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Sam Hecht Admits Bears Coaching Staff Blew Him Away In Meeting

By
Erik Lambert
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sam hecht
Dec 26, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Kansas State Wildcats offensive lineman Sam Hecht (75) against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears are on the hunt for a new center. Trading for Garrett Bradbury was a wise pivot after Drew Dalman abruptly retired at age 27. However, the veteran doesn’t offer much long-term security, as he’s in his 30s and in the last year of his current deal. Head coach Ben Johnson will want somebody they can groom to be in front of Caleb Williams for a long time, creating some stability in the middle of the offensive line. That might explain why they were out in force at the Kansas State pro day to watch Sam Hecht.

Most consider him among the best centers in the 2026 draft class. While not boasting ideal size or length, most experts believe he’s the most polished player at his position. His technique is remarkably sharp for somebody his age, and he doesn’t make many mental mistakes. He’s like Dalman in many ways but may actually be a better pass protector. That would certainly explain the Bears’ interest.

The more interesting point is the impression they made on Hecht himself. He revealed his thoughts on meeting the coaching staff to Kay Adams on Up And Adams.

Sam Hecht sure sounds eager for the chance to join the Bears.

We’ve already seen how much head coach Ben Johnson values smart players. It was the big reason behind trading for Joe Thuney last year from Kansas City. Intelligence is the primary driving force for his offensive line evaluations. That usually means players in a draft with strong technique likely receive the strongest consideration. Hecht has many of the same traits Thuney did and might have more core strength. If anybody can transition to the NFL quickly, it would be him.

Much depends on when he goes. Projections point to the 3rd or 4th rounds as the likely sweet spot. However, the soft nature of this center class might compel teams to grab their guy earlier. Chicago has two 2nd round picks. If they like Hecht enough, they may choose to grab him with one of those. We know how much Johnson values the center position. It wouldn’t be at all surprising. Don’t be surprised if the two parties meet again in the coming weeks for a private visit.

The Bears must hope for some luck on their choice.

Center has been arguably the most problematic position for the organization since Olin Kreutz left. They’ve had several starters come through the doors. Something always seemed to be wrong. Hroniss Grasu was never the same after tearing his ACL. Cody Whitehair suffered from chronic snapping issues. Sam Mustipher wasn’t athletic enough for his size. Lucas Patrick couldn’t stay healthy. Now Dalman retires. Locking down that position has been a series of massive headaches over the past 15 years.

Perhaps Sam Hecht can change that. He has already proven durable from his long stint as a starter in college. We know he’s a technician at the position and a good athlete. He already seems to love the Bears’ coaches. Getting a chance to learn under a veteran like Bradbury would only help his transition. As always, it depends on whether the team can draft him. They aren’t the only ones interested in the young center. They must hope the board shows them favor next month.

The Real Reason Ryan Poles Hasn’t Made A Move At EDGE Rusher

By
Erik Lambert
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ryan poles
Bears general manager walks the sideline before the Senior Bowl action.

The Chicago Bears came into the 2026 offseason with a lot of work to do. Several of their players were leaving as free agents, and they didn’t have enough money to keep them all. Besides, it became clear that general manager Ryan Poles and the coaching staff felt changes were needed despite their strong playoff run. They needed to get younger and faster. That process is already underway with the arrivals of safety Coby Bryant and linebacker Devin Bush. They also added quick defensive tackle Neville Gallimore. However, the team has been frustratingly silent at edge rusher.

Most people felt that position was the most important to address. Montez Sweat had 10.5 sacks last season, but nobody else stood out. Austin Booker missed much of the season with a knee injury. Dominique Robinson left in free agency. Dayo Odeyingbo tore his Achilles tendon in the win over Cincinnati. The team needed another pass rusher. Yet the Bears GM has remained silent. Why? Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune offered a hint about the real reasoning behind it.

“Sure, it’s a great idea to build a defensive line that can attack the opponent in waves. The last two Super Bowl champions — the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles — did that with great success in the biggest moments. If things align properly, maybe the Bears are able to kick Odeyingbo inside more in pass-rushing situations. But if you bring in that name veteran, who would cost some money, you have to play him, and that could block developmental opportunities for the rookie and even Turner.

