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Injury May Cost Cubs Prospect Way More Than World Baseball Classic

By
Aldo Soto
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Iowa Cubs first baseman Jonathon Long catches a ball during game two of an Iowa Cubs/Worcester Red Sox series at Principal Park on Aug. 13, 2025, in Des Moines.

Jonathon Long entered spring training, riding high after he was named 2025 Chicago Cubs Minor League Player of the Year. The 24-year-old prospect had a stellar season at Triple-A and while it may have been a long shot to make the Opening Day roster in 2026, Long was in the mix to compete for a potential bench role this spring training. The calculous has changed for the Cubs in recent days because of an injury, which may have opened the door for Long to win a roster spot, but unfortunately he’s dealing with an issue of his own.

Long has been out of Cactus League action for the Cubs since Saturday, when the first baseman had a collision with Mark Canha. Long had to extend his left arm to grab a wide throw from Jefferson Rojas. The momentum took Long directly into Canha’s path down the first base line, resulting in a sprained elbow for the 2023 draft pick.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters on Wednesday that Long’s recovery was going slower than the team had hoped for. Before Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels, Long confirmed that he would no longer be participating in the 2026 World Baseball Classic for Chinese Taipei.

“You’ve got to look at it like, what’s the best long-term solution? Obviously, in the short term, I want to go. But we’re more inclined to push through something that we shouldn’t push through with such a strict timeline.” -Jonathon Long

The Cubs still have not determined a timeframe for Long’s return to spring training games.

This could not have come at a worse time for Long. Not only does the elbow sprain mean he’s withdrawing from this year’s World Baseball Classic, but it may ultimately cost him a real shot at winning an Opening Day spot on the 26-man roster.

The Cubs announced earlier this week that veteran hitter Tyler Austin will be sidelined for months after undergoing knee surgery. Austin, who signed a one-year deal in free agency, had an inside track to be one of the four bench players on the team to begin the season. Realistically, there are only two spots up for grabs as one of the bench roles goes to the backup catcher and then the other is Matt Shaw.

Austin was projected to get plate appearances against left-handed pitchers in 2026, mainly platooning at DH with Moises Ballesteros, potentially starting in left field for Ian Happ and sparingly giving Michael Busch rest at first base. Long could certainly fill that role, but the elbow injury is definitely putting him behind the competition in spring training.

In 2025, Long played in 140 games at Triple-A, where he posted a 131 wRC+ with a slash line of .305/.404/.479. The right-handed hitter had 20 home runs and 91 RBI.

Hopefully Long will be able to get back on the field sooner rather than later and get back into the mix, competing for a bench role. At least you want your prospects making decisions harder for the team out of spring training and it sucks that right now it’s out of Long’s hands because of the elbow injury.

MLB Draft Analysts Just Dropped A Stunning Claim About Roch Cholowsky

By
Craig Rowland
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Jun 14, 2025; Omaha, Neb, USA; UCLA Bruins shortstop Roch Cholowsky (1) bunts in a run against the Murray State Racers during the fourth inning at Charles Schwab Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images

The White Sox were given the gift of a lifetime when they won the first pick in the 2026 MLB draft lottery. In most years, getting the first pick doesn’t mean much, as even some of the best players are a few years away from making an impact for the team that selects them.

Additionally, some teams don’t take the best player at first overall due to bonus pool restrictions, as if they can save money with the first pick, their philosophy is to spread that money over other picks so they can get better players in the later rounds with that saved money.

However, this year is different. The White Sox have the ability to select a generational talent. While that term is used a little bit more frequently than it should be, the number one ranked prospect in this year’s draft is the real deal. That player would of course be Roch Cholowsky, a shortstop from UCLA.

However, some of baseball’s biggest draft analysts are taking it one step further. On Jim Callis’s and Jonathan Mayo’s MLB Pipeline Podcast, they had some high praise for Cholowsky. When discussing where Cholowsky stands compared to prior college shortstops coming into the draft, they made the claim that he is the best college shortstop that they have ever covered in their career. To put that in perspective, Callis states that he has been doing this since 1989. That is high praise from people who cover the draft and prospects for a living.

