side and was a quality veteran presence in the clubhouse as well. Still, the team ultimately chose not to bring him back, letting him hit the open market.

A few months later, it appears the White Sox made the right decision to let him go. The veteran outfielder recently tore his meniscus and surgery will be required. It’s the latest in a series of leg issues that have plagued him of late.

Durability Concerns

Tauchman slashed .263/.356/.400 across 395 plate appearances last season, 12% better than league average per OPS+. He put together quality at-bats consistently, as evidenced by a walk rate in the 84th percentile and a chase % in the 78th percentile according to Baseball Savant. Performance wasn’t an issue for him. It was the physical issues that ultimately derailed him more than anything else.

Despite performing well, Tauchman appeared in only 93 games for the White Sox in 2025. He dealt with hamstring, groin, shoulder, and knee problems throughout the season, ultimately undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus following the season. As the injuries piled up, his performance suffered. He slashed just .244/.338/.369 in 48 games in the second half compared to .283/.375/.434 in 45 first half games. The White Sox could have brought him back for roughly $3.4 million via arbitration but elected not to. His growing laundry list of injuries likely played a factor in that decision.

Latest Injury

Tauchman latched onto the Mets this offseason on a minor league deal in hopes of earning a spot on the team as a non-roster invite. He performed well enough to likely make the team until his leg issues once again became an issue. He was seen hobbling in a recent game, and an MRI later revealed a meniscus tear that will need surgery. The recovery timeline is unknown, but it’s the latest in a series of leg issues.

While $3.4 million isn’t all that significant for a normal MLB team, every dollar counts when it comes to a Jerry Reinsdorf owned franchise. With Tauchman’s injury issues continuing into this year, it feels like the White Sox ultimately made the right decision to let him go elsewhere.

Unexpected Roster Shortage For White Sox

With Tauchman no longer in the equation, a left-handed hitting outfield spot opened up on the White Sox roster. When spring began, it seemed like there would be no shortage of potential replacements. That has quickly changed. Brooks Baldwin has dealt with elbow issues and will likely open the season on the injured list. Jarred Kelenic, a non-roster invitee and former top prospect, appeared to have a strong path to make the team but ultimately did not after a mediocre spring training.

That leaves Andrew Benintendi and Tristan Peters as the only healthy left-handed hitting outfielders on the roster. With Benintendi likely to see increased time at designated hitter, the need for another left-handed outfield bat has quickly become one of the team’s most pressing needs. As other ballclubs trim their rosters ahead of Opening Day later this week, it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see Chris Getz acquire another lefty outfield bat either through trade or on waivers before the opener in Milwaukee on Thursday afternoon.

White Sox Make Surprising Roster Cuts Ahead Of Opening Day

By
Craig Rowland
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Mar 19, 2026; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox designated hitter LaMonte Wade Jr rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the San Diego Padres during a spring training game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The White Sox had some very interesting names in camp this year as non-roster invitees, as there were a few spots up for grabs on the roster. But, unlike most years, the roster was mainly set, making this a more competitive Spring Training than usual.

One of the more interesting non-roster invitees was Jarred Kelenic, as he was a former first round pick and a consensus top-5 prospect in all of baseball. Additionally, there were some other interesting players in camp, including former successful major league players like LaMonte Wade Jr.

Unfortunately, there are only 26 roster spots, so not every player can make the roster. Even with a good Spring Training performance, it may not be enough for some of these guys to make the team. That could be said for a few of the more recent cuts, as the White Sox have started trimming down their roster.

According to the White Sox, they have released pitchers Austin Voth, Lucas Sims, Ryan Borucki, and infielder LaMonte Wade Jr.

This is surprising, as some of those guys had a very good spring. Over the past few years, that would be good enough to make the roster. Now, it is a bit harder, as the White Sox prospects are starting to earn their spots in Chicago.

Borucki had one of the better performances on the pitching side, as he threw six scoreless innings. He struck out eight batters, giving up three hits, while walking just one. This is about as good as you can pitch in Spring Training. Unfortunately for the hometown kid, the White Sox had other plans.

But, according to Robert Murray, Borucki has now found himself a new home, as he has agreed to a major league deal with the San Fransisco Giants.

On the hitting side, LaMonte Wade Jr. had himself a nice spring, as he hit .289 over 15 games, adding three homeruns, nine RBIs, and two stolen bases. Wade also walked nine times compared to just 10 strikeouts.

This was a very impressive spring for Wade Jr., but with the White Sox having a crowded infield, it was an uphill climb to make the roster. However, with the injury to Kyle Teel, I would have thought that there may have been a spot on the Opening Day roster for Wade Jr.

