Chicago White Sox slugger, first baseman/designated hitter Munetaka Murakami, has been on a tear to begin the year.

More News: Chicago White Sox return prospect to the Red Sox

Early into his big league career, Murakamai has mashed four home runs. According to MLB’s Sarah Langs, the 26-year-old’s four home runs are the most by a Japanese-born player through their first eight games.

Murakami’s fourth home run came against Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Brandon Little. In the top of the sixth inning of Saturday’s game. Little threw Murakami a 1-0 sinker that ran back across the plate. Muraki didn’t miss and sent the pitch 431 feet to dead center field for a two-run homer.

Munetaka Murakami’s four home runs are the most by a Japanese-born player in his first 8 career MLB games https://t.co/XYcYOjI9LT

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) April 4, 2026

Munetaka Murakami and Colson Montgomery have proven to be the Chicago White Sox’s source of power

Murakami is settling into hitting at the top of the order. So far, he is the White Sox leader in home runs and RBI (seven). Shortstop Colson Montgomery is second after hitting his second home run in the same inning as Murakami.

Montgomery’s first home run was a grand slam against the Milwaukee Brewers. Little again threw a hanging sinker on a 3-1 count that Montgomery didn’t miss and deposited over the right field fence.

round trip for Colson Montgomery pic.twitter.com/tXXTsdaEwJ

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) April 4, 2026

The White Sox ranked 23rd in home runs last season (165). This means the White Sox will rely on Murakami (24 last season) and Montgomery (21) to continue to generate the team’s power.

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The Chicago White Sox’s experiment with right-hander Jedixson Paez has come to an end. According to MLB.com’s Scott Merkin, Paez has cleared waivers and was returned to the Boston Red Sox organization.

More News: Chicago White Sox LHP will go for a personal feat vs. Blue Jays

The White Sox selected Paez in the Rule 5 Draft after finding success with right-hander Shane Smith. Smith was the White Sox’s lone All-Star in 2025, with a 7-8 record and a 3.81 ERA in 29 starts.

Jedixson Paez struggled in his three appearances with the Chicago White Sox

Paez, 22, didn’t have a good spring with the White Sox, having a 6.35 ERA in seven games (two starts). He also hadn’t pitched above High-A in his professional career before getting added to the White Sox Opening Day roster.

Paez posted a 5-4 record with a 3.17 ERA and striking out 113 in 96.2 innings last season. A right calf strain sidelined Páez for four months last season.

Making the jump from the lower levels of the minor leagues to the big leagues proved to be too much for Paez. In three innings of work against the Milwaukee Brewers, Paez allowed six earned runs, two home runs, and walked three.

Two of Paez’s walks and three of his earned runs came in his failed mop-up role in the White Sox’s 14-2 loss on March 26. Back with the Red Sox, Paez will have time to develop, but since he’s appeared in the big leagues, his service time has started.

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Coming off a win in their home opener, the Chicago White Sox look to win two in a row against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Anthony Kay will try to get his first win in five years while pitching for the Chicago White Sox

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Despite the game having to go into extra innings, the Chicago White Sox won their home opener 5-4. Facing the reigning American League champions, the Toronto Blue Jays, a critical bunt by outfielder Derek Hill and a single by outfielder Tristan Peters sealed the victory.

More News: Chicago White Sox prospect’s performance may force a tough decision

The White Sox’s resilient win came on the heels of manager Will Venable saying his team “needed to be better.” The White Sox currently have a Major League-worst 2-5 record and had a terrible road trip (1-5) to begin the season.

TRISTAN. PETERS. pic.twitter.com/GaBlnobkNe

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) April 3, 2026

Sean Burke’s bounce-back performance was key for the Chicago White Sox to win

Sean Burke’s first outing against the Milwaukee Brewers didn’t go well. He allowed seven hits, four runs (three earned), walked one, and struck out five in 4.0 innings. However, Burke showed some growth pitching against the Blue Jays. Burke told reporters postgame that he’s “trying to stay on my plan.”

“I think it’s been big,” Burke said to the media postgame. “I think that this year, just trying to stay on my plan and continuing to attack hitters and not let a couple hits or whatever it might be rattle me, and just trying to continue to flood the zone and make good pitches every single time out, I think the focus component, just being super, super focused on what I want to do with each pitch, and just being intentful behind it has been helpful.”

The 26-year-old threw six strong innings, allowing one run (earned), walking none, and striking out seven. Burke pitched behind right-hander Grant Taylor, who was the opener.

Right-handers Jordan Leasure and Seranthony Dominguez and left-hander Sean Newcomb also pitched well following Burke. Combined, all three went 3.0 innings, allowing three hits, two earned runs (three total), walked one, and struck out three. 