For once, it seems like something has finally gone the White Sox way, as they will now get a generational talent to join the already solid young core in Chicago. If that wasn’t good enough, Cholowsky is on pace to have an even better season than last year, as he is currently hitting .400 with 6 homeruns and 12 RBIs to go along with a .500 OBP, a 1.100 slugging percentage, and a 1.613 OPS through 8 games. These are video game numbers.

After the White Sox select him with the first overall pick, I wouldn’t be surprised if he made it to AA by the end of this season. That would set up a potential major league debut in 2027. He’s that good. 

The White Sox may have to get creative, as they already have a promising young shortstop in Colson Montgomery, so it could cause a bit of roster shuffling. However, you can never have too many talented players. The White Sox will figure it out. Somebody can move around, but it will get figured out. There is no reason not to select him in this draft due to already having a young and promising shortstop.

If all goes right, there is a chance that with this pick, Cholowsky goes down as one of the greatest players to put on a White Sox uniform. That is the type of hype that he is generating right now. These players don’t grow on trees and the White Sox got extremely lucky to get the chance to select him.

Roster Watch: Can Chris Murphy Hold Onto A Bullpen Spot?

By
Craig Rowland
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Feb 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Chris Murphy against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

This Spring Training is a bit different from the last few years, as there is a bit more set in stone on the 26-man roster. However, there are certainly still some key positional battles. For the first time in what seems like a very a long time, there aren’t roster battles at practically every position, as the White Sox likely have their starting lineup locked up. However, there are still a few backup spots in the infield and outfield up for grabs, as well as a few spots in the bullpen.

As we get closer to the regular season, we will look at each fringe roster player and their chances to make the team out of Spring Training. The next player we will take a look at is relief pitcher Chris Murphy. Murphy was acquired by the White Sox in an early November trade, as the White Sox sent catching prospect Ronny Hernandez to the Red Sox.

Murphy has been successful in his two major-league seasons with the Boston Red Sox, as he owns a career 4.15 ERA over 82 major league innings. 2025 was Murphy’s best season, as he threw 34 innings, getting in 23 games for the Boston Red Sox.

Over those innings, Murphy had a stellar 3.12 ERA and a very solid 1.18 WHIP. Hitters only hit .172 against him and he struck out 30 batters. As a lefty out of the bullpen, this is exactly what you want to see, and that is exactly why the White Sox traded for him. 

At the time of the trade, it seemed like a no-brainer that Murphy would slot into the White Sox bullpen. However, since then, there has been a lot of movement in the bullpen, potentially putting his spot on the major league roster in jeopardy.

As it currently stands, the White Sox have at least six arms that are guaranteed to make the team out of Spring Training. That doesn’t include the two Rule-5 draft picks, who may have a leg up on everybody else due to the fact that the White Sox may lose them if they don’t make the roster. This only leaves a few spots up for grabs in the bullpen.

The fact that Murphy is a lefty certainly helps his case, as there is only one other lefty that’s guaranteed to be in the bullpen, that being Sean Newcomb. Murphy has gotten off to an alright start so far in Spring Training, as prior to today, he gave up two runs over three innings, striking out one. 

Murphy got an extended look in today’s game versus the Dodgers, as Murphy threw three innings, giving up five hits, two runs, and struck out three batters.

While you would certainly like to see him cut down on the hits given up, it was encouraging to see him strike out three batters. He will continue to get an extended look as he is one of the main guys fighting for a spot in the bullpen.

Since Chris Getz made the conscious effort to trade for him, I would give him about a 40% chance to make the roster. However, he will need to put a few strong appearances together to increase those chances.

