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Murakami’s Hot Start Puts White Sox Extension Debate In Spotlight

By
Mitchell Kaminski
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Apr 23, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) hits a single against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Another day, another Munetaka Murakami footnote in Chicago White Sox history. 

Entering Thursday, Murakami was riding a five-game home run streak, tied for the longest in franchise history. These weren’t cheap shots either, with each home run traveling more than 400 feet, with an average distance of 429 feet.

The run put him in elite company, alongside A.J. Pierzynski, Paul Konerko, Carlos Lee, George Kittle, and Greg Luzinski,  a group with 21 combined All-Star appearances. Murakami appears to be on a fast track to joining that group as an All-Star.

Just 25 games into his MLB career, the 26-year-old slugger has already quieted many concerns about his ability to handle big-league velocity. Those concerns scared off a handful of potential suitors and were a large reason why the White Sox were able to land him on a two-year, $34 million deal this offseason. 

Murakami is showing no signs of slowing down either. His 10 home runs, 19 RBIs, a 19.3% walk rate, .598 slugging percentage, 96 mph average exit velocity, and 24.5% barrel percentage all rank first among American League rookies.

While the team’s marketing department reportedly had to help convince Jerry Reinsdorf to sign off on the move, it is already paying dividends both on and off the field. Following the signing, White Sox Chief Marketing Officer Brooks Boyer said the team saw an uptick in season ticket sales. It has also allowed the team to tap into an entirely new international market in Japan. 

The results come as no surprise to those who watched him dominate the NBP, winning two MVP awards and setting a new league record with 56 homers for the Tokyo Swallows in 2022. So far, that power has translated to the MLB and given a burgeoning young White Sox core, a much-needed boost in the middle of the lineup. 

Murakami has shown strong plate discipline, rarely chasing pitches outside the strike zone. His 19% chase rate, among the lowest in the majors, has forced opposing pitchers to challenge him more often. As a result, he has not only capitalized on mistakes but has also reached base at a .394 clip, helping set the table for the rest of the White Sox lineup

His presence has also created an explosive 1-2 punch with Colson Montgomery, who was riding his own four-game home run streak entering Thursday’s game against the Diamondbacks. While both players saw their streaks snapped, the duo became the first teammates in MLB history to each homer in four straight team games. 

The power surge helped propel the White Sox to a 4-2 road trip to Sacramento and Arizona and improve the team’s record to 10-15. While being five games under .500 is nothing to write home about, it has the White Sox with a better record than the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, and Boston Red Sox, three teams expected to contend for playoff spots this season.

With the rest of the league beginning to take notice, there are already growing calls for the White Sox to consider extending Murakami. According to Bruce Levine, White Sox general manager Chris Getz said there have been no talks to extend Murakami’s contract.

Under normal circumstances, discussion of a long-term extension for a rookie in his first month would be premature. But the White Sox have never handed out a contract worth more than $100 million, and if Murakami continues at this torrid pace, he could quickly price himself out of Chicago.

He is doing things that Shohei Ohtani hasn’t even done at the MLB level, with his 10 home runs in his first 24 games, being the most by a Japanese-born player in MLB history. There are certainly several factors to weigh. Murakami profiles as a true three-true-outcomes hitter, with roughly 60% of his plate appearances ending in a walk, strikeout, or home run. If he maintains that pace, he would become just the fifth player in MLB history to reach that rate of non–ball-in-play plate appearances. The first three instances were by former All-Star Joey Gallo.

Murakami’s 32% strikeout rate remains a concern, but there is reason to believe his overall offensive ceiling could be higher than Gallo’s at his peak. He has elite bat speed and is consistently squaring up pitches with authority. Murakami’s 24.5% barrel rate and 64% hard-hit percentage both rank among the highest in baseball, while his .649 expected slugging percentage and 95 mph average exit velocity place him firmly in elite company. 

Even if pitchers adjust, his track record in Japan suggests his power isn’t going anywhere. And because he does not chase pitches out of the strike zone, it is fair to assume he won’t enter the 40% strikeout range that Gallo was reaching. 

If Murakami’s strikeout rate continues to climb as the season progresses, there could be some red flags. At the same time, there is evidence that some tough luck has influenced his lack of balls in play. While he may never be a high-average hitter, the quality of his contact has produced a .255 expected batting average, suggesting a higher offensive ceiling than Gallo. If anything, his profile may more closely resemble three-time All-Star Kyle Schwarber, who signed a five-year, $150 million deal with the Phillies.

While the White Sox are likely to have to go north of $100 million to extend Murakami, the sooner they try to get an extension done, the more likely they are to get a team-friendly deal. 

