North Side Territory: A Chicago Cubs Podcast

The magic number is dwindling to a point where the Cubs will almost certainly qualify for the playoffs. Maybe it doesn’t matter how they get there. But heading into the final week of the regular season, it’s easy to spot the areas of concern. You also have to acknowledge the good things that put them in this position. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break it all down, including a full report on the team field trip to Churchill Downs that Alex Bregman and Craig Counsell helped organize.

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Pete Crow-Armstrong appears to be a lock for National League MVP. Alex Bregman continues to show why he was such a coveted free agent. And Shota Imanaga is locked in again. The Cubs would be rolling into the playoffs — if their bullpen wasn’t such a big question mark. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break it all down after a big series win over the first-place Braves.

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The next two weeks will define the Cubs’ season. Making the playoffs is an annual goal that remains within reach, even a likely outcome. But until the first bottle of champagne is popped, the Cubs are going to have to sweat it out with the Phillies, Padres and Diamondbacks. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the state of play in the middle of September. Missing the playoffs would be an organizational failure that wastes Pete Crow-Armstrong’s likely MVP season, the best defense in baseball and the sport’s highest-scoring offense. Stay tuned.

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With the Cubs getting swept out of Milwaukee, it seems like a good time to hear what the fans are thinking. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney answer questions from listeners who want to know: Are Cubs officials as frustrated as Cubs fans when the Brewers are running away with the division title again? Moving forward, how will this late-season slump influence the organization’s strategies around pitcher development and bullpen construction? And is anyone coming from Triple-A Iowa to help this team? Listen for behind-the-scenes insights and the latest information on the Cubs.

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With the playoffs fast approaching, the Cubs are running out of time to fix their bullpen. The available relief options are also limited in the middle of September. What’s the current mood in the clubhouse? How did it get to this point? And who might be able to help with these issues? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share their reporting and insights from Milwaukee.

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Another tough loss in Milwaukee spotlighted the gap in the division as well as the manager’s decisions. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain what Craig Counsell was thinking and where the Cubs go from here. Within the next three weeks, the Cubs have to figure out their bullpen, finish ahead of the Phillies and try to peak at the right time. Because the Brewers are clearly the class of the NL Central over a 162-game schedule. The playoffs might be a different story.

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With three weeks remaining in the regular season, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney assess where the Cubs stand on Labor Day, and how they would match up against the first-place Brewers in a potential playoff rematch. The Athletic beat writers also provide information on the state of the pitching staff, as the Cubs have to prepare for the possibility of making it through four postseason rounds. Who would you trust to start a playoff game? And what should they expect from Justin Steele, Shelby Miller and Ben Brown moving forward?

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Who would you trust to pitch the late innings of a big game at Wrigley Field? That’s the dilemma facing Cubs manager Craig Counsell and his coaches as they try to get a group of relievers back on track before the playoffs. With the Brewers holding a commanding lead in the division and the Phillies surging in the wild-card race, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney examine the club’s options moving forward.

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The PCA Show captivated some of the greatest players in franchise history, who gathered at Wrigley Field over the weekend for a 150th anniversary celebration. Not only has Crow-Armstrong moved ahead of Shohei Ohtani in the National League MVP race, he’s also put himself in the best-season-ever conversation for a club that was founded in 1876. Still, there are areas of concerns as the Cubs enter the final month of the regular season. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney outline the road ahead, with major questions about Shota Imanaga’s spot in the rotation, who can be truste...

Ahead of a big weekend at Wrigley Field, where the Cubs are holding a 150th anniversary celebration, Jon Lester returns to the show to give his perspective on the current team, which just returned from a difficult road trip. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney chat with Lester about Pete Crow-Armstrong’s emotional reaction and pointed comments after a blown balk call. Lester also gives a scouting report on former teammate Quintin Berry, the Cubs third-base coach involved in a sign-stealing back-and-forth with the Diamondbacks. Listen for insider insights drawn from the field and the clubhouse.

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After a 2-4 road trip through Seattle and Arizona, the Cubs look like a team that could use a day off in Chicago. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share their reporting and observations on PCA’s explosion after a blown balk call and Brown’s setback, which casts doubt on his ability to return this season. Plus, an updated look at Craig Counsell’s circle of trust and how the Cubs will try to get their bullpen right over this final month before the playoffs.