Dan Roushar Says Quiet Part Out Loud On Bears LT Issue – And Why It’s A Big Concern

By
Erik Lambert
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dan roushar
Jun 3, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo (75) runs on the field during minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears have so much work to do on defense this offseason. They already have four safeties coming out of contract, and their defensive line needs tons of work, too. Now, Tremaine Edmund could be traded or cut in the near future. That leaves several start jobs unaccounted for and not many resources to fill them all. Meanwhile, people seem to have forgotten that another significant issue at left tackle remains unresolved. That is what makes the recent comments from Dan Roushar so important.

Ozzy Trapilo was shaping up to become the long-term fixture at that spot before he injured his knee. Now it’s believed he could miss all of 2026 recovering from it. Roushar appeared on Terron Armstead’s podcast, where he was asked about the left tackle situation. The Bears’ offensive line coach didn’t mince words. He stated that he doesn’t think the team’s best option for the position is currently on the roster. Guys like Theo Benedet, Kiran Amegadjie, and Braxton Jones all have certain good traits.

None of them has shown enough to justify getting the job next season.

Dan Roushar sure makes it sound like left tackle is a priority.

Therein lay the problem. If he’s not sold on any of the current guys the Bears have, then it means the team will go hunting for an outsider. Free agency is the first option, and not a great one. Rasheed Walker and Cam Robinson are the only two noteworthy names available, and neither is what you’d call above-average. Forget the trade market. Other teams never trade good left tackles. That leaves the draft. While the defense needs so much work, head coach Ben Johnson may have to prioritize grabbing a left tackle in the 1st round. That is because waiting drastically reduces the team’s odds of finding someone credible.

Round of the draftHit Rate (%) since 2000
Round 183%
Round 270%
Round 340%
Round 429%
Round 516%
Round 616%
Round 79%

Then again, Dan Roushar is no stranger to finding hidden gems in the draft. Armstead, the very man interviewing him, was a 3rd-round pick of the New Orleans Saints. He became an All-Pro. Two-time Pro Bowl center Eric McCoy went in the 2nd round. Roushar has shown he can help find good players outside the 1st, but it is challenging. It might come down to how much head coach Ben Johnson trusts his own eye for talent and whether the Bears feel they can get somebody who can start immediately in the 2nd or 3rd.

The Bears will have some interesting options.

Initial predictions believe the 1st round will be heavy on defense. Naturally, there will be a mix of offensive names across all positions, but it’s possible there might not be a huge run on tackles. Names like Monroe Freeling of Georgia or Caleb Lomu of Utah could be an option with that 25th pick. Both fit what Dan Roushar prefers in his linemen: a good foundation in pass protection. That will be an obvious priority for any tackle the Bears pick. Much depends on how the first 24 selections unfold.

If there is a run on the position at some point, it could force the team to wait until later rounds. Johnson has said that they are focused on taking good football players. They won’t be married to specific positions. Still, what they do in March will send a clear signal about their intentions in April. Unless they bring back Jones or sign a notable free agent, you can bank on left tackle being circled for that 25th pick.

Getz Got Creative on a Shoestring: Why This White Sox Offseason Deserves Props

By
Mitchell Kaminski
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Dec 22, 2025; Chicago, Il, USA; New Chicago White Sox player Munetaka Murakami, right, speaks with general manager Chris Getz, left, during a press conference where he was introduced at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The White Sox enter the 2026 campaign following a busy offseason, with budget constraints forcing Chris Getz to get creative while trying to improve the roster.

The White Sox carried the second-lowest payroll in baseball last season at $87 million, despite generating $277 million in revenue. While that revenue figure ranked second-lowest in MLB, ahead of only the Athletics, just 31% of it was allocated to player payroll, again the second-lowest percentage in the league.

Currently, the White Sox have $64.4 million in guaranteed contracts, which ranks 29th in MLB. Their projected total payroll, including tax, sits at $101.5 million. Although that marks an uptick from last season, it still places them 29th in baseball.

Given the clear handicap that Getz had to work with, he deserves credit for how he managed to improve the roster.