According to ESPN, Taylor is the probable pitcher for Game 2 on Saturday. Left-hander Anthony Kay will likely be the “bulk” guy. Kay is also coming off a tough outing against the Brewers — Kay went 4.2 innings, allowing three hits, two earned runs, four walks, and struck out five on 92 pitches.

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Chicago Cubs right-hander Cade Horton exited his start on Friday with apparent forearm discomfort and will head to the injured list.

More News: Chicago Cubs: PCA data suggests a monstrous 2026 may be on the way

Manager Craig Counsell said Horton will stay with the team one more day and travel back to Chicago for imaging. According to Counsell, Horton said he felt discomfort start in his right wrist, which moved up into his forearm. It was ultimately Horton’s decision to stop pitching, as to not do any further harm. 

Craig Counsell said Cade Horton felt discomfort in his wrist that moved to his forearm, and he will travel to Chicago to get it checked out.

An upcoming roster move is likely. https://t.co/oVdej2xNVf pic.twitter.com/oZ9lGdSsWe

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 3, 2026

The Cubs will make a roster move in the coming days with Horton going on the injured list. The Cubs have until April 8 before Horton’s spot comes up again. Horton was 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA and had four strikeouts in 7.1 innings.

Despite Cade Horton’s injury, the Chicago Cubs have options

Since the Cubs need another quality starter to fill in for Horton, they need to look no further than Javier Assad. Despite having a great spring, a 1.35 ERA in three games, Assad was optioned to Triple-A due to not having a spot.

Since joining the Iowa Cubs, Assad has struggled, allowing seven earned runs in seven innings (two starts). Even though Assad hasn’t done well, he’d be a quality inning-eater if and until Horton returns.

Right-hander Ben Brown is another option to fill in for the short term. Brown has done well out of the bullpen, having a 2.70 ERA and eight strikeouts in 6.2 innings.

However, in 114.2 innings as a starter, Brown has struggled, posting a 5.26 ERA. Since Brown’s stuff is more suited for the bullpen, the Cubs bringing up Assad and keeping Brown where he is seems like the best plan.

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The Chicago White Sox got off to a poor start to begin the season.

More News: Chicago White Sox prospect’s performance may force a tough decision

Starting 1-5 on the road against the Milwaukee Brewers and the Miami Marlins, manager Will Venable said his team “needs to be better.”

“However you want to characterize it, we fell short, right? And I think, you know, our message to the guys is that we need to be better,” Venable said before the home opener on Friday to 104.3 The Score.

White Sox manager Will Venable on his message after a disappointing start: “We’re moving forward.” pic.twitter.com/3n9OHfhu5k

— 104.3 The Score (@thescorechicago) April 3, 2026

The White Sox’s pitching staff pitched poorly and ranks as the worst staff in baseball (8.63 ERA). The White Sox also gave up the most earned runs in the early goings (47).

The road ahead won’t get easier for the Chicago White Sox

Despite being back home, the White Sox welcome in some tough American League East opponents. The White Sox open a three-game series on Friday versus the reigning American League Champions, the Toronto Blue Jays (4-2). The Baltimore Orioles come to town on Monday (3-3, April 6-8).

The Blue Jays’ starting rotation has been hit hard with injuries. Right-hander Cody Ponce sprained his right ACL on Monday and will miss time.
The Blue Jays were already without right-handers Trey Yasavage (right shoulder impingement), Jose Berrios (right elbow stress fracture), and Shane Bieber (right elbow inflammation) to begin the year.

Maybe now that they’re back at home and the Blue Jays are down some of their better arms, the White Sox could finish the home stand at .500.

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Chicago White Sox prospect, infielder Sam Antonacci, has been outstanding since joining the Charlotte Knights.

More News: Former Cubs and White Sox SP impresses in Diamondbacks debut

In his first six games, Antonacci is batting .333 with a 1.083 OPS, two home runs, and four RBI. The 23-year-old’s strong start comes on the heels of a great spring. In nine games, he hit .368 with a 1.328 OPS, two home runs, and five RBI.

Antonacci has made a strong case to get a call-up to the White Sox. However, he is currently blocked and may force the White Sox to make a tough decision.

Sam Antonacci has expanded his versatility while in the minor leagues

An infielder by trade (third baseman, second baseman, and shortstop), Antonacci has played five of his six games in left field. So far, he’s posted a perfect fielding percentage (1.000) and made eight putouts with one assist.

The idea of Antonacci playing the outfield is to expand his versatility. Shortstop Colson Montgomery and second baseman Chase Meidroth block Antonacci in the middle-infield.

Third base could be in play with Miguel Vargas proving to be a poor defender so far (-17 defensive runs saved). However, his bat has been solid to start the season, .263 with a double, a home run (grand slam), and six RBI.