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In a moment that demonstrated both the team’s sense of urgency and impressive roster depth, Cubs manager Craig Counsell made Shota Imanaga’s last start the shortest outing of his major-league career, not messing around at this stage of the playoff race. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down what it means for Imanaga, Counsell and the plans for October. Plus, reporting from the dugout and the clubhouse on why Kevin Gausman looks like a Game 1 playoff starter, and how Justin Steele and Ben Brown could fit onto the postseason pitching staff.

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With newfound depth and a number of pitchers working their way back into the roster conversations, the Cubs are facing a series of difficult decisions as they gear up for the stretch run. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney talk through what they’re hearing about the pitching plans for the rest of the season, Game 1 of the playoffs and potentially multiple postseason rounds. Who’s in? Who’s out? And who’s on the bubble?

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Chicago sports fans were treated to an awesome spectacle at Wrigley Field with two dramatic walk-offs, a nasty fight in the bleachers that went viral and unforgettable individual performances that made you wonder what it would be like if these two teams somehow met in October. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share their reporting from the North Side with insights into managers’ decisions, Seiya Suzuki’s upcoming free agency and the pitchers the Cubs are hoping to get back for the playoffs.

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PCA created another signature moment for the highlight reels attached to his MVP campaign and this crosstown rivalry. That walk-off homer against the White Sox was only the latest example of his magical season, which has elevated his teammates as well as the entire organization. The Cubs need that presence while covering for the absence of Gold Glove shortstop Dansby Swanson and Edward Cabrera’s disappointing year. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share their reporting from Wrigley Field.

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With the Cubs rolling into the stretch run, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back to answer your questions. Does this team have enough left in the tank to overtake the Brewers? How will Craig Counsell and his coaches rearrange the pitching staff once Edward Cabrera and Ben Brown are healthy? Who’s closing the first playoff game? How will the front office replace Seiya Suzuki if he walks as a free agent? Listen for reporting and behind-the-scenes insights from Wrigley Field.

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Jon Lester returns to the show for another wide-ranging conversation with The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney. After attending the 10-year reunion for the 2016 World Series team at Wrigley Field, Lester gives his scouting report on the 2026 Cubs, how they match up with the Dodgers and what works in October. Lester also explains the clubhouse dynamics before and after the trade deadline, plus how the Dodgers recruit free agents and run their business. Lester knows from experience.

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While the Cubs are absorbed in the playoff race, this period after the trade deadline is a good time to reassess the organization’s future. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the roster, the upcoming free agents and some internal replacements on the horizon. Could Ian Happ and/or Seiya Suzuki stick around next season? Would the Cubs consider flanking Pete Crow-Armstrong with Pedro Ramírez and Matt Shaw in the outfield? What about the pitching staff? Plus, some intel on Owen Ayers, a top catching prospect the Cubs did not trade at the deadline, with...

The Cubs are rolling right now, performing at a level that makes you think they might be able to catch the Brewers in the National League Central race and challenge the Dodgers in October. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back with some post-deadline notes and observations on the club’s major trade acquisitions, as well as some promising updates on key pitchers who are working their way back to Wrigley Field. Plus, a closer look at Pete Crow-Armstrong’s convincing MVP case.

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How do you like the Cubs now? After the players showed exceptional resiliency and cohesiveness throughout the season, the front office rewarded them with a buying spree at the deadline, giving up young talent to trade for playoff-tested pitchers. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break it all down with reporting and reactions from Wrigley Field.

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There it is. On the night before the trade deadline, the Cubs reached an agreement with the Blue Jays to acquire a big-game pitcher who produced two quality starts against the Dodgers in last year’s World Series. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back with details on the Gausman deal, insights into the Tarik Skubal talks and a reminder that Jed Hoyer’s front office is not done yet.

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In the final days before the trade deadline, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share what they’re hearing about the Cubs’ plans. Yes, Jed Hoyer’s front office is all over the pitching market. And, yes, prices are sky-high at the moment. But that shouldn’t stop the Cubs from adding multiple pieces and leveling up this team as a World Series contender. Listen for the names currently under consideration.

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PCA’s rapid growth as a hitter, combined with his spectacular defense for a playoff contender, has turned this into a real race for the National League MVP award. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney examine why Shohei Ohtani might not be such a slam-dunk candidate anymore. Plus, the story behind Alex Bregman’s bat switch and well-timed hot streak ahead of the trade deadline, and the current outlook on Ben Brown’s potential return to Wrigley Field.