His key moves include signing Munetaka Murakami to a two-year deal, a gamble made possible after the Japanese slugger’s free-agent market dried up. Getz acknowledged that when free agency first opened, he believed the odds of signing Murakami were slim. Because of this, the organization continued evaluating other first-base options, knowing that any deal could potentially take them out of the Murakami sweepstakes.

The signing not only fills a clear need at first base but also elevates the White Sox’s international profile and injects much-needed power potential into the middle of the lineup.

After picking up Luis Robert Jr’s $20 millon option, Getz parlayed that into some extra roster flexibility by trading him to the Mets for Luisangel Acuna. The move gives Acuna a fresh start and the White Sox some roster versatility, given Acuna’s skill set. But more importantly, it also freed up money, allowing Getz to add Seranthony Dominguez to a two-year deal and Austin Hays to a one-year deal.

Dominguez helps solidify a bullpen that blew 24 saves last season, while Hays filled a much-needed hole in the outfield. When the dust settled, Getz had essentially traded Robert, who had a 1.4 WAR last season, for Acuna, Dominguez, and Hays, who combined for a 1.9 WAR.

To address the starting rotation, Getz took a flier on KBO standout Anthony Kay and reunited with former KBO MVP, Erick Fedde. The moves not only give the White Sox potential trade chips to flip at the deadline, but also some much-needed depth to help eat innings for a pitching staff forced to resort to opener strategies last season.

Will the White Sox be contenders for the division? Probably not. But in the short term, Getz has constructed a roster that should help supplement the team’s young core, while still positioning the White Sox to make a legitimate postseason run in 2027.

Long term, Getz may not have the same financial constraints. The Ishbia family, led by Justin Ishbia, is lined up to potentially take control of the organization as early as 2029. While White Sox fans are hoping for a quick Jerry Reinsdorf, the agreement does say that Reinsdorf must give up control by 2035 at the latest, meaning fans could be waiting years.

Once the transition does happen, fans could see the team steadily climb the payroll rankings, given the Ishbia family’s track record of aggressive spending in free agency during their ownership of the Phoenix Suns.

That’s what makes this past offseason so promising for White Sox fans. Even if Getz’s moves don’t pan out, he proved that he could get creative in improving the roster despite some clear financial constraints. Assuming those constraints are lifted under Ishbia, it could provide a runway for sustained success.

That’s what makes this past offseason so encouraging for White Sox fans. Even if every move doesn’t hit, Getz showed he can be creative and opportunistic while operating under clear financial constraints. If those limitations ease under Ishbia, it could open the door to sustained success.

To Start Or Not To Start: The Grant Taylor Dilemma

By
Craig Rowland
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Feb 10, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Grant Taylor (31) warms up during spring training camp at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

For the first time in what seems like forever, the White Sox may have more young talent in their position player pool than they do with their pitchers. However, the White Sox do have two consensus top-100 pitching prospects in Hagen Smith and Noah Schultz, but they seem to have more young bats that are viewed highly around the league.

While there are still some young exciting arms outside Smith and Schultz, like Tanner McDougal and Christian Oppor, the White Sox rotation isn’t one of their stronger positional groups. It certainly could turn out to be that way if Smith and Schultz are ace pitchers and McDougal becomes a top of the rotation arm, but outside of that, there are certainly some question marks.

This is where it gets interesting, as the White Sox have a very talented young arm already on the roster, that being Grant Taylor. While there have been reports about the White Sox stretching out Grant Taylor to get more innings, as he was a starter in college and in the minors, it seems like he’s going to be working mainly from the bullpen this year. That in itself begs the question, do you keep a 24-year-old hard throwing right hander in the bullpen if he is elite, or do you try and turn him back into a starter?

Last season Taylor had a 4.91 ERA over 36 innings. However, he struck out 54 batters, which is good for an elite 13.25 K/9 ratio. His ERA was a bit elevated, but that came from a few rough outings in July and August. He righted the ship, as he ended the season strong. In September, he threw 8 scoreless innings, striking out 15. He also looked lights out in his one appearance so far this Spring.