Sam Antonacci’s performance and versatility may force the Chicago White Sox to make a tough decision

Antonacci may force the White Sox to make a tough decision with his expanded versatility and batting. Only a couple of players on the 26-man roster are “expendable.”

Infielder/outfielder Luisangel Acuña has struggled at the plate through five games, batting .200 with a .494 OPS. Acuña has also been terrible in center field, posting a -71 defensive runs saved in 19.0 innings.

Outfielder Everson Pereira (day-to-day with a sore ankle) has done better at the plate but struggled in the field. In five games, Pereira is batting .250 with a .794 OPS and a home run, but has a -37 defensive runs saved in 37.0 innings in right field.

Acuña and Pereira have no more minor league options left. Since they’re out of options, the White Sox would need to place them on outright waivers, exposing them to be claimed by another team.

Both are still young in their careers — Acuña is 24 and Pereira is 25. The White Sox may have to take a gamble on losing one of them if they feel Antonacci can come up and produce as he has.

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Former Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox right-hander Michael Soroka had quite the debut for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

More News: Chicago White Sox’s pair of grand slams makes MLB history

Signing a one-year ($7.5 million) contract in the offseason, Soroka scattered four hits, struck out 10, and walked one in five innings against the Detroit Tigers. According to MLB Stats, Soroka’s 10 strikeouts surpassed Hall of Fame left-hander Randy Johnson for most strikeouts in a Diamondbacks debut.

Dominance in the desert

Michael Soroka passed Hall of Famer Randy Johnson for the most strikeouts in a @Dbacks debut!

(MLB x @SageUSAmerica) pic.twitter.com/QAHCCE2kOq

— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) March 31, 2026

Michael Soroka pitches an immaculate inning in his debut

Even more impressive the former All-Star (2021), Soroka pitched an immaculate inning (nine strikes, three strikeouts). Soroka struck out Tigers shortstop and former Cub Javier Baez, designated hitter Kerry Carpenter, and second baseman Gleyber Torres.

IMMACULATE INNING FOR MICHAEL SOROKA!

10 strikeouts through 5 innings in his @Dbacks debut! pic.twitter.com/M9hopu3jxN

— MLB (@MLB) March 31, 2026

The seven-year veteran knew he was in the middle of an immaculate inning with one strike remaining on Torres. Soroka called Torres a “good hitter” and tried to throw a pitch in the zone to complete the feat.

“It was pretty special,” Soroka said to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. “I think I’ve talked to you guys about not putting too much stock in results but I think that’s one that’s worth celebrating. Gleyber is a good hitter, he’s quite passive, too. So I wanted to make sure it was something in the zone and just give myself a chance to get it done right there. So pretty cool. I tried to play it off, but started smiling on the field.”

Soroka’s performance helped the Diamondbacks secure their first victory of the season. The 28-year-old filled up the strike zone, with 60 of his 89 pitches being strikes.
The Diamondbacks right-hander also threw first-pitch strikes to nine out of the 20 batters faced. He also recorded five outs via flyout (three) and groundout (two).

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The Chicago White Sox blasted their way to victory over the Miami Marlins (9-4) on Monday to secure their first win of the season.

More News: Chicago White Sox slugger makes history with his MUNEshot

Infielder Miguel Vargas and outfielder Austin Hays were the White Sox’s sole run producers. Vargas tallied six RBI, with four coming on a grand slam in the fourth inning, while Hays hit a three-run home run in the third inning. 

Vargas’s grand slam Monday came on the heels of one hit in Sunday’s series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers.

A pair of Chicago White Sox grand slams makes history

According to OptaSTATS, the White Sox became the first team to hit grand slams consecutive games played in March. Montgomery’s grand slam on Sunday was a part of a five-RBI, two-hit game.

The @whitesox are the first MLB team ever to hit grand slams in consecutive games played in March. pic.twitter.com/K8IPKHbCKq

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) March 31, 2026

The White Sox offense may have woken up

Despite getting swept by the Brewers, the White Sox offense may have turned a corner. The White Sox’s nine-run outburst against the Marlins fell one run shy of the total runs scored (10) in the Brewers series.

Rookie first baseman/designated hitter Munetaka Murakami also kept his hot bat going, picking up his fourth straight hit on Monday. The 26-year-old also leads the team in home runs (three) and total bases (13).

The White Sox also had multi-hit games from three players in the lineup on Monday. Vargas 2-4 (.308 batting average) and two runs scored, outfielder Tristin Peters 2-3 (.444) scored a run, and Everson Pereira 2-4 (.286) with two runs scored. The White Sox are expected to face inexperienced right-hander Janson Junk (4.17 ERA in 2025) on Tuesday. 