What the Bears need is a homegrown pass rusher who can put down roots and become a building block for years to come. Booker has a chance to be that guy. More on him in a little bit. The Bears need more youth at the position.”

Ryan Poles and the coaches are committed to a draft-and-develop strategy.

They share the philosophy that truly successful organizations develop their own talent rather than relying on players that other teams were comfortable letting walk or trading. Building a roster that way is incredibly expensive and almost never works for long. Other Bears general managers have said they wanted to build through the draft. Few of them stuck to their word, eventually resorting to throwing out big contracts to cover up their inability to consistently produce young building blocks.

It has become clear Ryan Poles doesn’t plan to follow that same pattern. If he adds too many veteran names, it reduces the opportunities for young players to make their way into the starting lineup. Booker played really well down the stretch of last season. It looked like Shemar Turner was finding his role before tearing his ACL. The Bears don’t want to disrupt their progress. They are willing to take a calculated risk by focusing on finding another young rusher in the draft and allowing everybody to develop.

The only unanswered question is who they want.

Everybody assumes Poles will be focused on edge rushers in the 1st round. While that remains a possibility, it can’t be considered a lock. The Bears still have no starting safety next to Bryant in the secondary. They’re also down a starting linebacker with Noah Sewell recovering from a season-ending injury. One must also not discount their desire to replace D.J. Moore at wide receiver or land a definitive future left tackle. It is possible the team is content with waiting until the 2nd round to find that pass rusher. It’s a deep class, and this way, they wouldn’t feel pressured to play him immediately.

Booker could continue in his starting role opposite Sweat, building on the momentum he’d found down the stretch. If this is the strategy, there are some names worth keeping in mind. Dani Dennis-Sutton of Penn State, Derrick Moore of Michigan, and George Gumbs of Florida are all considered potential options in the 2nd round. All have the body type Dennis Allen usually prefers. If the Bears don’t go edge rusher in the 1st, keep those names circled for the 57th and 60th picks.

Jump Aboard the Shōta Imanaga Hype Train

By
Aldo Soto
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Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shōta Imanaga hadn’t appeared in spring training for 10 days before he returned to the bump on Tuesday night. While you may have been distracted by the World Baseball Classic final that ended with Daniel Palencia’s dominant save, you missed Imanaga looking like the All-Star caliber pitcher that he was in his first year with the Cubs.

There has been a lot of focus on Imanaga’s velocity this year after the left-handed pitcher missed time with a hamstring injury that may have led to his dip in velocity in 2025. The Japanese pitcher came out firing in his first spring training appearance of 2026, and since throwing 94 mph Imanaga has settled into the 92 mph range. That may not seem all that significant in today’s game, but it’s a big difference for Imanaga, who struggled to get his fastball above 91 mph last season.

More importantly, Imanaga’s start against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday produced 25 swings and misses. He struck out eight batters and walked one in 4.2 innings of work.

After posting a 25.1 K% and 28.3 whiff rate in 2024, Imanaga only recorded a 20.6 K% and 24.6 whiff rate in 2025. So, seeing that Imanaga was able to get 25 swings and misses on 45 swings was an incredible sign of progress after his tough sophomore season in MLB.

He’s going to give up home runs, but Imanaga was still able to be a good pitcher despite of them in 2025. Last year was a different story as he was giving up more damage, but if he’s back to mesmerizing hitters with his nasty splitter, then don’t wait any longer and jump aboard the Shōta Imanaga hype train now.

Shōta Imanaga’s Velocity

Imanaga finished the 2025 season with a 3.73 ERA in 25 starts and while that obviously isn’t bad his last 12 starts yielded a 5.17 ERA in 69.2 innings. The veteran lefty was getting crushed as opponents clobbered 20 home runs against Imanaga from July 25 through the end of the regular season and then in the postseason Imanaga gave up three more home runs in 6.2 innings.