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In DFA’ing one of the most respected players in their clubhouse, the Cubs put sentiment aside and focused on bottom-line production in the heat of a pennant race. On the Taillon decision, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney offer behind-the-scenes reporting and reactions from the locker room. With a different roster crunch looming, who are the Cubs counting on to get healthy, and what does that mean for the trade deadline? Plus thoughts on the young players who could be on the move as Jed Hoyer’s front office searches for more pitching.

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The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back with another show driven by questions from listeners. With the playoff race heating up and the Cubs clearly positioned as big buyers, the trade deadline remains the obvious topic of conversation. How does Jed Hoyer view the club’s World Series odds? Where does Matt Shaw fit into the team’s plans? And the Cubs wouldn’t actually trade Seiya Suzuki, right?

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Here are the names you need to know. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the anticipated sellers and the teams on the fence that could impact the Cubs’ plans. Focused entirely on the pitching staff, Jed Hoyer’s front office will be very active before the Aug. 3 deadline. Listen to find out the pitchers who could be on the move to Wrigley Field.

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

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The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the Cubs’ 2026 draft class, giving insights into particular players and the strategies within the room. This push for more pitching could have a direct impact on the plans at the trade deadline. Listen for more on first-round pick Cade Townsend, top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins and some under-the-radar names who could make their way to Wrigley Field.

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The club’s performance over the next two-plus weeks absolutely matters. The Cubs can nudge some of the bubble teams they’re trying to do business with, the Twins and Tigers, and then create more separation in the division race during their road trip to Pittsburgh and St. Louis. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney lay out what Jed Hoyer’s front office is looking for, explain how Craig Counsell’s staff can remodel the bullpen and give updates on some pitchers the Cubs are counting on in the second half.

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After watching the Home Run Derby, Jon Lester is back for some good conversation with The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney, reflecting on his All-Star Game memories and looking ahead to this weekend’s reunion for the 2016 World Series team. Why did Kyle Schwarber go to the next level after leaving Wrigley Field? What do fans really think of Pete Crow-Armstrong? And how did Anthony Rizzo become so good on TV? Listen now for unique insights and perspectives from a former player and two beat writers in Chicago.

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The trade deadline won’t solve everything. It’s a team game, but certain individuals are under a different spotlight and carry more responsibilities, due to their positions, paychecks and accomplishments. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney identify three players who have to step up for the Cubs after the All-Star break.

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It’s no secret that Jed Hoyer’s front office is looking to add pitching before the Aug. 3 trade deadline. But how do the Cubs go about it this time? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney have some ideas, based on their reporting, knowledge of the team and early reads of the market. Plus, an update on the expectations for Justin Steele and some more historical references for Pete Crow-Armstrong’s MVP-level performance.

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

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As a heat wave descended upon Chicago, the Cubs turned their games at Wrigley Field into batting practice, setting off some offensive fireworks before the Fourth of July. After questions about whether he should be benched, Swanson has responded with a red-hot stretch. Bregman hasn’t really heated up yet, but he’s in the news for a lack-of-hustle moment and a thumbs-down gesture. And oh by the way, Pete Crow-Armstrong just had one of the best months ever for a franchise marking its 150th anniversary. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break it all down. 

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Big show announcement: Jon Lester, a three-time World Series champion, will be making regular appearances as a special guest analyst on North Side Territory. In his debut episode with The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney, Lester talks about the 10-year reunion tour for his 2016 teammates, what made that championship club so special and how it compares to this year’s squad. Lester also explains what Alex Bregman is going through as a big free agent in a new city, the importance of clubhouse chemistry and how to approach this roller-coaster season.

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

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The Cubs had to do something, given the state of their pitching staff. The David Peterson deal is far from a blockbuster move, but it makes a lot of sense for this team right now. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain the direction that Jed Hoyer’s front office is taking, assess the rest of the National League field and identify the trade chips the Cubs will have at their disposal this summer. Plus, what’s up with Justin Steele’s timeline and Hoyer’s recent comments on the radio?

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

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Nearing the halfway point of the 162-game schedule, the Cubs, at times, have looked both like a World Series contender and a club that should be broken apart at the trade deadline. Those extremes have still left the Cubs in a decent position to make the playoffs, though the margin for error is much smaller now and winning the division appears to be a remote possibility. To put everything in context, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney hand out their midseason grades for Jed Hoyer’s front office, Craig Counsell’s coaching staff, the everyday players at Wrigle...

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

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