Advertise on podcast: North Side Territory: A Chicago Cubs Podcast

With Major League Baseball’s GM meetings coming up, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney take questions from listeners to set the scene for the annual event in Las Vegas and what could be a run on free agents before the anticipated lockout. How are the Cubs looking at their wide-open rotation and the holes in their lineup? Which teams line up as potential trade partners? Listen all offseason for the latest information on the Cubs. Shop North Side Merch: https://northsideterritoryshop.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As expected, the Cubs extended a qualifying offer to Seiya Suzuki, but did not make a similar move with Ian Happ. Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain what that means and how the Cubs are currently thinking about replacing their corner outfielders. With pitching such a big focus this offseason, The Athletic beat writers also share their takeaways from the recent contract decisions on Jacob Webb and Colin Rea. Plus, some insights into Jason Kanzler, who until recently was Chicago’s farm director and now gets the opportunity of a lifetime to manage the Mariners. Shop North Side Merch: https://northsideterritoryshop.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Series is over and the Brewers are champions for the first time. It is not a great look for the big-market franchise located roughly 90 miles from Milwaukee. But the Cubs have a huge opportunity to reshape their club before Major League Baseball’s widely anticipated lockout. Now that the offseason is officially here, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney look at The Brewers Way, how the Cubs approached the last pre-lockout frenzy and why they stepped up to retain a key hitting coach for Pete Crow-Armstrong. Shop North Side Merch: https://northsideterritoryshop.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Milwaukee enjoys the World Series drama, the Cubs are trying to revamp their pitching systems and prepare for a pivotal offseason. Before the Hot Stove action begins, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney set the scene by answering questions from listeners. The focus is, obviously, on Chicago’s issues with pitching development and why the Brewers are light years ahead of their big-market rivals. Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Shop North Side Merch: https://northsideterritoryshop.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Money can’t fix everything with this team. As much as the Cubs need to spend on free agents and make trades this offseason, internal improvements will also have to happen. Closing the gap on the Brewers and making a deeper postseason run will require certain players stepping up next year. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney give you five names to consider, with reasons for (and against) optimism. Shop North Side Merch: https://northsideterritoryshop.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the focus should be on the World Series, the baseball industry is also going through the hiring-and-firing season for coaches and executives. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney give you the details on what this means in Wrigleyville. Their reporting provides details on Jared Banner taking a GM job in Baltimore, the Mets looking at Pete Crow-Armstrong’s personal hitting coach and the Cubs running it back with their pitching coaches. Plus more on an outside-the-box candidate in Seattle’s manager search and the Cubs hiring an international scout away from the Rays. Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Shop North Side Merch: https://northsideterritoryshop.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While pitching remains the clear focus for the Cubs, the organization will still need to make additions to a strong group of position players. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney preview where the Cubs could be heading this offseason, giving you five names to know plus an overview of the upcoming free-agent market and the current shape of the roster.Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Shop North Side Merch: https://northsideterritoryshop.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone knows what Jed Hoyer’s front office will be focused on this offseason. It’s pitching, pitching and more pitching. But who, exactly, should the Cubs be pursuing? Faced with the possibility of having to rebuild their entire starting rotation, there is one obvious name that stands out at the top. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney lay out their early read on the Tarik Skubal situation, and then share more names to know before the Hot Stove heats up. Ready to save time and win more jobs? For a limited time only, our listeners get 50% OFF their first 3 months at HousecallPro.com/FOUL #ad Shop North Side Merch: https://northsideterritoryshop.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changes are definitely coming to this roster, but the Cubs won’t be starting from scratch. Besides a core group of players, the club also has decisions to make on upcoming free agents who may have strong interest in a reunion. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain why Clay Holmes and David Peterson would make a lot of sense in the 2027 rotation. Plus, a full breakdown of Chicago’s catching situation, with Carson Kelly eligible to become a free agent. Are Miguel Amaya and Owen Ayers ready to take over behind the plate? Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Start your FOX One 3-day Free trial today at FOXOne.com Shop North Side Merch: https://northsideterritoryshop.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the Cubs are in offseason planning mode, the Dodgers and Brewers are back in the National League Championship Series. Pitching is always a focus in October, and that remains the challenge for an organization that will have to almost entirely rebuild the rotation as well as the bullpen. With that in mind, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down who they think won’t be returning to Wrigley Field with the 2027 Cubs.Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountStart your FOX One 3-day Free trial today at FOXOne.com Shop North Side Merch: https://northsideterritoryshop.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Within every end-of-season briefing with the Chicago media, the Cubs’ top baseball executive always has a few talking points, some things you might not have thought of before, and bigger ideas and themes that will shape the club’s planning and internal messaging. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney interpret what they heard in the Wrigley Field interview room and explain what it means going forward. Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Start your FOX One 3-day Free trial today at FOXOne.com Shop North Side Merch: https://northsideterritoryshop.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What just happened? Yes, the Cubs looked a little shaky near the end of the regular season, but the Padres absolutely dominated this Wild Card Series from start to finish. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney provide insights and information directly from the clubhouse at Petco Park. Listen to find out how the club’s stars were processing the end, why the Padres were a bad matchup and where this big-market franchise goes from here. Start your FOX One 3-day Free trial today at FOXOne.com Shop North Side Merch: https://northsideterritoryshop.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What a clunker to open this Wild Card Series in San Diego. The Cubs looked overmatched in every phase of Game 1 as the Padres pushed them to the brink of playoff elimination. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share their reporting and insights from Petco Park, where the Cubs definitely won’t get any kind of home-field advantage. How does Chicago’s pitching plan line up for Game 2? What’s the current mood in the clubhouse? Where does the turnaround begin? We’re about to find out.Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountStart your FOX One 3-day Free trial today at FOXOne.comKalshi - kalshi.com/r/BASEBALL Deposit and place at least $25 in total trades using code BASEBALL to unlock $55 reward. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information. Shop North Side Merch: https://northsideterritoryshop.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What a finish to the regular season — Alex Bregman’s freak accident, Pete Crow-Armstrong’s 40-40 moment, a clinch party in Wrigleyville, a last-minute doubleheader at Fenway Park and a detour to Florida. It all leads into another wild-card series against the Padres. Before the Cubs travel to San Diego, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share what they’re hearing and seeing. Should you be concerned about the offense? Is the bullpen actually in a better place? Who’s in the playoff rotation? Listen for an early preview of a must-see matchup. Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Don’t sleep on @ultrapouches. New customers get 15% Off with code BASEBALL at takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad Kalshi - kalshi.com/r/BASEBALL Deposit and place at least $25 in total trades using code BASEBALL to unlock $55 reward. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information. Shop North Side Merch: https://northsideterritoryshop.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bregman Watch is on. In an unexpected, overwhelmingly positive update — under the circumstances — the Cubs expressed their belief that the All-Star third baseman will play again this year, and maybe even during the final weekend of the regular season. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney interpret this news and also share some of their late-season takeaways from Wrigley Field.Don’t sleep on @ultrapouches. New customers get 15% Off with code BASEBALL at takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #adStart your FOX One 3-day Free trial today at FOXOne.com Shop North Side Merch: https://northsideterritoryshop.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.