His velocity went down and although the difference might look minimal on paper, 91.9 mph in 2024 to 90.8 mph in 2025, it was huge on the mound for Imanaga. I mean, we saw how good he was during his first MLB season and it wasn’t like Imanaga was blowing hitters away with triple digits. All he needed was 92-93 mph and good location with his fastball coupled with a nasty splitter.

And that’s why I’m a believer again. We know Imanaga can be good in this league and we can’t ignore that a hamstring injury may have ultimately derailed his 2025 season. Cubs manager Craig Counsell discussed how the leg injury caused mechanical flaws for Imanaga last year, which led to lower velocity.

To his credit Imanaga didn’t sit by and dwell on his disappointing second half. He trained in the offseason to ensure his velocity was back up and in his spring training debut Imanaga looked like the All-Star pitcher that he was in 2024.

That strikeout came on a 94 mph fastball from Imanaga. In 2025, Imanaga’s highest velocity was 93.7 mph and it came in his first start of the year against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Japan.

Sure, Imanaga was probably a little amped up to get back out there, but he threw 24 fastballs against the San Diego Padres and the left-hander averaged 93 mph. That’s a lovely development for him and the Cubs.

All-in on Shōta Imanaga in 2026.

Venezuela Beats Team USA After Negotiating with the Chicago Cubs

By
Aldo Soto
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Mar 17, 2026; Miami, FL, United States; Venezuela pitcher Daniel Palencia (29) reacts after defeating the United States during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Championship game at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs closer Daniel Palencia got the save in the semifinals for Venezuela on Monday night and then he did it again 24 hours later as he retired the side to close out a 3-2 win over Team USA. It was an incredible moment for Palencia and Venezuela, who captured their first World Baseball Classic title and it took some negotiating for the hard-throwing pitcher to even get the chance to pitch in the championship game.

Palencia closed the door on the United States in the ninth inning, striking out Kyle Schwarber, getting Gunnar Henderson to pop up and then clinching the championship for Venezuela by striking out Roman Anthony on 100 mph fastball.

As we’ve seen throughout the World Baseball Classic, countries have been navigating through games without a full arsenal from their pitching staff. MLB teams have been dictating when and how much their pitchers can be used as they get ready to begin the regular season and that’s added an extra wrinkle to these tournament games.

Palencia threw 15 pitches in the semifinals on Monday and if this were a spring training game, then he 100% would not have pitched on back-to-back days in the middle of March. The Cubs notified Venezuela that they did not want Palencia to pitch on Tuesday night, but Venezuela manager Omar Lopez didn’t back down and pushed hard, eventually negotiating a deal with the Cubs.

Venezuela could only use Palencia if it was a save situation in the World Baseball Classic. There’s a very good chance that if Eugenio Suarez doesn’t hit an RBI-double in the ninth inning, then the United States gets to bat against an inferior pitcher and in extra innings Venezuela would have been at a greater disadvantage on the pitching side.

But Suarez delivered, giving the green light for Lopez to give the ball to Palencia to close it out and the Cubs’ pitcher did in impressive fashion.

Kansas City Royals infielder Maikel Garcia was named World Baseball Classic MVP, but you could certainly make an argument for Palencia. The Cubs closer pitched in five games for Venezuela and he was nearly perfect, going 3-for-3 in save chances, including the semifinals and finals, while striking out nine, walking one batter and allowing no hits in five innings.

A moment Palencia and Venezuela will never forget.

Meanwhile, this was the second consecutive loss for the United States in the World Baseball Classic final. Mark DeRosa was forced to use Garrett Whitlock in the top of the ninth inning, when in any other must-win situation he would have used San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller. However, similar to the Cubs’ arrangement with Venezuela, the Padres told DeRosa that he could only use Miller in a save situation.

Miller last pitched on Sunday in Team USA’s 2-1 win over the Dominican Republic in the semifinals. Miller pitched in four games in this year’s World Baseball Classic and did not give up a hit as he only surrendered a pair of walks, while striking out 10 in four innings.