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Chicago White Sox slugger, first baseman/designated hitter Munetaka Murakami, has been making waves three games into his MLB career.

More News: Munetaka Murakami historic 2 game effort is 1 bright spot for White Sox

The 26-year-old slugger has homered in the first three games to start his career, joining three others to do so. Cleveland Guardians rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter recently accomplished the feat, having four total against the Seattle Mariners (March 26-28)

Infielder Trevor Story — four with the Colorado Rockies in 2016 — and outfielder Kyle Lewis — three with the Mariners in 2019 — are the other two.

Munetaka Murakami joins Chase DeLauter, Trevor Story, and Kyle Lewis as the only players to homer in their first three regular season MLB games https://t.co/QWxH7iZGDr pic.twitter.com/zcLA6kknK6

— MLB (@MLB) March 29, 2026

Munetaka Murakami is quickly becoming a force in the Chicago White Sox lineup

Murakami is quickly showing manager Will Venable why he should be batting him in the heart of the order. To open the season, Murakami has hit sixth, cleanup (fourth) and batting second in the finale against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Sunday starters: pic.twitter.com/p3w64JJMEE

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) March 29, 2026

Murakami is picking up where he left off in spring training. In nine games, he batted .276 with a .771 OPS and a home run. The Japanese slugger also hit a home run in the World Baseball Classic for Japan.

If Murakami keeps mashing home runs, Venable will need to think about keeping him in the two through four spots in the lineup.

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The Milwaukee Brewers received terrible news on first baseman Andrew Vaughn’s status, with Vaughn expected to miss a chunk of time. According to USA Today columnist Bob Nightengale, the former Chicago White Sox will be out until early May with a fractured left hamate bone.

More News: Chicago White Sox swap out left-handers ahead of Brewers game

Vaughn was traded to the Brewers last season in exchange for right-hander Aaron Civale and cash considerations. The former first-round pick (third overall) was outstanding in 64 games, batting .308 with an OPS of .869.

Vaughn carried over his success from last year to the spring. In 16 games, Vaughn batted .367 with a 1.049 OPS, and hitting three doubles and home runs.

The Milwaukee Brewers call up top prospect to take Andrew Vaughn’s place

With Vaughn heading to the injured list, the Brewers decided to call up top prospect, catcher Jefferson Quero. Quero is the Brewers’ eighth-ranked prospect and appeared in one game at Triple-A — Quero went 0-2 with a walk and a strikeout. Last season, Quero batted .271 with a .839 OPS in 69 games between Rookie Ball and Triple-A.

Today's transactions pic.twitter.com/15wM1pRySi

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) March 28, 2026

Quero will give manager Pat Murphy some flexibility with his lineup, as he’ll have three catchers on his roster. Having Quero will allow Murphy to use Sanchez at first base, so all three bats are in the lineup.

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The Milwaukee Brewers lit up the Chicago White Sox to start the season, accounting for 14 runs. The Brewers’ pitching staff also struck out 20 White Sox, with right-hander Jacob Misiorowski having 11 of them (a franchise record).

More News: Chicago White Sox C left speechless after a tough day at the dish

Looking to bounce back on Saturday, the White Sox made a move to add a fresh arm to the bullpen. The White Sox used five arms of the bullpen in Thursday’s loss (14-2).

The Chicago White Sox swap out left-handers ahead of Brewers matchup

Before Saturday night’s matchup against the Brewers, the White Sox activated left-hander Bryan Hudson to the roster. To make room for Hudson, the White Sox optioned left-hander Tyler Gilbert to Triple-A. Gilbert pitched an inning in the loss and allowed two earned runs, a home run, and a walk.

The Chicago White Sox have activated left-handed pitcher Bryan Hudson and optioned left-hander Tyler Gilbert to Class AAA Charlotte.

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) March 28, 2026

Hudson was claimed off waivers from the New York Mets on Friday and appeared in four games (5.79 ERA) for the White Sox last season.

Hudson will offer manager Will Venable a fresh arm from the left side after he used two out of his three lefties yesterday. Left-hander Chris Murphy did not pitch, while left-hander Sean Newcomb will be down after pitching 2.1 innings (33 pitches).

The White Sox bullpen needs to limit the walks

The White Sox bullpen needs to be more effective in Game 2. Right-hander Jordan Leasure was the only successful arm used on Thursday. Leasure didn’t allow an earned run or a hit in his one inning of work.

The rest of the bullpen combined to allow 10 earned runs on nine hits and gave up two home runs. The bullpen also allowed too many walks, seven, with right-hander Jordan Hicks having four of them.

Limiting walks needs to be a focal point for the bullpen moving forward, as walks are a death knell for relievers.