Taylor had success in the minor leagues when he threw multiple innings, but he never pitched more than just a few innings, as his pitch count was always capped. If Taylor pitches like he did to end the year, he is arguably a top-10 bullpen arm, as he has absolutely devastating offspeed pitches to go with a 100 mph+ fastball. Pitchers with that kind of arsenal don’t grow on trees.

Due to his rare ability, do you see if he can be stretched out and do that for six innings at a time, or do you allow him to be one of the best relievers in the game? I have always been of the opinion that you should make a starting pitcher a starter as long as possible, until they prove that they can’t do it. This is partially because starting pitching is more valuable to a team than relievers are.

However, it’s rare that we see a player become elite in the bullpen before getting a chance to start in his professional career. This makes for a tough decision for the White Sox brass.

At this point, I believe that decision comes down to the play of the other young pitchers in the White Sox organization. If Noah Schultz, Hagen Smith, Shane Smith, and Tanner McDougall pitch to their potential, Taylor stays in the bullpen. However, if one or more begin to falter, it might be worth checking out.

Regardless, Taylor will be a very important piece of the White Sox pitching staff this year and hopefully could earn an all-star appearance out of the bullpen. This is a good problem to have, but it certainly is an interesting dilemma and it will be interesting to see how it plays out.

Roster Watch: Has Curtis Mead Already Secured His Spot?

By
Craig Rowland
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Sep 21, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox first base Curtis Mead (29) at bat against the San Diego Padres during a game at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

This Spring Training is a bit different from the last few years, as there is a bit more set in stone on the 26-man roster. However, there are certainly still some key positional battles. For the first time in what seems like a very a long time, there aren’t roster battles at practically every position, as the White Sox likely have their starting lineup locked up. However, there are still a few backup spots in the infield and outfield up for grabs, as well as a few spots in the bullpen.

As we get closer to the regular season, we will look at each fringe roster player and their chances to make the team out of Spring Training. The next player we will take a look at is infielder Curtis Mead. Mead was acquired at the 2025 trade deadline, when the White Sox traded starting pitcher Adrian Houser to the Tampa Bay Rays. Mead was the headliner in the return, as he was a former top-100 prospect.

Mead started out in AAA with the Charlotte Knights after the trade, but quickly made his way up to Chicago to make his debut for the White Sox. Mead had a strong month of August for the White Sox, as he hit .258 with a .312 on-base percentage. He added seven RBIs and one stolen base. This was a solid start for him, as he hadn’t had much consistent playing time in the major leagues.

Mead continued his nice start into the first week of September, as he strung together nine hits over the first five games. Unfortunately, Mead hit a cold streak, as he only had six more hits from September 6th to September 28th. This tanked his average, as it fell to .220 in the month of September. However, Mead flashed his ability to be a productive major league player. 

Mead has gotten off to a solid start in Spring Training, as before today’s game, he was 3 for 12 with two RBIs. In today’s game, he was one for three with a solo homerun. 

This is a nice start for Mead, as he has kept up his spot in the infield competition. However, Mead is out of minor league options, so if he does not make the team, another organization can pick him up when he’s placed on waivers. With his solid play in 2025 and his former prospect status, a team is very likely to do that. That gives the White Sox an interesting decision to make.

What makes things interesting is the fact that Mead is going to be playing for team Australia in the World Baseball Classic. While he will likely get consistent at-bats for team Australia, that won’t be coming in front of the White Sox coaches. I’m sure they will be paying attention to Mead’s performance in the WBC, but they aren’t getting to interact with him everyday.

I’m not sure if Mead playing in the WBC will hurt or help his chances at a roster spot, but I believe he should be on the roster. It may be a foregone conclusion that Mead is on the team due to the fact that he is playing in the WBC, because I can’t imagine he would play if his spot was in jeopardy. I would put his chances at about 95% to make the team, especially because he was a Chris Getz acquisition.