Chicago Bears Draft Buzz Has Shifted With A New Position Being Favored At #25

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears
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

If you follow the NFL draft process closely every year, you may notice interesting trends connected to teams. Initially, one position is expected to be a priority. However, as the draft draws closer and information becomes clearer, there’s a subtle shift to a different position. That happened last year for the Chicago Bears. For months, everyone thought the team would be aggressive in pursuing left tackle or pass-rusher help. Then, a few weeks before the draft, tight end popped up a lot more. Sure enough, the Bears took Colston Loveland 10th overall.

With free agency in its later waves and the pro day circuit ongoing, it’s that time again when information could start shifting. That indeed has become the case again. After weeks of seeing edge rushers and defensive tackles mocked to them by experts, a new position has taken center stage. Team insider Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune pointed the way.

25. Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

Edge rusher looms as the greatest need, and Zion Young would be a really interesting fit for defensive coordinator Dennis Allen if he’s available. If not, Thieneman is very intriguing if available as the Bears would have a dynamic young player to pair with Coby Bryant.

Safety is certainly a position that needs another starter, and there’s been a ton of buzz about the strengths of this class. Biggs isn’t alone. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network also sees them going in the same direction.

25. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

Toledo · S · Senior

McNeil-Warren has the size, length and playmaking ability to fill the void left by Jaquan Brisker — in fact, I believe EMW would be an upgrade at the position.

This shift for the Chicago Bears feels noteworthy.

Keep in mind, Biggs correctly assessed that Loveland was a target for the Bears last year. Not tight end. Loveland specifically. As for Jeremiah, his final mock draft of 2025 had Chicago taking a tight end. It was Tyler Warren of Penn State, but the position was accurate. Don’t dismiss such a shift from both men just because it’s still a month before the draft. Much of this stems from what they’ve been hearing inside the league. Given how they think the board will fall and the Bears’ priorities, safety is the position to watch.

Let’s not forget the biggest contract the team handed out in free agency was to a safety. It was clearly a priority to upgrade that position, and they still have another starting spot unfilled at the moment. Opinions on this safety class are very high. You also have a general manager who won’t be afraid to take one in the 1st round. Ryan Poles was with Kansas City when they selected Eric Berry 5th overall in 2010. That worked out well for the Chiefs. If the defensive line options don’t materialize, going safety is far from crazy at #25. After all, Dennis Allen loves using his safeties aggressively.

RankPlayerTeamBlitzes
3Jaquan BriskerChicago Bears71
10C.J. Gardner-JohnsonPhiladelphia Eagles50

The Bears would end a long drought with this decision.

They haven’t drafted a safety in the 1st round since 1990, when they took Mark Carrier 6th overall. That isn’t due to a lack of opportunities. They passed on Troy Polamalu in 2003, Harrison Smith in 2012, and Minkah Fitzpatrick or Derwin James in 2018. It seems their philosophy has always been that they could find good safeties outside the 1st round. To a degree, they’ve been correct. They found Mike Brown in the 2nd, Adrian Amos in the 5th, and Eddie Jackson in the 4th. Jaquan Brisker was a 2nd as well.

The only way the Chicago Bears break this streak is if they feel one of these safeties is a rare specimen who can change the landscape of their defense. Thieneman has drawn comparisons to Kyle Hamilton and Cooper DeJean. McNeil-Warren is seen as a James-type. Not bad company to be mentioned among. If you can get either of them at 25th overall, it isn’t a difficult decision. Much will depend on which other players at premium positions are available.

Every Chicago Bears Draft Scenario From Best-Case To Worst-Case

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears
Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck (15) is pressured by Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) during the third quarter of an NCAA football game Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia defeated Florida 43-20.

The Chicago Bears run countless simulations leading up to the NFL draft, trying to determine the most likely outcomes. This helps them prepare for any eventuality, so they will know what to do if things take an unexpected turn. That is far more likely this year as the team prepares to select 25th overall in the 2026 draft. It is far more difficult to predict what will happen in the first 24 picks rather than the first eight or nine. In situations like this, the best thing to do is break things down into scenarios.