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The Chicago Cubs aren’t hesitating to lock up their talented young players, dishing out two extensions.

More News: 3 takeaways from 2026 Chicago Cubs Opening Day

All-Star center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (six years, $115 million) received his extension as spring training ended, with second baseman Nico Hoerner also receiving one. Hoerner and the Cubs reportedly agreed to a six-year extension, preventing the Gold Glove winner from hitting free agency this offseason.

The Cubs also spent money in free agency. All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman signed a lucrative contract (five years, $175 million) with the Cubs after they pursued him the offseason before.
Despite the Cubs’ willingness to pay Crow-Armstrong, Hoerner, and Bregman, two players may not receive extensions.

The Chicago Cubs may let two core players walk in free agency

Outfielders Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki are core members of the Cubs’ lineup and are two players who may not receive extensions. Pending free agents, Suzuki signed a five-year ($85 million) contract in 2022, while Happ signed a three-year extension ($61 million) in 2024.

Suzuki had a breakout season in 2025, mashing 32 home runs and driving in 103 RBI. Happ was his consistent self, having his third straight 20+ home run season (23), and winning his fourth straight Gold Glove.

Both should get extensions, but the Cubs aren’t likely to extend both. Happ and Suzuki are entering their early 30s, and Suzuki is on the injured list with a knee injury.

MLB’s labor negotiations could affect the Cubs’ signing of Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki

The looming work stoppage for 2027 may also affect the Cubs’ efforts to sign Suzuki and Happ. MLB’s wanting a “salary cap” will change how teams spend. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expires on December 1, 2026.

Currently, teams can spend as much as they want, with penalties (taxes) applying once they reach a threshold. Under the current CBA, the luxury tax in 2026 is $244 million.
The Cubs’ current payroll, per Spotrac, sits at $246.65 million, the second time in this CBA (2024) the Cubs have surpassed the luxury tax. The Cubs total allocations for 2027 sit at $105.6 million — Hoerner’s contract details are still unknown.

Suzuki’s power potential could sway the Cubs to sign him over Happ. However, a consistent Gold Glove winner in left, paired with a Gold Glove center fielder (PCA, 2025), could be more beneficial.

Outfield prospect Kevin Alcantara — Alcantara was optioned to the minor leagues — is waiting in the wings and one of, or maybe both, Happ and Suzuki could be departing.

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The Chicago White Sox had a game to forget when playing the Milwaukee Brewers to open the season on March 26. The Brewers demolished the White Sox 14-2, with right-hander Shane Smith lasting 1.2 innings, allowing three earned and walking three. 

More News: Milwaukee Brewers leadoff hitter to start the season on the IL

All-Star right-hander Jacob Misiorowski struck out 11 to set a Brewers franchise record, while the White Sox struck out 20 times overall. Of all the White Sox hitters, three: shortstop Colson Montgomery, infielder Miguel Vargas, and outfielder Everson Pereira struck out three times.

The White Sox’s lone two runs came on home runs, with infielder Chase Meidroth and first baseman/designated hitter Munetaka Murakami hitting their first of the season. Murakami‘s home run was also the first of his big league career after signing a two-year ($34 million) contract in the offseason. 

Chicago White Sox catcher Edgar Quero wants to flush this game and look towards the next one

Quero put together a fantastic spring — batting .283, an OPS of .722, two doubles, and a home run — but nobody would know that after Thursday’s game. Quero was one of three players — outfielder/designated hitter Andrew Benintendi and outfielder Austin Hays being the others — striking out twice.

When speaking to MLB.com’s Scott Merkin, Queros said he “didn’t have much to say” on the game.

“First game. I don’t have too much to say. Just ready for tomorrow. Just first game. Start of the season. It’s a lot of games coming up, so you get ready for tomorrow. New game, and that’s it.”

The White Sox don’t play on Friday, but will play the Brewers again on Saturday. Right-hander Sean Burke will take the mound for the White Sox, while the Brewers will counter with right-hander Chad Patrick.

Burke went 0-3 with a 4.58 ERA and allowed nine earned runs and six walks in 17.2 innings this spring. 

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The Chicago White Sox kicked off the 2026 season with a bang!

More News: Milwaukee Brewers leadoff hitter to start the season on the IL

Infielder Chase Meidroth launched his and the team’s first home run of the season in the first inning to put the White Sox up 1-0. On a 3-2 fastball from Brewers right-hander Jacob Misiorowski, Meidroth sent the offering into the left field stands.