However, I could see a scenario where a team reaches out for a potential trade involving Mead, as other players in Spring Training could fill in as a backup infielder/utility role. If the White Sox got a decent offer, I could see them accepting that, but I would like to see Mead get an opportunity with the White Sox. However, with the crowded infield there may be some tough decisions to make.

Bears Trade Rumors Heat Up: What Chicago Really Wants For Tyson Bagent

By
Erik Lambert
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tyson bagent
Jun 3, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) passes the ball during minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Usually the weeks leading up to free agency become one of the hottest periods for trades to take place. The Chicago Bears are one of those teams that never fear being active on the market. They proved it last season when they swung deals for Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson. It seems the same could be true again this year, but with a twist. This time it will be players going out instead of coming in. It’s already known wide receiver D.J. Moore could be on the block. Tremaine Edmunds was given permission to seek a trade. Now, Gervon Dexter is receiving a lot of interest. However, the big discussion centers on Tyson Bagent.

Quarterbacks are always the premium commodity in the NFL. This offseason could prove especially true. Free agency won’t offer any solutions outside of Malik Willis, who has been a career backup and will cost around $30 million. As for the draft, every QB not named Fernando Mendoza won’t crack the 1st round. In situations like this, teams can often get desperate. That means taking calculated risks on backups. Bagent is a popular name, having looked good in each of the past two preseasons and getting an education from head coach Ben Johnson. However, interested teams face a problem, according to Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports.

There’s been talk of teams interested in trading for Chicago Bears backup Tyson Bagent, but I’m told the only way the team moves him is if they’re offered a significant package of picks and/or players.

During the early part of the 2025 season, when Caleb Williams was struggling, I previously reported on the affection head coach Ben Johnson has for Bagent. I’m told that the Bears really like their quarterback room the way it presently stands. Not only does the team want to hold onto Bagent, but it will try to bring back 13-year veteran Case Keenum as a coach for the two younger signal callers.

The Bears have no reason or desire to move Tyson Bagent.

They already signed him to a contract extension last year, meaning they control him for two more seasons. That control is likely of interest to other teams. It gives them a two-year window to evaluate him on a cheap deal to see if he can play. Coach Johnson knows what he has, though. He believes Bagent is one of the 32 best quarterbacks in the league right now. In other words, this guy should be starting somewhere, and the Bears are fortunate enough to have him locked up.

Put simply, if you want him, you’ll have to make an offer with the idea that you’re trading for a starter. There have been plenty of starters traded in the NFL since 2000. Obviously, the biggest names involved at least a 1st round pick or more. Based on the information available, the Bears will be looking for a Sam Darnold or Josh Rosen package. That means a 2nd round pick and one or two late-round picks. It might sound crazy, but that is the nature of being in a seller’s market.

RankQuarterbackYearTrade Cost (Major Assets)
1Deshaun Watson2022Three 1st-rd, one 3rd-rd, two 4th-rd picks
2Russell Wilson2022Two 1st-rd, two 2nd-rd, one 5th-rd picks + 3 Players
3Matthew Stafford2021Two 1st-rd, one 3rd-rd picks + QB Jared Goff
4Eli Manning2004Two 1st-rd (via Rivers/2005 pick), one 3rd-rd, one 5th-rd
5Jay Cutler2009Two 1st-rd, one 3rd-rd picks + QB Kyle Orton
6Aaron Rodgers2023One 1st-rd (swap), one 2nd-rd, one 6th-rd + 2024 1st-rd
7Carson Palmer2011One 1st-rd, one 2nd-rd picks
8Carson Wentz2021One 1st-rd, one 3rd-rd picks
9Drew Bledsoe2002One 1st-rd pick
10Alex Smith2013Two 2nd-rd picks
11Donovan McNabb2010One 2nd-rd, one 4th-rd picks
12Sam Darnold2021One 2nd-rd, one 4th-rd, one 6th-rd picks
13Carson Wentz2022One 2nd-rd, two 3rd-rd picks
14Josh Rosen2019One 2nd-rd, one 5th-rd picks
15Daunte Culpepper2006One 2nd-rd pick
16Alex Smith2018One 3rd-rd pick + CB Kendall Fuller
17Geno Smith2025One 3rd-rd pick
18Matt Ryan2022One 3rd-rd pick
19Sam Howell2024Pick swap (3rd/5th for 4th/6th)
20Kenny Pickett20243rd-rd pick swap + two 7th-rd picks
21Joe Flacco2019One 4th-rd pick
22Brett Favre2008One conditional 4th-rd pick
23Baker Mayfield2022One conditional 5th-rd pick
24Justin Fields2024One conditional 6th-rd pick
25Mac Jones2024One 6th-rd pick