These are situations in which a specific sequence occurs, presenting Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson with a decision. They could take the obvious name on the board. They could go after a position of need if nobody stands out. Or they could see if they can manipulate things to their advantage. I broke down four potential scenarios they could face next month.

Best-case scenario: Rueben Bain Jr. falls to Chicago Bears at #25

There are certain players in a draft class you just know are going to be good. It doesn’t matter if they don’t fit the exact prototype teams look for from a physical standpoint. They just have the determination, grit, and competitive edge to dominate anyway. That is Rueben Bain. All people talk about is his shorter 6’2″ frame and 30-inch arms, leaving many to wonder if he can handle much bigger NFL tackles. None went before the 14th. Yet he played them plenty of times in college and wrecked them all with Miami. His dominance guided the Hurricanes to the national championship game. He is projected to go high next month, but history says teams tend to get gun-shy around players with his limited measurables. Only three players since 1999 have gone in the 1st round with arms under 32 inches. That could lead to a tumble down the board.

Name PositionSchoolDraft YearPickArm Length
Calijah KanceyDTPittsburgh202319th30.625″
David PollackEdgeGeorgia200514th30.875″
Melvin Ingram IIIEdgeSouth Carolina201218th31.5″

All-in scenario: Bears trade up into the top 15 for Monroe Freeling or David Bailey

Failing to get Maxx Crosby might’ve left Poles and Johnson anxious about not making a splash. If they’re still committed to the idea, their last opportunity will be moving up in the 1st round. If that happens, it will only be for one of two things: a left tackle or a pass rusher. Freeling is a rapidly rising tackle from Georgia who has every physical tool imaginable, from size to length to power and athleticism. He’s a little inexperienced but that isn’t likely to concern Johnson. Bailey is the best pure pass rusher in this class. He’s quick, explosive, instinctive, and a natural at sniffing out the quarterback. He has everything the Bears don’t. Pairing him with Montez Sweat would be a beautiful blend.

White flag scenario: Bears trade out of the 1st round

Picking this late in the 1st round can often be incredibly difficult because most of the blue-chip talent is long gone, and those remaining have red flags around them. The Chicago Bears would rather not force the issue if none of the guys they like reach their spot. In such cases, the best solution is trading down. This allows the team to accumulate some extra picks. They can then reassess their board and take a player they’re comfortable with. We saw that last year when the Houston Texans flipped the 25th pick to New York, who took Jaxson Dart. Houston moved to the top of the 2nd round, where they grabbed wide receiver Jayden Higgins, who had a solid rookie season. We already know Poles isn’t afraid to move down, having done it twice in 2023. This is right up his alley.

Worst case scenario: They take Caleb Banks at #25

It might sound odd that taking a gigantic 6’6″ defensive tackle with 35-inch arms who dominated the Senior Bowl is the worst-case scenario. However, the issues with Banks have become more complicated. He was already drawing comparisons to Gervon Dexter, who isn’t a good fit for this defense. Then you add his lack of production in college, and that raises further questions. Lastly, there are the injuries. He already missed most of last season due to a foot injury. Now reports following the scouting combine say he broke his other foot and will require surgery. Any NFL player with brittle feet is concerning. That goes doubly so for somebody who is over 320 lbs. The Bears have an ugly history when taking risks on players with health problems. Betting on that luck to change with Banks is not a wise decision.

Vasil Out For Season, But White Sox Teammates Refuse To Let Him Leave

By
Mitchell Kaminski
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Mar 14, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Mike Vasil against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Mike Vasil was cruising through his final tune-up start of Spring Training when disaster struck. 

After holding a vaunted Los Angeles Dodgers lineup scoreless through  3.2 innings on Saturday, Vasil felt like something was off. After a quick mound visit, he walked off the field with trainers, with what was described as right elbow soreness. 

On Tuesday, it was revealed that Vasil will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery, a crushing blow for a Chicago White Sox pitching staff that blew an MLB-worst 50 leads last season, six of which came in the ninth inning. 

The 25-year-old right-hander emerged as one of the White Sox most effective relievers last season, posting a 2.50 ERA across 101 innings. His efforts helped stabilize a White Sox bullpen that logged more innings than any team in baseball. 