While the scars of early extensions for Luis Robert Jr., Eloy Jiménez, and Yoán Moncada are still fresh, it’s an option the White Sox may need to explore sooner rather than later. That urgency is heightened by the possibility of a looming lockout that could disrupt the 2027 season and potentially limit the club’s return on the second year of his contract.

Connor Bedard Ready for Blackhawks Captaincy

By
Christopher Hodgson
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Apr 6, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) celebrates after a goal is scored against the San Jose Sharks in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Connor Bedard didn’t dance around the question during his exit interview on Thursday. Asked about potentially becoming the Chicago Blackhawks’ next captain, the 20-year-old superstar made it clear he wants the job, and his teammates believe he’s ready for it.

It’s the kind of answer you’d expect from Bedard: diplomatic, humble, but confident. And barring something unexpected, he’ll take the ice next October with the captaincy officially his.

“[With] how tight our room is, how close everyone is off the ice, it makes it so easy for anyone to be in that role,” Bedard said. “If I did get the ‘C’, I’m not going to change who I am and become something different just because of that letter. It’s an added responsibility that I do think I would be ready for. A lot of guys could be ready for it in that room. But it would be a special honor, for sure.”

The Leadership Void and Bedard’s Rise

Chicago traded away its entire leadership group in early March; captain Nick Foligno and alternate captains Connor Murphy and Jason Dickinson all moved at the deadline. The ultra-young Blackhawks spent the final six weeks of the season navigating that void, and new leaders naturally emerged.

Bedard served as an alternate captain alongside veteran Tyler Bertuzzi down the stretch, but everyone in the organization knows the “A” is just a placeholder. The “C” is coming, and it’s a matter of when, not if.

Behind the scenes, Bedard’s teammates say he’s already leading in ways that go beyond on-ice production. His competitive fire is contagious, but it doesn’t overwhelm the more laid-back, personable side of his personality, which has become more visible in year three.

“He’s the perfect guy for [the captaincy],” Ryan Greene said. “He cares about his teammates and checks in on everybody all the time. He’s our guy. So he’s leading the way in a lot of different ways. I think he’s more than ready.”

Ryan Donato echoed the sentiment, pointing to Bedard’s maturation over his first three NHL seasons.

“I’ve seen how he’s changed as a person and player, and he’s shown everybody in this organization, including me, that he knows what it takes to win,” Donato said. “He’s put in the work, he’s dedicated, and obviously he’s the franchise player. We want to make sure we play our best for him, but he wants to give his best to every guy. He’s one of those guys, like a lot of our young guys, who take the experiences they’ve learned from the old guys and use them to their benefit. He does a tremendous job at that. The fact that he’s voicing [his desire to be captain] is exciting for me to see. He’s a great candidate for that and would be very deserving.”

Why Bedard Makes Sense

It’s become increasingly common for NHL teams to treat “captain” and “best player” as almost synonymous. Most franchise faces automatically wear the “C,” and Bedard is unquestionably the face of the Blackhawks. He’s been that since the moment Chicago won the draft lottery in 2023.

But beyond the optics, Bedard genuinely seems ready for the role in a way he wasn’t during his first two seasons. He’s matured publicly, allowing his genuine personality to shine through rather than hiding behind canned answers. He’s grown comfortable in the spotlight, occasionally funny in interviews, and more willing to speak his mind without sacrificing the diplomacy that comes naturally to him.

General manager Kyle Davidson said he’ll treat the captaincy as an “organizational decision,” holding meetings throughout the summer with people in different roles to gather input. He didn’t rule out starting next season without a captain, but that feels like procedural posturing more than serious consideration.

Alex Vlasic could be a long-shot candidate; he mentioned leadership as the area in which he grew most this season during his exit interview. Vlasic has a good chance of becoming an alternate captain in the same mold as Connor Murphy, whose instinctive way of treating people right has inspired Vlasic over the past few years. But Bedard is the obvious choice, and everyone in the organization knows it.

Bedard’s Season and What’s Next

Bedard finished the season with 75 points in 69 games, an eight-point improvement over last season in 13 fewer games. He was on an even more impressive pace (44 points in 31 games) before a December 12th shoulder injury derailed his momentum. Bedard said he took responsibility for the team’s slide down the standings after that injury, a telling sign of the accountability mindset he’s already embracing.

He capped the year with two gorgeous assists in Wednesday’s season finale, showcasing the playmaking vision that’s become a bigger part of his game. Bedard isn’t just a scorer anymore; he’s a complete offensive engine who makes everyone around him better.

As for his upcoming contract negotiations as a restricted free agent, Bedard kept things predictably low-key. His agent said talks will start in May, but Bedard insisted he hasn’t thought about numbers and is “not smart enough” to calculate them himself.