Is there a team out there willing to gamble on Bagent?

The one that started the rumors was Arizona. Their head coach, Mike LaFleur, is apparently a fan of the Bears’ quarterback. However, the believed offer from them would be a 4th or 5th rounder with incentives that could turn it into a 3rd. That won’t cut it. The Atlanta Falcons are another team to watch. Ian Cunningham was Chicago’s assistant GM when they signed Tyson Bagent as an undrafted free agent. He knows better than most what his makeup is and how good he could be. The Falcons will release Kirk Cousins soon and aren’t sold on Michael Penix. Bagent might be a worthwhile gamble, inheriting a talented supporting cast down there.

Not that it matters to the Bears. They are perfectly content with the way things are. This isn’t a team motivated to unload Bagent. In such cases, it is on the interested team(s) to make an offer that brings them to the table. It doesn’t sound like things have reached that point yet. Whether that changes might be determined by how free agency unfolds next month. All it takes is a couple of teams missing out on key veterans and not liking the draft to build a market. Poles will be listening.

Can The White Sox Replicate Their Rule-5 Draft Success In 2026?

By
Craig Rowland
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Feb 24, 2026; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Alexander Alberto (62) pitches during the fifth inning against the Seattle Mariners in Peoria, Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images

The Rule-5 draft is a very interesting part of Major League Baseball, as it allows teams to poach minor league talent from other organizations. However, while most players don’t end up sticking on the new team’s 26-man roster, there have been some very good players selected in the draft. 

The White Sox struck gold last year when they selected pitcher Shane Smith from the Milwaukee Brewers organization, as Smith went on to have an all-star year for the White Sox. In 146 innings, Smith had a 3.81 ERA and a 1.2 WHIP, while striking out 145 batters in those 146 innings. Now, the White Sox will rely on him to likely be their Opening Day starter.

Mike Vasil was another Rule-5 pick, however he wasn’t selected by the White Sox. The White Sox acquired him from the Tampa Bay Rays who selected Vasil in the Rule-5 Draft. Vasil became one of the most important relief pitchers for the White Sox, as he had a 2.5 ERA over 101 innings and struck out 82 batters. He got the White Sox out of a ton of tough jams last season and will be a big part of the pitching staff this year. There is a chance that he wins a spot as the fifth starter, although I think he fits best as a long reliever or as a one inning guy.

Now with two more Rule-5 players added to the team this off-season, the White Sox will look to strike gold again, but history is not on their side. It is not often that a team is able to consistently churn out Rule-5 picks that stick on the roster.

The first player the White Sox selected was pitcher Jedixson Paez from the Red Sox organization. Paez has yet to make his appearance in Spring Training, which may not bode well for his chances to make the team, as there are a ton of arms fighting for the last few bullpen spots.

It is unclear what the White Sox will want to do with Paez, as he could be competing for one of the last spots in the rotation as well. Paez may be a very good major league player, however he is only 22 years old and has not played against any competition above A+ ball. It remains to be seen what he can do, but it’s hard for the White Sox to judge him if he doesn’t play in any games. If he doesn’t make the initial roster out of Spring Training, he is subject to being returned to the Boston Red Sox, who will gladly take him back.