What made Vasil particularly valuable was his versatility. He limited opponents to a .213 batting average in high leverage situations, recorded four saves, and could be stretched out over multiple innings, making three starts as an opener. 

He was rewarded for his efforts by being given a chance to compete for a spot in the White Sox starting rotation. But Vasil’s impact extended far beyond the diamond so much so that his teammates made an unusual request. 

Vasil’s Clubhouse Impact

According to CHSN’s Chuck Garfein, players went to Will Venable asking if Vasil could still travel with the team this season, because he was such an important figure in the clubhouse, a request that Venable signed off on. 

Venable has previously described Vasil as a vocal leader who helps keep the clubhouse loose.  From the outside looking in, it was easy to see why. 

Vasil credited much of his success to a Batman mask hanging in his locker, which he was seen sporting several times in the dugout this season. While Vasil is a fan of the Dark Knight, he also used the mask as motivation for a dual identity when his ultracompetitive nature comes out on the field. That ultra-competitive edge showed up frequently, with Vasil displaying fiery emotion after escaping jams or delivering big outs for the White Sox.

While Vasil won’t be able to contribute on the mound this season, he is looking to help continue building a winning culture on the South Side. 

“There’s no doubt in my mind that I’m going to do everything I can to contribute to this team. In the clubhouse, if guys need it off the field, just anything I can do. It’s still about this season, it’s still about the guys,” Vasil said during a media scrum on Tuesday. “For me, what sucks is I can’t be a part of it, but you know it’s bigger than just one injury, it’s about the entire roster and what we are creating here.” 

Signs Of Progress

While Vasil’s injury is a significant setback for the White Sox pitching staff, there are still a few silver linings.

The reports of strong clubhouse camaraderie mark a stark contrast to some of the horror stories that surfaced late in the White Sox last rebuild — including a report that several veterans had to be persuaded to attend closer Liam Hendriks’ “welcome back” news conference ahead of his return from cancer.

It’s also a refreshing sign that Venable and the organization are open to player input, from installing bidets in the clubhouse to accommodate free agent signing Munetaka Murakami, to allowing Vasil to continue traveling with the team. 

It may seem minor in the grand scheme, but given the White Sox’s reputation around the league, having players who genuinely want to play for their manager and the organization is a notable shift from what was lacking when Pedro Grifol was at the helm. 

Vasil is set to undergo surgery on April 2, in Arlington, Texas, which will help repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament and remove bone chips in his right elbow. 

Jager Burton Is Bears’ First Reported Top 30 Visit — And Why It’s Incredibly On-Brand

By
Erik Lambert
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jager burton
Kentucky’s quarterback Zach Calzada (5) celebrates with teammate Jager Burton (62) scoring a touchdown against Toledo Saturday afternoon at Kroger Field. August 30, 2025

The Chicago Bears had been surprisingly quiet for the past week despite the scouting combine being over. Usually, around this time, reports start surfacing about them bringing in prospects for private visits. Yet nothing for the past several days. That silence was finally broken when Kentucky center Jager Burton revealed on his Instagram that he was visiting Halas Hall. Of all the names that could’ve popped up first, this was a surprise. Burton is considered by many as a likely day three draft pick, of which the Bears don’t have many.

Still, upon looking into the young man, you start to see why the Bears like him. We’ve learned over the past years what head coach Ben Johnson’s preferences are at center. They must be athletic, strong run blockers, and intelligent. Burton started over 40 games for the Wildcats. He has good size at 6’4″, 312 lbs, and lots of mobility, making him a great fit for a zone-running scheme like the one the Bears have. He also has a strong anchor in pass protection, which was a weakness of the recently retired Drew Dalman.

Jager Burton being a Bears target is hardly surprising.

Even before Johnson arrived as head coach, general manager Ryan Poles seemed to have a preference for athletic interior offensive linemen. Zachary Thomas, Doug Kramer, Ja’Tyre Carter, and Luke Newman all displayed that same quality, in addition to being experienced starters. So the question is, why is Burton lower on draft boards? The simplest answer is his technique. While a standout run-blocker, there are considerable holes in his pass protection that interior rushers frequently exploit.