“I know I want to be here, and we’ll get it done soon,” he said. “I don’t think if it’s not done in a month, there’s any worry.”

Davidson said the Blackhawks intend to be “more than fair” in negotiations while also conveying to Bedard’s camp that they need to preserve enough cap space to build a strong team around him. It’s a balancing act; pay Bedard what he’s worth without handcuffing the roster construction moving forward.

Barring something unforeseen, Connor Bedard will be the Chicago Blackhawks’ next captain. He wants it, his teammates want it, and the organization knows it makes sense on every level. The only question is whether Davidson makes it official before training camp or waits until the season starts.

Either way, the “C” is his. Bedard’s ready for it, and the Blackhawks are ready to follow him.

Blackhawks Miss Out on Top-10 Pick in Seth Jones Trade: Will Wait Until 2027 for Florida’s First-Rounder

By
Christopher Hodgson
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Oct 26, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones (4) in action during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Chicago Blackhawks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Chicago Blackhawks thought they had Florida’s 2026 first-round pick locked up in the Seth Jones trade. Instead, the Blackhawks’ 2027 first-round pick return means waiting another year; watching the defending back-to-back Stanley Cup champions potentially draft a franchise talent while Chicago gets nothing immediate from the Seth Jones trade that sent their veteran defenseman to Florida.

Florida finished the 2025-26 regular season in 24th place, eighth-worst in the NHL, triggering the top-10 protection in the Jones trade. The Panthers keep their 2026 first-rounder, which now carries a 6% chance of landing Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg. Chicago gets Florida’s unprotected 2027 first-round pick instead, turning what could have been immediate draft capital into a waiting game with significant risk.

The Trade Breakdown and What Chicago Lost

When the Blackhawks dealt Seth Jones to Florida, the agreement included top-10 protection on the Panthers’ 2026 first-round pick. If Florida finished in the bottom 10, they’d retain the pick and send Chicago their 2027 first instead, unprotected. At the time, with Florida coming off consecutive championships and Jones contributing as a top-four defenseman, the protection seemed irrelevant.

Then injuries gutted the Panthers. Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Sam Reinhart, Florida’s championship core, all missed significant time, and the team cratered. Chicago watched a potential top-10 selection slip away as the Panthers’ standing solidified throughout April.

Now the Blackhawks are stuck in limbo. They gave up a veteran defenseman who helped Florida win another Cup, and instead of cashing in with immediate draft capital in a strong class, they’re waiting until 2027 with no idea where that pick will land.

Here’s where things get interesting for Chicago. That 2027 first-rounder is completely unprotected, meaning it could fall anywhere from first overall to 32nd depending on how Florida’s season unfolds.

If the Panthers stay healthy and rebound, which is the expectation, the Blackhawks are looking at a late first-round pick for Seth Jones. Picks in the 20-32 range rarely move the needle for rebuilding teams, and Chicago is still very much in asset-accumulation mode. They need high-end talent, not mid-tier prospects.

But if Florida’s injury problems persist, or if age catches up to their core faster than expected, that 2027 pick could land in the lottery. It’s a gamble Chicago didn’t want to take, but it’s the hand they’ve been dealt. The upside exists; it’s just delayed and dependent on factors completely outside the Blackhawks’ control.

What the Chicago Blackhawks Gave Up

Seth Jones wasn’t just salary relief for the Blackhawks. He was a defenseman capable of eating minutes against top competition, running a power play, and mentoring younger players. Chicago moved him to accelerate their rebuild and acquire draft capital, banking on Florida maintaining their championship form and sending back a pick in the teens or twenties.

Instead, Jones helped the Panthers win the 2025 Stanley Cup, playing a significant role on their blue line; while Chicago watched their return evaporate into a future consideration. The optics aren’t great. The Blackhawks traded a contributor to a Cup winner and got nothing immediate in return except cap space.

Let’s be clear about what just happened. The Florida Panthers won back-to-back Stanley Cups, collapsed due to injuries in year three, and now get to draft in the top 10 while retaining their championship core. They have a six percent shot at Gavin McKenna, the consensus top prospect in the 2026 class, and a guaranteed top-10 selection that could add a cost-controlled future star to an already loaded roster.

For Chicago, it’s the inverse. They’re watching a team that just hoisted two Cups potentially land a franchise-altering talent while the Blackhawks wait another year for a pick that might not even crack the top 15.

The lottery is on May 8th. If Florida wins and selects McKenna, the Blackhawks will have traded Seth Jones for a 2027 first-rounder that could end up in the 20s if the Panthers bounce back. That’s not catastrophic, but it’s a far cry from what Chicago envisioned when the deal was made.