The White Sox also selected Alexander Alberto from the Tampa Bay Rays organization in the second round. Alberto, unlike Paez, has made a few appearances in Spring Training so far. In two innings, he gave up two runs, but has shown his swing and miss stuff, as he had three strikeouts in his last outing. Like Paez, he also hasn’t pitched above High-A, but he is 24 years old, so he may be able to acclimate to the MLB quicker. Alberto has exclusively worked as a reliever over the last few years, so he looks to earn a spot in the bullpen.

With the amount of competition with the veteran arms in camp, it may be hard for both players to break camp with the team. This would subject them to be returned to their original organization. However, it is likely that they at least get a shot to see what they can do when the regular season starts, as they both have been very productive minor leaguers and posses Major League stuff.

But, if they struggle throughout Spring Training, that certainly may change things. I would imagine that both have successful MLB careers, but it may be with other teams as they might not be ready to pitch in the pros quite yet. It will be hard for the White Sox to replicate their production out of the Rule-5 draft from last year, but there certainly is a chance if things go right.

How Illinois Is Now Flirting With Disaster In Chicago Bears’ Latest Stadium Update

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears stadium
An entrance to the Illinois State Capitol is boarded up with plywood that has holes cut out to see through in preparations for possible protests at the Illinois State Capitol, Saturday, January 16, 2021, in Springfield, Ill. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced that he has activated 250 members of the Illinois National Guard amid threats of armed protests in capital cities across the country in the days leading up to President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration. [Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register]

The Chicago Bears have been patient with the state of Illinois, perhaps more so than most teams would be. There is something to be said for the history the state and the franchise have shared for over a century. However, everything has a breaking point. After three long years of tense discussions about helping the Bears build their new stadium in Arlington Heights, things finally seemed ready to move forward. The megaprojects bill that would give them infrastructure and property tax assistance was being heard by the House Revenue Committee on Thursday. It passed by a vote of 13-7.

Unfortunately, things fell apart on the House floor. According to Brenden Moore of Capitol News Illinois, the House adjourned before even hearing the bill. That means the Bears must wait another two weeks before it reconvenes in mid-March. It sounds like there is still considerable resistance inside the state government on this issue. The wait will continue for fans who have grown weary of the matter. A better question is, have the Bears run out of patience? Don’t forget it was reported that if nothing was achieved by the end of February, they’d choose to leave for Indiana.

Indiana continues their courting of the Chicago Bears.

While Illinois keeps hemming and hawing over the issue, its eastern neighbor had no such qualms. Their state senate has already approved a new bill that would make it much easier for big businesses to build in Northwestern Indiana by providing infrastructure and property tax support. It passed by a 45-4 vote. It will now go to the governor’s desk for a signature, which is expected in the next 24 hours. They have shown time and time again that they are serious about bringing the Chicago Bears to the region.

Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker has insisted that talks have been productive for the past few weeks. The problem is that not everyone in his government agrees on this issue. Many believe the Bears don’t deserve any tax breaks for what, in their minds, is a vanity project for the billionaire McCaskey family. This division could cost the state one of its most historic entertainment draws. Indiana is almost ready to go, and Illinois is basically telling the Bears they’ll have to wait. That doesn’t seem like a sound strategy.

The Bears’ decision, from a business standpoint, is obvious.

They should take the deal with Indiana and not look back. That state wants them and is willing to provide the financial incentives to make it happen. Under normal circumstances, the Bears probably would’ve already started the process of leaving. However, when you have over 100 years of history with a state whose name is in your literal fight song, it is difficult to just up and leave. The McCaskeys never wanted to move to Indiana. It just got to a point where they couldn’t take being ignored anymore.

More than ever, it feels like a breaking point is near. If the Illinois government fails to make a decision on this bill next month, it is a safe bet that the Bears will cease all negotiations and begin their shift to Indiana. They’ve already shown interest in the town of Hammond, which is a half-hour drive from downtown Chicago. They would be free to remake the land as they desired, turning it into a major tourist destination. Once the debt on the stadium is paid, they will own it fully.

Something has to give.

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