If I were the White Sox, I would have tried to keep both Borucki and Wade Jr., as they played their way onto the team. It is clear that Borucki is a major leaguer, as he was signed very quickly to a major league deal after being released from the Sox. Hopefully Wade Jr. remains in the White Sox organization, but if not, we wish both the best of luck.

Fans Conflicted on Final Chicago Cubs Bullpen Decision

By
Aldo Soto
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Sep 25, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad (72) throws a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs didn’t have many questions on their pitching staff heading into Opening Day, but that doesn’t mean the team’s final bullpen decision wasn’t controversial among the fan base. Unlike last season, when Brad Keller made the team after coming in on a minor league deal, the Cubs didn’t uncover a hidden gem this spring training. Yet, given their solid depth, the eighth bullpen spot ultimately came down to two familiar pitchers with previous MLB success.

This choice wasn’t a slam dunk for all fans as the Cubs decided to option Javier Assad to Triple-A, where he’ll begin the regular season in the Iowa Cubs starting rotation. So, after a frustrating 2025 season, Ben Brown is getting a second straight Opening Day roster spot as the eighth reliever.

It turns out that his previous one-inning appearance in spring training last week was indeed a signal that Brown was being prepped for a bullpen role to begin the 2026 season.

Brown, 26, made his MLB debut in 2024, when the right-hander tossed 55.1 innings. He split time between the rotation and the bullpen, and was then in last year’s starting rotation until the Cubs optioned him to Triple-A in June. Brown has always shown incredible talent with a high-90s fastball and devastating curveball, but the lack of a third pitch led to hitters crushing him last year, making him an untrusted arm in the rotation.

However, Brown has developed a sinker this year, and the results have been great in spring training. That being said, some fans still don’t trust Brown, given his inconsistency in 2025, while Assad has been steady throughout his career despite not having overwhelming stuff on the mound.

Assad has been a Swiss Army Knife in the Cubs’ pitching staff since he made his MLB debut in 2022. Whether it’s being a multi-inning reliever, leverage righty, long-man out of the bullpen, or starting in the rotation, Assad has done it all for Chicago. An oblique injury derailed Assad’s 2025 season, but he still managed to give the team 37 solid innings after returning from the injured list.

Overall in his career, Assad has a 3.43 ERA in 331 innings.

So, in the short term, the Cubs are prioritizing Brown’s upside, while Assad will be ready to go whenever he’s needed this year. Despite this decision, it is almost a guarantee that Assad will contribute in some way to the 2026 Cubs. Here’s to both pitchers hopefully having success this year.

No Splash, No Problem: ESPN Defends Chicago Bears’ Free Agency Approach

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears
Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns linebacker Devin Bush (30) reacts after Pittsburgh Steelers miss a field goal in the third quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

It was so close. One more completion would’ve put the Chicago Bears in field goal range and probably sent them to the NFC Championship. Despite the disappointing finish to that divisional game against the Rams, many felt it was the opening of an opportunity for the organization. They finally have a quarterback and head coach combination that feels legitimate. Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson worked magic together. The next obvious step is fortifying the roster around them and going for it all in 2026.

Right?

You wouldn’t have guessed from how they approached the start of the offseason. D.J. Moore was traded. Tremaine Edmunds was cut. Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Nahshon Wright, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson were all allowed to leave in free agency. A huge swath of the roster that had led them to the playoffs was gone. Though the Bears did add safety Coby Bryant and linebacker Devin Bush in free agency, the feeling is the team didn’t take advantage of an opportunity to be more aggressive. Did they screw up?

Not according to Bill Barnwell of ESPN. In surveying 500 free agents between 2013 and 2022, he reached a stunning conclusion about free agency in general.

How often do top free agents actually pan out? Not as often as teams would like. The average grade for these 500 free agents landed at 2.26 — closer to disappointing than average. Most players were either below average or lived up to expectations, but there were far more utter disasters than stunning breakouts, which makes sense; if a player’s already being paid market value or better to start, it’s going to be easier for them to come up short via injury or inconsistency than exceed expectations to play at a Pro Bowl-or-better level.

The Chicago Bears have finally learned a vital lesson.

Free agency is a scam. Yes, there are instances when signings exceed expectations, but it’s like hitting the jackpot on a slot machine. It doesn’t happen often enough to justify constantly throwing coins into it. Yet that is what the Bears have done for the past couple of decades. Their history is littered with some ugly contracts they handed out to players who, in hindsight, had no business receiving them.