What’s Next for the Blackhawks

Chicago’s rebuild continues, and the Seth Jones trade was always about the long game. The Blackhawks have Connor Bedard anchoring their future, and they’ve accumulated picks and prospects through other moves. Losing out on Florida’s 2026 first stings, but it’s not a rebuild-killer.

Still, the waiting game is frustrating. The 2027 draft is 14 months away. Chicago has no control over whether that pick is eighth overall or 28th. They’re at the mercy of Florida’s health, performance, and whether the Panthers’ championship window stays open or slams shut.

For now, the Blackhawks watch. They watch Florida potentially draft a star. They watch the 2027 draft lottery odds fluctuate. And they hope that when their turn finally comes, the pick they waited for is worth the delay.

This Dillon Thieneman Story From Ryan Poles Shows Ben Johnson’s Talent Radar Is Legit

By
Erik Lambert
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ryan poles
Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman, right, brings down Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton as the Oregon Ducks take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.

The Chicago Bears ran countless simulations trying to get a feel for which players had the best chance to be available at their 25th overall pick on Thursday night. Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman popped up maybe half the time at best, meaning the odds weren’t great that he would be there. However, things took a turn when the Minnesota Vikings passed on him at #18. They were considered the likeliest landing spot. Suddenly, the Bears realized Thieneman might get to them. When he did, there was elation in the draft room.

Few expressed it more than head coach Ben Johnson. That may sound odd. Johnson is an offensive guy by nature. Getting excited about a defensive prospect seems unusual. However, Poles told the story of how Johnson watched Thieneman’s tape for the first time. The reaction was immediate and telling.

“I can now feel Ben,” Poles said. “He doesn’t say anything.”

That happened when Johnson joined Poles and his personnel staff to watch some film of upcoming draft prospects. One of the players who was queued up that day was safety Dillon Thieneman.

“I can feel (Johnson’s) body language start to get excited by somebody,” Poles said. “You can feel it. It’s that style of play (Thieneman) has that’s contagious. It’s the type of player that we want on our football team.”

Johnson has always been somebody who isn’t afraid to show his emotions. As a true football nerd, it’s only natural he’d get excited while watching tape. Yet the best part of this is that the Bears’ head coach immediately recognized how good Thieneman is. It turns out his eye for talent isn’t exclusive to just offensive players.

Ryan Poles continues to show an unheralded virtue.

That is a willingness to mold his scouting strategy to the needs of his coaches. This is not something that was present with previous Bears general managers. Phil Emery famously took Shea McClellin in the 1st round in 2012, despite obvious signs that he was a poor fit for Lovie Smith’s defense. Even more egregious was what Ryan Pace did in 2017. He purposely kept head coach John Fox in the dark about his plan to take not only a quarterback in the 1st round, but one Fox didn’t even like. We saw how that went.

That isn’t the case with Ryan Poles. He made it clear from the beginning that he would take the head coach’s desires seriously in every draft. The selections of Kyler Gordon, Jaquan Brisker, Gervon Dexter, and Tyrique Stevenson all proved as much. Unfortunately, that approach doesn’t help if the coach has a questionable eye for talent. While the Bears added some solid players in that time, they didn’t grab any studs. All of that seemed to change once Johnson arrived to take over.

Thieneman is a perfect encapsulation of Johnson’s vision.

We’ve learned a few things since the head coach took over last year. He likes players who are smart, experienced, and fast. Colston Loveland checked those boxes last year, coming out of Michigan. Thieneman did as well. Johnson is a tape junky. He doesn’t care about athletic testing or interviews. If you want to know whether a player will be good, watch the film. That directive seems to have permeated throughout Halas Hall. Private visits have become less about getting to know players they like and more about learning about players they’re skeptical of.

Since Johnson arrived, the Bears have not drafted a single player they’ve met for a top 30 visit. Thieneman furthers that streak. They had a formal visit with him at the combine and kept their interest quiet after that. However, it became obvious to Ryan Poles that he was the guy after watching film of the safety with Johnson a few months ago. The head coach was on board almost immediately. All they needed was enough luck for him to drop to the #25 slot. The rest is history.

3 Moves the Blackhawks Must Make to Accelerate Their Rebuild

By
Christopher Hodgson
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chicago blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks showed signs of progress this season, but the rebuild is far from complete. After finishing with a 29-38-14 record, there’s clear improvement from last year, but not enough to suggest they’re ready to take the next step. If Chicago wants to accelerate its rebuild, this offseason will be critical.

Lock in Connor Bedard Long-Term

It should come as no surprise that securing Connor Bedard is at the top of this list. While his restricted free agency makes this more of a formality than a question, the real story lies in the details of the deal.