Chase Meidroth opens the @WhiteSox season with a BLAST #OpeningDay pic.twitter.com/9q3eo4rwk4

— MLB (@MLB) March 26, 2026

Chase Meidroth makes Chicago White Sox history with his home run

Meidroth’s home run didn’t just give the White Sox the lead to begin the game, but made some history as well. In the White Sox’s 125 seasons as a Major League franchise, no player has hit a leadoff home run to begin the season until Meidroth.

what a way to start the season pic.twitter.com/qfO5mPcQam

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) March 26, 2026

In 122 games last season (450 at-bats), Meidroth hit five home runs. Meidroth hit only one in 54 at-bats this spring. Baseball Reference projects that the 24-year-old will hit eight this season.

Power is not Chase Meidroth’s game

Whatever the number of home runs Meiroth will finish with will be fine, as he is not a power hitter. Meidroth’s game is getting on base and walking, posting a .329 on-base percentage last season and walking 45 times.

Meidroth, in 2024, while with the Boston Red Sox organization, walked 105 times in Triple-A and struck out 71 times. As Will Venable’s leadoff hitter, Meidroth will need to continue to set the table for the White Sox for them to be successful.

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The Chicago White Sox and Milwaukee Brewers will square off on Thursday to start the 2026 season. The game will see two All-Stars start the game, with right-hander Shane Smith going for the White Sox and right-hander Jacob Misiorowski toeing the slab for the Brewers.

More News: Chicago White Sox finalize roster ahead of Opening Day vs. Brewers

Despite the solid pitching matchup, the Brewers will be without outfielder Jackson Chourio for Thursday’s game and beyond. According to USA Today columnist Bob Nightengale, Chourio was placed on the injured list with a left-hand fracture and will be out until mid-April.

Chourio’s injury is retroactive from Wednesday, March 25, and outfielder Blake Perkins was recalled from Triple-A to take his place, per MLB.com. In 10 games this spring, Chourio hit .267 with a .773 OPS.

The Milwaukee Brewers will be down their best leadoff hitter

Chourio is the Brewers’ best leadoff hitter last season, batting .265 with a .731 OPS and three home runs in 26 games. The Brewers also batted Chourio second (.259, .764), third (.283,.639), and fourth (.385, 1.174).

The 22-year-old also did well when leading off an inning versus the first batter of the game. In 26 games, Chourio hit .250 with a .683 OPS, while batting .354 with a .942 OPS to lead off an inning.

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The Chicago White Sox open their season on Thursday against the Milwaukee Brewers. Right-hander and 2025 All-Star Shane Smith will take the mound against Brewers All-Star right-hander Jacob Misiorowski.

More News: Chicago White Sox make bold roster decision on prospect

Opening against the Brewers, the White Sox officially set their Opening Day roster, while placing some key personnel on the injured list.

The Chicago White Sox placed a handful of players on the injured list

A few players, like catcher Kyle Teel, were already going to begin the season on the injured list. Teel injured his hamstring while playing for Italy in the World Baseball Classic.

Teel did provide an update on his injury, saying he could be back “soon after” the home opener. Infielder/outfielder Brooks Baldwin will also begin the year on the injured list with a right elbow sprain. Baldwin was limited to eight games (.286 average, .762 OPS).

Right-handers Prelander Berroa, Drew Thorpe, and Mike Vasil were all placed on the 15-day injured list as they recover from Tommy John surgery. Vasil left his start against the Los Angeles Dodgers after feeling elbow discomfort, while Thorpe progresses slowly.

The White Sox designate two interesting players for assignment

Out of minor league options, catcher Korey Lee and infielder Curtis Mead were designated for assignment. The White Sox brought in veteran catcher Reese McGuire on a one-year contract to back up catcher Edgar Quero, leading to Lee’s DFA.

Lee performed great showing this spring — batting .289 with three doubles, two home runs and four RBI. Lee will likely get picked up by a team. A few teams, such as the Colorado Rockies, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Kansas City Royals, could use someone like Lee.

Mead was in the running to be the White Sox’s third baseman and a backup to infielder Munetaka Murakami at first base. Sadly, Mead didn’t perform well enough this spring to win a job and stay on the roster. Mead batted .233 with two home runs and seven strikeouts in 10 games.

After these moves, the White Sox’s 26-man roster will include: 13 pitchers, 2 catchers, 5 infielders, and 6 outfielders. The White Sox have 38 players on the 40-man roster.

pic.twitter.com/631l8Ths3y

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) March 25, 2026

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Former Chicago White Sox prospect and infielder Bryan Ramos didn’t make the Baltimore Orioles roster.

More News: Chicago White Sox C Kyle Teel provides an update on his injury

According to BBWAA member Francys Romero, Ramos will get designated for assignment, despite a solid spring. In 15 games with the Orioles this spring, Ramos batted .316 with a home run and three RBI.

Ramos has played in 36 games in the big leagues and is a .198 hitter with a .577 OPS. Ramos ranked as the White Sox’s 15th-best prospect last season.