He gets caught ducking his helmet too much, doesn’t always use his full length properly, and doesn’t have consistent posture from down to down. The fact that he hasn’t fixed this after playing for so long has some wondering whether he can handle more advanced defenders in the pros. That is where having a proven offensive line coach can be the difference. Chicago certainly can boast that with Dan Roushar. If he could get Dalman to a Pro Bowl with his protection issues, polishing up Burton isn’t an impossible task.

The Bears have been making their center plans pretty clear.

Trading for Garrett Bradbury wasn’t meant to be a long-term solution. They saw a capable veteran with lots of starting experience who fit their offensive system. He could start this season, giving the coaching staff time to bring in a younger option they can develop. Jager Burton is one such example. He could spend his rookie year learning the offense and cleaning up his fundamentals. The same goes for other center prospects they’ve been meeting, such as Sam Hecht and Keyland Rutledge.

It feels like the Bears will go after a center somewhere in the 3rd or 4th round. That feels like the sweet spot for most players at the position in this class. The good news is that there are multiple names who have the desired traits the team looks for. Burton is one of them. The hope for the Bears is that they don’t get shafted like last season with the running backs, where every time they were ready to take one, there’d be a run on the position that robbed them of an opportunity.

Seiya Suzuki Injury Update: Chicago Cubs Catch a Break?

By
Aldo Soto
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The Chicago Cubs have received results from the MRI on Seiya Suzuki’s right knee and it appears as though the team has caught a break. According to Bruce Levine the Cubs starting right fielder did suffer a strain in his right PCL, but it doesn’t seem like Suzuki will be missing significant time. The Cubs have clarified that it is a sprain for Suzuki and not a strain.

Levine said on Tuesday that a stint on the injured list is still up in the air for Suzuki, who exited Japan’s quarterfinals game in the World Baseball Classic on Saturday. The Cubs outfielder banged up his right knee in the first inning against Venezuela when he tried to steal second base.

The Cubs begin the regular season at home against the Washington Nationals on March 26. Suzuki could start the year on the 10-day injured list if the Cubs feel he won’t be ready or they may simply take a cautious approach for one of their key threats on offense.

If Suzuki does only miss 10 days, then he could return in early April against the Cleveland Guardians. Thanks to a couple early off days in the schedule Suzuki may only miss eight games during his stint on the injured list. But again, right now it’s not even a guarantee that the Cubs sideline Suzuki. We might see him get a few more days off and maybe the pain subsides enough that he’s good to go for Opening Day.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters on Tuesday that the team will wait until the weekend before making a decision on Suzuki’s availability for Opening Day.

“Minor in nature,” is hopefully a good sign for Suzuki.

(Previous Update)

The Chicago Cubs welcomed Seiya Suzuki back at camp in spring training after the Japanese outfielder suffered a knee injury during the World Baseball Classic. The Cubs’ Opening Day roster could look a lot different, depending on Suzuki’s injury update later this week as the team’s starting right fielder underwent an MRI to determine the severity of his knee injury.

Suzuki banged up his right knee in Saturday’s World Baseball Classic between Venezuela and Japan. The veteran player attempted to steal second base in the first inning, but unfortunately Suzuki had to exit the game after hitting the ground hard with his right knee. He limped off and now after returning to spring training the Cubs are hoping for the best.

In 2025, Suzuki posted career highs with 32 home runs and 103 RBI as he became an important slugger in the middle of the Cubs’ lineup. The right-handed hitter has a brighter spotlight on him this year as Suzuki will once again return as the primary right fielder with Kyle Tucker’s departure in free agency.

The Cubs announced on Monday that Suzuki was examined by the team doctor and then had an MRI done on his right knee. At this point fans are on the verge of panicking, thinking about another lengthy stint on the injured list for Suzuki, who has missed time because various injuries in each of his first three years with the Cubs.

Reporters in Arizona detailed how Suzuki was notably walking around gingerly in and around the Cubs’ spring training facilities on Monday, which led to more anxious feelings within the fan base.