Bedard took a significant step forward in 2025–26, recording 30 goals and 45 assists in 69 games. For a 20-year-old who missed time with a shoulder injury, those numbers only reinforce his status as the franchise cornerstone.

The focus now shifts to term and cap hit; a long-term extension in the $12–15 million range will have a major impact on how general manager Kyle Davidson builds the roster moving forward. As more young players come off entry-level deals, cap flexibility will become increasingly important.

There’s also a leadership element to consider. Following the departures of veterans like Nick Foligno, Connor Murphy, and Jason Dickinson, Bedard stepped into a larger role and handled it well. He already looks like the future face of the franchise, both on and off the ice.

Locking in Bedard isn’t just about keeping a star player; it’s about defining the timeline and structure of the entire rebuild.

Be Aggressive in Free Agency

The Blackhawks’ young core is starting to take shape. With Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Anton Frondell down the middle, Chicago has the foundation of a strong forward group. On the back end, players like Artyom Levshunov, Kevin Korchinski, Wyatt Kaiser, Alex Vlasic, and Sam Rinzel provide a mix of size, mobility, and upside.

What the roster lacks is proven support.

This offseason, Davidson should prioritize adding wingers who can complement his young centers. The goal isn’t just to add talent, but to find players who can elevate the production of those around them.

With significant cap space available, Chicago is well-positioned to be aggressive. Targeting a top-six winger who can play alongside Bedard would immediately improve the team’s offensive consistency. Adding a reliable veteran presence could also help stabilize a young locker room still learning how to win.

The core is in place; now it’s about surrounding it with the right pieces to take the next step.

Target Impact Talent via Trade

Free agency can address depth, but meaningful roster upgrades often come through the trade market. If the Blackhawks want to accelerate their rebuild, they need to be bold.

“I think they recognize that they’re not there, yet. I think they’re going to start taking those steps this summer and going into next. They’ve got about $40 million in cap space, and yeah, a chunk of that is going to Connor Bedard, who is a restricted free agent, and they’ll enhance those conversations once the season ends. He could be anywhere between $12 and $15 million per season, depending on term.”

– David Pagnotta

The ideal target is a player who is young enough to grow with the core but experienced enough to make an immediate impact. One name that fits that profile is Dawson Mercer of the New Jersey Devils.

At 24 years old, Mercer offers a blend of versatility and upside. He has already proven he can produce at the NHL level, and while his recent seasons have been inconsistent, that may create an opportunity for Chicago to buy low.

Mercer’s ability to play both center and wing would give the Blackhawks flexibility throughout their lineup. He could slot into the top six and help create a more balanced offensive attack, something Chicago currently lacks.

With Mercer entering the final year of his contract, New Jersey may be forced to make a decision about his future. If he becomes available, Chicago should be among the first teams to inquire.

This is the type of calculated move that can accelerate a rebuild without sacrificing long-term assets.

Final Thoughts

The Blackhawks are no longer at the beginning of their rebuild; they aren’t finished either. With a strong young core, ample cap space, and a growing prospect pool, the foundation is in place.

Now, it’s about execution.

Locking in Bedard, adding the right pieces in free agency, and making smart, targeted trades could be the difference between another mediocre year and a team ready to take a meaningful step forward.

How The Chicago Bears Played The 2026 Draft Board Perfectly

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears
Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson speak with 1st round pick Dillon Thieneman in the 2026 draft.

For the past three years, the Chicago Bears have faced an easy task in the 1st round of the NFL draft. They had the #1 pick in 2023, which they traded, the #1 and #9 picks in 2024, and the #10 pick in 2025. It is hard to screw up top 10 selections. This year would be different. After a great season last year, they would go into this weekend with the 25th pick. Finding a quality player at that spot is much more difficult, putting lots of pressure on general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson.

Do they go after a premium position like offensive tackle or edge rusher, despite knowing both would be heavily plucked by other teams? Do they gamble on an iffy defensive tackle group? Nobody would’ve been surprised since the team needs help at all three positions. However, the Bears decided to trust their board instead. The one name that stuck out as surprisingly still available at #25 was Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman. Fans were elated. Draft experts were impressed.

Even people inside the league loved what the Chicago Bears did.

“First day where you’re picking, take him,” said a third scout. “He’s one of the cleanest prospects. Tackles well. Extremely good athlete. Smart, tough, competitive. You run out of adjectives. He doesn’t have a whole lot of weaknesses.” Went 41 inches in the vertical jump. His 18 reps on the bench press led the position. Arms were 31 3/8. “Poor man’s Harrison Smith,” a fourth scout said. “Just because he’s smart, athletic, tough and around the ball. I’m not sure if he can play man-to-man coverage. He’ll be a short-to-intermediate defender and a good zone defender.”