Bryan Ramos could find his way onto another team

Ramos’s showing this spring could help him land on another team as Opening Day approaches. A primary third baseman, Ramos has also played some first base (seven games), second base (34 games) and left field (three games).

Despite not being a consistent contact hitter, Ramos has some power (hitting 16 home runs last season). The Cuban native has also shown some speed, stealing 13 bags and getting caught four times last season.

This combination of power and speed could be intriguing enough for a team to take a chance on Ramos as a bar off the bench. At 24, Ramos is still young enough to be molded into a productive big leaguer, if he can find the right team.

A team like the St. Louis Cardinals would be a decent spot for Ramos. He could be a potential platoon bat with infielder Nolan Gorman. The Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals could also take a chance on Ramos.

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The Chicago White Sox are one day away (March 26) from Opening Day. Right-hander Shane Smith will square off against Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Jacob Misiorowski.

More News: Chicago White Sox C Kyle Teel provides an update on his injury

Despite the rosters not officially getting finalized, the White Sox made a bold move by adding 22-year-old right-hander Jedixson Páez to the roster. According to BBWAA member Francys Romero, Páez will be jumping straight from Single-A to the Major Leagues without playing in Double-A.

Páez struggled in seven games, posting a 6.35 ERA, walking five and striking out 11 in 11.1 innings. Between High-A and Single-A last season, Páez had 5-4 with a 3.17 ERA and striking out 113 in 96.2 innings. A right calf strain sidelined Páez for four months last season.

The White Sox selected Páez in the Rule 5 Draft from the Boston Red Sox this offseason. Being a Rule 5 pick, Páez needed to make the Opening Day roster and spend the season with the White Sox, or get offered back to Boston.

Source: Right-hander pitching prospect Jedixson Páez has been informed he made the Opening Day roster of the Chicago White Sox.

Páez, 22, will go straight to the big leagues without passing through Double-A.

— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) March 25, 2026

Jedixson Páez offers the Chicago White Sox and Will Venable an interesting arm

A starting pitcher by trade, Páez will work out of manager Will Venable’s bullpen. Smith, right-handers Sean Burke, Erick Fedde, and Davis Martin and left-hander Anthony Kay will initially be in the starting rotation.

Given his starting experience, Páez could fill in the rotation in case of injury or spot start. Páez could also give Venable length in the bullpen if there’s a need.

The young right-hander will join right-handers Grant Taylor, Seranthony Dominguez, Jordan Hicks, and Jordan Leasure, along with left-handers Sean Newcomb and Chris Murphy in the bullpen. 

Páez is the White Sox’s 19th-ranked prospect and has a three-pitch mix. Páez throws a four-seam fastball (45/80 grade), a slider (50/80) and a changeup (55/80).

Despite having below-average stuff, Páez has exceptional control of his arsenal — grading out at a 70/80. Páez has also started experimenting with a cutter.

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The Chicago Cubs have a pretty deep roster in the starting rotation and throughout the lineup. This level of depth is good to have.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Former Counsell charge named as possible surprise roster addition

However, with bona fide big leaguers getting relegated to the minors, the Cubs should look to trade these players to get some value back.

Right-hander Javier Assad |

Despite Javier Assad doing well — a 1.35 ERA and eight strikeouts in 6.2 innings — the Cubs didn’t have a place on the 26-man roster for him. A swing-man (both a starter and reliever), the Cubs already have right-hander Colin Rea to fill that role.

Rea had a 3.10 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 20.1 innings. Right-hander Ben Brown will also make the Opening Day roster, offering Counsell another swing-man option. 

Assad also had no place in the starting rotation. Left-handers Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga, and right-handers Cade Horton, Edward Cabrera, and Jameson Taillon will be the starting five to begin the season.

Assad will likely get work in the Iowa Cubs rotation to keep him ready to start in case of an injury.

Assad is now out of minor league options, and barring injury, won’t be up anytime soon. A bona fide big league arm, the Cubs could get value back in a trade for him.

Outfielder Kevin Alcantara |

Kevin Alcantara is the Cubs’ fourth-ranked prospect, but he also doesn’t have a spot on the big league roster. A primary centerfielder, Alcantara can play the corner outfield spots as well.

Rightfielder Seiya Suzuki’s knee injury created an opening to make the team, but veteran outfielder Michael Conforto secured the last spot. Alcantara did have a good spring, batting .275 with two doubles, a home run and four RBI in 13 games.

Alcantara’s future as the Cubs’ everyday centerfielder is out, with Pete Crow-Armstrong’s reported extension. Right field and leftfield could open up next year for Alcantara to play, with leftfielder Ian Happ and Suzuki entering their walk years.