PlayerPos.YearContract DetailsWhy it Failed
Thomas SmithCB20005 years, $22.5MRecorded zero interceptions; released after only 16 games.
Kordell StewartQB20032 years, $5MFinished with a 2-5 record and more interceptions (12) than TDs (7).
Orlando PaceOT20093 years, $15MHall of Famer was past his prime; benched after 11 games due to performance and injury.
Frank OmiyaleOT20094 years, $14MNotorious for poor pass protection and penalties; released in 2011.
Mike GlennonQB20173 years, $45MStarted only 4 games with 8 turnovers before being replaced by a rookie.
Cody ParkeyK20184 years, $15MMissed 10 total kicks in one season, including the infamous “Double Doink.”
Trey BurtonTE20184 years, $32MProduction plummeted after 2018; struggled with injuries and availability.
Nate DavisG20233 years, $30MFaced criticism for a lack of practice and performance; released mid-season in 2024.

This is why teams that spend regularly in free agency often don’t experience sustained success. It is because the money they’re paying these players is almost always too much to justify the return they get. Smart teams only spend occasionally and focus more on drafting and developing their talent. The Chicago Bears used to be good at this approach, but seemed to lose their way at some point. To his credit, general manager Ryan Poles has worked hard to avoid big spending. This year just felt like the most blatant attempt yet.

The Bears are betting on themselves.

That is to say, they’re putting the responsibility on the scouting department to evaluate good draft prospects and then betting on the coaching staff to develop them properly. The last time it felt like things were aligned on this was probably the mid-2000s, with Lovie Smith and Jerry Angelo. Yet even they eventually bowed to the free agency monster. Poles and Johnson seem to share the same philosophy. They’re not interested in a quick burst of success. They want to win consistently.

History says that is only possible by constantly feeding your roster with a steady stream of young talent. The Chicago Bears have finally been doing that for the past few years. There was a period between 2019 and 2022 when they used only one 1st-round pick due to the Khalil Mack and Justin Fields trades. Now they have Darnell Wright, Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze, and Colston Loveland forming a promising foundation for this team. The next step will arrive on April 23rd.

Injuries Could Lead to Surprising Move by Chicago Cubs

By
Aldo Soto
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If you take a quick step back, then you’ll realize that a couple of injuries could potentially lead to a last-minute move by the Chicago Cubs a few days before Opening Day. Seiya Suzuki will begin the regular season on the injured list, which confirms Michael Conforto’s place on the roster. Looking back to the start of spring training, Tyler Austin’s knee surgery also created competition in camp for an additional bench opening, and now it seems like the Cubs are still searching for help in that department.

According to The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney, the Cubs are considering bringing in an extra infielder to add to the Opening Day roster. Right now, Matt Shaw is the lone backup option for Craig Counsell in the infield, but given Suzuki’s absence, Shaw may be required to fill in more often early in the season out in right field. In that instance, the Cubs are suddenly left without a backup infielder on the active roster,

Heading into spring training, the Cubs signed Scott Kingery and Owen Miller to come in and compete for a spot on the team. The two journeymen haven’t exactly lit the world on fire as Kingery has posted a .685 OPS in 56 plate appearances, while Miller’s 37-plate-appearance sample size has resulted in a .718 OPS in spring training. If either player does get selected to the team, then the Cubs would have to make room on the 40-man roster.

Other internal options for the infield include Ben Cowles, who returned to the organization this offseason after he was claimed off waivers, and former top-100 prospect James Triantos.

As things currently stand, the Cubs may be deciding between Dylan Carlson and Kevin Alcantara, which could potentially move Shaw back to a primary infield role off the bench until Suzuki is back from the injured list. If Alcantara makes the team, then that’s an easy roster move to make in April, optioning the outfield prospect when Suzuki is ready to come back from his knee issue.

If Carlson makes the team, then it gets a little more complicated because he’s out of minor league options and would be guaranteed $2 million by making the Opening Day Roster.

Teams are always trying to improve on the margins, and this is no different. Additional depth on the infield may not seem like a big deal now, but we’ve seen in recent years that injuries can pop up out of nowhere, and you’d rather have a guy already in your organization than having to scramble at the last second.

Also, the Cubs have their eyes on pitching as well.

Via the Chicago Tribune.

“We still have some balls in the air with the bullpen and then the bench, and it does affect it, which guys are waivers, which guys have out clauses, things like that,” Cubs President Jed Hoyer said, per the Tribune. “The timing is hard because it’s happening sort of as teams are leaving, but you never want the inconvenience of that to hurt making the right decision.”