The Cubs begin the regular season on March 26, which doesn’t give Suzuki much time to recover if he has to be shut down for a bit. Right now the best-case scenario might be a bone bruise for the outfielder that only puts him on the shelf for a few more days before he can return to action about a week before Opening Day.

Although it would be a blow to the Opening Day roster a 10-day stint on the injured list wouldn’t be the worst case for the Cubs and Suzuki. If he were to begin the year sidelined, then Matt Shaw might just end up being the Opening Day starter in right field.

The results of Suzuki’s MRI could also guarantee a spot for veteran hitter Michael Conforto, who signed a minor league deal at the start of spring training. The Cubs actually have a handful of recognizable players competing for bench spots in camp and if Suzuki does need more time to recover, then a guy like Chas McCormick could sneak onto the Opening Day roster. Meanwhile, Dylan Carlson already seems like he’s locked up a spot thanks to his productive spring training.

You never want to see key players going down with an injury, but if you had to pick a time during the season, then it’s now. The Cubs can cover up for Suzuki in the short term and that’s really all fans can hope for right now. Losing Suzuki for a long period of time would dramatically change the team’s look on offense.

Suzuki was primed for the best year of his career with the Cubs as he not only is one of their best hitters, but he’s also looking somewhat ahead to free agency after the 2026 season.

Chicago Cubs At Center of Team USA Outrage in World Baseball Classic Final

By
Aldo Soto
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Mar 13, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; United States right fielder Aaron Judge (99), second baseman Brice Turang (13), shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) and third baseman Alex Bregman (2) celebrate after defeating Canada during a quarterfinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Team USA manager Mark DeRosa can’t please everyone and he is once again getting dragged online by fans after releasing the starting lineup for the World Baseball Classic final against Venezuela Tuesday night. A few Chicago Cubs player are at the center of the fan outrage that’s been simmering all tournament long.

Alex Bregman In, Gunnar Henderson Out

Baltimore Orioles fans have been all over DeRosa since pool play began in the World Baseball Classic and infielder Gunnar Henderson was stuck on the bench. When he did get an opportunity to play Henderson delivered, going 6-for-14, with two home runs in three games. The left-handed hitter will begin on the bench against Venezuela as Alex Bregman returns to the starting lineup.

Bregman, who has played in four games for the United States in this year’s World Baseball Classic, is 2-for-11, with a double. He also has five walks and DeRosa is leaning toward Bregman’s track record against Eduardo Rodríguez, who will be the starting pitcher for Venezuela.

This one seems pretty straight forward for DeRosa as Bregman is 9-for-27, in his career against the left-handed pitcher. Out of those nine hits, Bregman has three home runs off Rodríguez, while walking four times.

The main argument seems to be that Henderson is currently the hot-hitter and that DeRosa should stick with him instead of Bregman regardless of previous experience.

Pete Crow-Armstrong Out, Byron Buxton In

On the flip side, Chicago Cubs fans are pissed off because DeRosa is going with the platoon advantage in center field against Venezuela. That means Pete Crow-Armstrong, who had a slash line of .188/.217/.376, in 2025 vs. left-handed pitching is on the bench tonight and has been replaced in the starting lineup with Byron Buxton.

At the beginning of the tournament Buxton appeared to be the starter in center field, but after a hit-by-pitch the Minnesota Twins player has been limited to late-inning substitutions and eight total plate appearances in the World Baseball Classic. Buxton started against Brazil in the opening game for the United States and then again against Mexico on March 9, but has only had one at-bat since, leaving some fans upset that DeRosa is starting him over Crow-Armstrong in the championship game.

Buxton is hitless in six at-bats, reaching safely on a walk and HBP. Meanwhile, Crow-Armstrong is tied for the team lead in home runs with two and is 5-for-17 in five games. There’s no question that the Cubs center fielder is the better defender either, so this one really is setting fans off.

Buxton has faced Rodriguez seven times in his career. The right-handed hitter is 1-for-6, with a walk and strikeout.

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