It wasn’t just the scouts. NFL coaches are big fans as well.

“I would take Thieneman over Downs,” said DB coach No. 2. “Thieneman is one of the more versatile safeties I’ve seen come out in the last few years. I feel good about him in the deep part of the field, about him in and around the box and about him in coverage, especially from a safeties standpoint. I loved the movement skills from him at the combine. He looked really fluid and loose. There’s a lot to like with him.”

DB coach No. 1 said it wouldn’t surprise him if some team took Thieneman ahead of Downs because he thinks the Oregon DB is that good.

“I think Dillon Thieneman is pretty special,” he said. “He’s ready right now. I think he’s the best tackler I’ve seen in years, but he’s also got the speed and flexibility to turn and run. I think he has first- and second-level instincts and can fit runs like a linebacker, but he can run like the wind in the back end.”

The brilliance doesn’t stop there.

One thing to remember is that coming into this draft, many experts felt it was deep along the defensive line. That is obviously a big need for the Bears. After what happened in the 1st round, their decision to take Thieneman looks even better. As of right now, there are still ten defensive linemen available who were ranked in the top 75 before the draft.

  • T.J. Parker
  • Cashius Howell
  • Kayden McDonald
  • Lee Hunter
  • R Mason Thomas
  • Zion Young
  • Christen Miller
  • Gabe Jacas
  • Derrick Moore
  • Keyron Crawford

Even if there is a run on the positions early in the 2nd round, there is still a strong probability that two or three of them will be available when the Chicago Bears pick again at 57th overall in the 2nd round. This is why Poles deserves a ton of credit. He knew that the depth of this class gave him favorable odds to still find defensive line help later on. Taking Thieneman rather than reaching was the smart play. Seeing a Bears GM have such a sound process remains refreshing after years of watching them chase needs.

The Bears defense is already better.

Landing a plug-and-play starter with the 25th pick is not nearly as easy as people think. Many times, you’re forced to draft a project player with high talent because the more proven options are gone. The Chicago Bears avoided that trap. Thieneman is smart enough and experienced enough to play immediately. His skill set is an ideal fit for Dennis Allen’s defense. Getting to play next to Coby Bryant, a great veteran leader, will only help the transition. The first task was a major accomplishment.

Now the team can sit back and continue letting the board unfold. While a defensive line run is likely, it won’t go on forever. Early projections have several cornerbacks, safeties, wide receivers, interior offensive line, and linebackers ranked high going into this class. You can bet teams will be digging into those areas as well. There is no reason for the Bears to panic because they’ve played the board as well as anybody in this draft. Now we get to see how they reap the benefits.

Vikings Fans Were Livid Dillon Thieneman Went To Chicago — You’ll Love Why

By
Erik Lambert
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dillon thieneman
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman is selected by the Chicago Bears as the number 25 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears had plenty of intriguing options on the board when they went on the clock at 25th overall Thursday night. However, one name stood out above the rest. Many experts believed Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman was a top 20 lock. Some even felt he could be the first at his position off the board because of his terrific mix of size and athleticism. However, extended runs at offensive tackle, edge rusher, and wide receiver saw Thieneman fall to the Bears. General manager Ryan Poles knew it was an opportunity he couldn’t afford to pass up.

Chicago needed safety help after losing Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker to free agency. They’d managed to sign Coby Bryant to fill one of those spots, but the other remains a question mark. Not anymore. Thieneman should be a plug-and-play starter next to him, offering all sorts of versatility.

Not everybody was happy about the pick, though. Minnesota Vikings fans were almost apoplectic when the news came down that the safety was going to Chicago. Many had projected the NFC North rival would take Thieneman at #18 overall, becoming the heir apparent to aging star Harrison Smith. It didn’t happen, and fans couldn’t handle it.

The Dillon Thieneman pick hits twice as hard for them.

It starts with the reason stated above. Smith is 37 years old. He is nearing the end of a glittering career in Minnesota. The team has been putting off finding an eventual heir for some time. Thieneman looked like the ideal solution. Some inside the NFL even compared him to Smith with his size, range, and intelligence. It felt like a no-brainer. Instead, the Vikings bowed to their needs at defensive tackle. Remember, they had to cut Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen this offseason due to salary cap constraints. That is a big reason why they took Caleb Banks.

Make no mistake. The Florida product is very talented. Many have called him a more athletic Gervon Dexter. He showed flashes of dominance in college. Unfortunately, health issues kept getting in the way. A foot injury ended his 2025 season early. Then another foot injury hit him during the pre-draft process. Two injuries to the same area of his body felt like a major red flag, especially for a player of his sheer size. That was not the sort of gamble Vikings fans wanted to see, especially after years of roster mismanagement by former GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

It’s never a bad sign when rival fans hate your pick.