The front office was active in the offseason, filling out a depleted bullpen with free agents following the 2025 season. It turned out to be extremely important because none of the team’s under-the-radar pitching signings stood out in spring training. Ultimately, Ben Brown earned the final bullpen spot after his strong performance in Arizona. Yet, if there are any intriguing arms let go around the league, you know the Cubs will be actively roaming the waiver wire, hoping to find another hidden gem.

Jeff Blashill Hints At His Baffling Plan With Connor Bedard/Anton Frondell Line

By
Isaac Nielsen
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Jan 9, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill reacts during the third period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

On Saturday, I wrote that the Chicago Blackhawks had finally acquired Connor Bedard’s long-term linemate because third overall pick Anton Frondell was coming over from Sweden to join the team after his season wrapped up. The lethal 18-year-old should be able to make an impact right away before the end of this season, so it’s pretty exciting to have him in the lineup.

But head coach Jeff Blashill might be putting a damper on that excitement this week. On Sunday evening, he said Ryan Greene might get some time at center to close out the season. That would mean Frondell would take Greene’s spot next to Bedard, with Andre Burakovsky on the other wing.

Burakovsky, 31, has built a career out of offensive production. This year hasn’t followed that trend. He’s spent almost the entire year on Bedard’s wing—a highly coveted spot—and hasn’t done much with the opportunity. He’s scored one goal since Jan. 7 and has drawn the ire of Chicago’s fan base, which makes sense considering that the Blackhawks could put other young players in that spot, like Nick Lardis (who hasn’t been great so far, but then again, neither has Burakovsky).

I understand wanting to give Greene some run at center while the games don’t really count, but do the Blackhawks really need another center? They’ve had a logjam down the middle for much of the season—behind Bedard and Nazar, Oliver Moore and Sacha Boisvert can hold it down and there are plenty more skaters coming down the pipeline. Plus, Greene has been great where he’s at. He’s a good facilitator who plays a responsible game, which is what a line featuring Bedard and Frondell needs.

It’ll be interesting to see whether the Frondell—Bedard—Burakovsky top line sticks through the end of the season, or if Blashill uses these games to see what he’s got for the future. Unless the Blackhawks are going to grab a big-name free-agent winger this summer, someone will have to fill Burakovsky’s spot, assuming he’s bought out in the offseason. Why not start now?

The Chicago Cubs Actually Made A Smart Decision

By
Aldo Soto
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Jul 4, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs designated hitter Seiya Suzuki (27) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

I’m sure most, if not all, 30 MLB fan bases feel like their respective team handles injuries poorly, and that is certainly the case for the Chicago Cubs. So, without a doubt, fans started to roll their eyes this past weekend when the team revealed that Seiya Suzuki would not be available for Opening Day this Thursday against the Washington Nationals.

Suzuki, who hit 32 home runs and drove in 103 runs in 2025, injured his right PCL playing for Japan in the World Baseball Classic. The Cubs were hopeful that he would recover in time for Opening Day, but as soon as the team announced he wouldn’t, fans began to wonder if they would have to sit through the tiresome waiting game the Cubs seem to love to play with injuries.

Again, this happens throughout the league, but it’s no less annoying. A player gets injured, and instead of placing them on the injured list immediately, they want to wait it out to see if they can recover within the 10-day period. Then, that player isn’t recovering as the team hoped for, and they end up going on the injured list anyway, all the while the team is playing a man down for a week or so.

Well, this time around, the Cubs actually made the smart decision with Suzuki. Instead of trying to thread the needle and limit the amount of games missed, the team has decided to place Suzuki on the 10-day injured list heading into Opening Day.

Cubs Outlook in Right Field

All right, now that we know for sure that Suzuki will be on the injured list to begin the regular season, we can look into the team’s plan to replace him in right field. Hopefully, this will only be a short-term issue with Suzuki missing the minimum amount of time recovering from the knee injury.

Veteran outfielder Michael Conforto locked up a spot on the Opening Day roster thanks to Suzuki’s absence. Conforto, 33, signed a minor league deal with the Cubs at the beginning of spring training action, and while it appeared as though he was trending toward an Opening Day spot, the injury to Suzuki confirmed his addition to the bench mix.

With Ian Happ in left field, Pete Crow-Armstrong in center field, Conforto is currently the most experienced player in the outfield who is competing for playing time with Suzuki out for the first chunk of games. Second-year player Matt Shaw has looked a bit shaky in his audition in the outfield during spring training, but it does appear as though the Cubs do want to use him in right field on occasion this season.

If the team is concerned about Shaw’s defense in right, then outfield prospect Kevin Alcantara could end up making the team out of spring training. Meanwhile, Dylan Carlson remains in the mix to secure one of the final bench spots on the Opening Day roster. Carlson could be the backup center fielder to begin the regular season.

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