Some criticized the Bears for taking Dillon Thieneman over a defensive tackle or edge rusher, who were more pressing needs. He can’t rush the passer. The fact is, the board didn’t line up that way for the Bears. Five edge rushers went before the Bears picked at #25. Six offensive tackles went. The defensive tackle class is weak. Chicago had a choice. Reach at one of those positions, hoping they get lucky that other teams made a mistake, or trust the board and take the best talent. They chose the latter.

Taking a safety in the 1st round isn’t glamorous. Most believe it isn’t a premium position compared to cornerback and edge rusher. However, the reality is that great defenses always have at least one really good safety. The Bears know this. It was Mike Brown in the 2000s, Gary Fencik in the 1980s, and Richie Petitbon in the 1960s. There is no telling how high Thieneman will climb. Yet most agree he has a bright future ahead of him, especially under such an accomplished coaching staff.

The Chicago Bears Have Tons Of Options On Day 2 Of The Draft — Here Are The Biggest

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears
Nov 1, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Christen Miller (52) reacts after making a tackle against the Florida Gators at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears didn’t get cute with their first pick of the 2026 NFL draft. They took the best player, landing Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman 25th overall. It marks the first time in 36 years the Bears have drafted that position in the 1st round. Many were surprised that Thieneman was still on the board, signaling that the team had gotten themselves a good one. Now their secondary appears in great shape with Thieneman and Coby Bryant on the back end. Now we get to see what general manager Ryan Poles has cooked up for day two.

Even better, at first glance, there are several really good options still available. Many of them sit at positions where the Bears have needs. Let’s run through a few of the more prominent names you should keep an eye out for as the team prepares to make two picks in the 2nd round.

The Chicago Bears have no shortage of interesting options still available.

Christen Miller, DT, Georgia

Defensive tackle remains a precarious position for the Bears despite their additions in free agency. Miller would offer them a much-needed infusion of youth. Like previous Georgia products, he is well-built and strong. His explosiveness allowed him to shoot through gaps and split double teams, even if that wasn’t always his responsibility. The Bears need somebody who can demand attention in the middle. Miller does that. Think Kenny Clark in Green Bay.

Logan Jones, C, Iowa

Ben Johnson likes his offensive linemen a certain way: smart, athletic, technically sound, and nasty. Jones checks all of those boxes. He’s somewhat undersized for his position, but that didn’t stop him from getting dudes blocked on a regular basis. His intelligence stands out on tape, as does his unrelenting style. He gives it maximum effort on every snap. Play to the echo of the whistle. The Bears would love him.

T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

His down year in 2025 ruined his chances of going in the 1st round. That said, Parker is a good player. He has size, length, power, and a terrific motor. While not the most explosive edge rusher, he’s athletic enough and showed considerable progress towards the end of last season. He can set the edge against the run and should be a quality pass rusher once he fully diversifies his arsenal of moves.

Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois

The Chicago Bears would be wise to pay attention to their backyard. Jacas kind of flew under the radar despite recording 19 sacks and 26 tackles for loss over the past two years. He has good size, great power, and plays with a level of violence you love to see. He has a background in wrestling, which shows in his ability to shed blocks and keep guys off his body on the way to the quarterback.

Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

He isn’t the biggest or the fastest linebacker in the world, but his tape doesn’t lie. Rodriguez was always around the ball for the Red Raiders, forcing takeaways and making tackles. His instincts are outstanding and the leadership he exhibits shows up a ton. This is the kind of guy who becomes the heart and soul of a defense, even if he might not be the most talented on the field.

Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Allen loves press cornerbacks. Al Harris really loves press cornerbacks. There is no doubt Hood will be on their radar. He is a bully in coverage, loving to mix it up with receivers one-on-one. Highly physical and athletic. He’s also a threat to score when he gets his hands on the ball. The primary issue for him is technique and discipline, which Harris should be able to fix. Just a gritty football player.

Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

If there were one player the Chicago Bears might consider trading up to get, it’s Boston. The Puka Nacua comparisons are valid. He has outstanding hands and body control, using sharp routes to overcome his overall lack of speed. Better still, he gives extra effort after the catch, proving difficult to bring down. That is the type of player Johnson often prefers. He would make a great replacement for D.J. Moore.

BREAKING: Bears Select Dillon Thieneman 25th Overall And Why It Was A Brilliant Move

By
Erik Lambert
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dillon thieneman
Sep 6, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) runs after Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver Christian Fitzpatrick (16) during the first half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears knew they needed a mixture of good scouting and good fortune to land a quality player so late in the 1st round. As it turned out, they got both. The 1st round of the 2026 NFL draft saw some surprising twists, but it was mostly a blitz on the trenches for most of the run time. Offensive tackle and edge rusher saw tons of action in the top 20. By the time the Bears went on the clock, most of the notable names were gone. Except one. By some miracle, Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman was still on the board.

Many saw him as the most gifted player at the position in this class. He’s 6’0″, 200 lbs with 4.35 speed. It shows with his range in coverage, but that doesn’t stop him from flying to the line of scrimmage to deliver hits and tackles. His versatility alone makes him an obvious fit for Dennis Allen’s defense. Yet what sets him apart is his intelligence. The Oregon coaches constantly relied on him to get teammates lined up correctly before the snap. Chicago covets smart players. He checks that box big-time.

Dillon Thieneman might remind Bears fans of Gary Fencik.

He was the unheralded star of the famed defenses of the 1980s. While a free safety by position, the truth was Fencik could do everything. He was athletic enough to play coverage, smart enough to cut through passing lanes, and was absolutely vicious as a hitter. Thieneman is built much the same way. People will call him a strong safety because of how well he drops into the box, only to realize he has the range and anticipation to make you pay in coverage. Hybrid safeties like this are hard to find.

By all accounts, his football character is off the charts. No plays off. He flies to the football. The Bears have had players with that type of personality before, but none of them had the athletic tools that Dillon Thieneman does. Once he gets a bead on you, there is no escape. His closing speed is special. Putting him next to Coby Bryant gives the Bears probably their most talented safety tandem in decades. There is no shortage of creative things Allen can do with them on Sundays.

The best part is the Bears played the board perfectly.

Taking a safety in the 1st round doesn’t mean they’re out of luck to find defensive line help. Most experts believe this draft class is deep at edge rusher and defensive tackle. That means there is a strong chance they will have some quality edge rushers and interior guys waiting for them in the 2nd round. That is one thing general manager Ryan Poles has always been good at. He leans into the depth of a class and takes advantage rather than forcing the issue. That is how the Bears ended up with Kyle Monangai last year.

The defense is instantly better with Thieneman on board. His speed and versatility will make life so much more difficult for opposing receivers. Quarterbacks must be wary of where he is at all times, lest they risk him taking it away. He had eight interceptions in college. This is not a guy you can avoid. He is someone you’ll have to game-plan for. The Bears haven’t had a safety like that since Mike Brown in the 2000s. Get excited. The defense has taken its first step out of the mud.

White Sox Have A Rising Prospect Turning Heads Everywhere

By
Craig Rowland
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Jun 19, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida Gators shortstop Colby Shelton (10) doubles against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second inning at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

The White Sox have one of the better farm systems in all of baseball, as they have five to seven consensus top-100 prospects among the major outlets. This is great, as these talented prospects can join the current crop of young and promising talent.

While most of the top players in the White Sox farm system have gotten off to a good start to the 2026 season, there have been some notable names outside of the consensus guys that have been making a name for themselves.

One of the most impressive starts has come from someone who isn’t even on the current MLB Pipeline White Sox top-30 list, however that will change very shortly. That player is Colby Shelton.

Shelton was selected in the 6th round in last year’s draft as a shortstop out of the University of Florida. Shelton started his career with Alabama, but after a very successful freshman season where he hit .300, adding 25 homeruns and 51 RBIs, Shelton transferred to Florida.

That success continued in his second collegiate season, as he showed off his power numbers once again, hitting .254 with 20 homeruns and 56 RBls. However, in his last college season, he became more of an all-around hitter, as his average jumped up to .377 with an impressive .458 OBP. The power took a bit of a dip, as he hit 7 homers and had 35 RBIs, but it was still a very good season.

After being drafted, Shelton played in 27 games with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, hitting .141 with one homerun and 10 RBIs. While this wasn’t exactly the start he was hoping for, it was an extremely small sample size.

This year has been a completely different story, as he has been arguably the most productive player in the entire minor leagues.

In 15 games, Shelton is hitting .421 with an insane .501 OBP. He’s added four homeruns, 21 RBIs, and three stolen bases. He has walked eight times and struck out 11 times. These are video game numbers.

Shelton is on pace to fly up prospect rankings, as he could be a top-100 prospect in the entire league if he keeps up this pace. However, this pace is likely unsustainable, but he will certainly fly up the White Sox system rankings and be come a top-10 prospect for them.

At this point Shelton is looking like a steal in the draft and he will likely be promoted to Birmingham before the all-star break, getting him one step closer to Chicago.

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