A promising young outfielder, Alcantara could also bring back value in a trade to further deepen the Cubs’ roster.

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Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell made the news official on where outfielder Seiya Suzuki and right-hander Javier Assad will begin the season.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Suzuki will miss Opener, Conforto to make roster

According to Counsell, via Marquee Sports Network, Suzuki will start the season on the injured list (knee), and Assad got optioned to Triple-A. Suzuki injured his knee while sliding into second base playing for Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

In four World Baseball Classic games, Suzuki hit two home runs, drove in five RBI, and walked six times. In 6.2 innings (three games), the 28-year-old Assad had a 1.35 ERA and eight strikeouts. Assad had a 4.50 ERA in two games with Mexico during the World Baseball Classic. 

Seiya Suzuki will start the season on the IL, and Javier Assad was optioned to Triple-A, Craig Counsell announced today. pic.twitter.com/JTfCan9RQd

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 23, 2026

Other Chicago Cubs need to step up in Seiya Suzuki’s absence

Suzuki is one of the Cubs’ main power hitters — smashing 32 home runs last season — which leaves a void that others need to fill. First baseman Michael Busch (34) and centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (31) were the only other 30+ home run hitters last season.

Busch and Crow-Armstrong will provide decent pop, but others will need to step up. Shortstop Dansby Swanson hit 24 home runs last season and hit nine combined between April and May. The Gold Glover also has two home runs and nine RBI this spring.

Third baseman Alex Bregman will also need to provide some pop — hitting 18 home runs last season and two this spring. Bregman had 11 home runs between April and May last year. Like Swanson, Bregman also has two home runs.

Sadly, the Chicago Cubs didn’t have a place for Javier Assad

Despite him doing well, the Cubs didn’t have a place on the 26-man roster for Assad. A swing-man (both a starter and reliever), the Cubs already have right-hander Colin Rea to fill that role. Rea had a 3.10 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 20.1 innings.

Assad also had no place in the starting rotation. Left-handers Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga, and right-handers Cade Horton, Edward Cabrera, and Jameson Taillon will be the starting five to begin the season. Right-hander Ben Brown will also make the Opening Day roster, offering Counsell another swing-man option. 

Assad will likely get work in the Iowa Cubs rotation to keep him ready to start in case of an injury.

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Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel has been on the sidelines dealing with a hamstring injury. Teel injured his hamstring while playing for Italy in the World Baseball Classic.

More News: Former Chicago White Sox pitcher ends Rays OF’s home run drought

Unfortunately for the White Sox and Teel, he won’t be ready for the home opener. According to the 24-year-old backstop, the odds aren’t good, and he’ll hopefully be ready not too long after Opening Day.

“From talking with the training staff, it doesn’t look like I’ll be back [for the] home opener,” Teel said to Scott Merkin of MLB.com. “But maybe soon after that, yes. But then again, they haven’t told me a specific time when I’m going to be back. It’s going to be playing it out.”

Teel struggled in five spring training games — .071 batting average and .378 OPS — before joining Italy. In two games in the World Baseball Classic, Teel had four hits, a home run, a double, and an RBI.

Until Kyle Teel returns, others will need to step up for the Chicago White Sox

The White Sox not having Teel’s offense — .273 average and .786 OPS in 78 games last year — will hurt their lineup. Others, like catchers Edgar Quero and Korey Lee, will have to pick up the slack until Teel returns.

Manager Will Venable wanted to carry three catchers on his roster to start the season until Teel got hurt.

Quero will likely get the bulk of the reps behind the dish to start. Quero had a fantastic spring, with a .304 batting average, a .773 OPS, and 12 RBI.

Lee has also done well this spring, batting .294 with a .975 OPS, two home runs, and six RBI. Lee was in the mix to catch last season before a left ankle sprain against the Cleveland Guardians ended his time in the big leagues.

Lee would spend the majority of last season at Triple-A and spend 25 games with the White Sox. Until Teel returns, Quero and Lee will be serviceable at the plate and behind it.

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Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson has not hit a home run since June 7, 2024. That changed on Saturday.

More News: Milwaukee Brewers AS will start Opening Day vs. the White Sox

In the bottom of the seventh inning versus the Minnesota Twins, Simpson barely hit a ball over the right field wall to secure his second career home run as a professional — though it didn’t count. According to The Athletic’s Dan Hayes, the home run came off Twins right-hander and former Chicago White Sox Dan Altavilla.

Altavilla appeared in 28 games for the White Sox last season and had a 2.48 ERA in 29.0 innings. A likely member of the Twins bullpen this season, Altavilla has a 2.25 ERA in four innings this spring.

Save that ball!

Chandler Simpson hit his first over-the-fence home run in professional baseball pic.twitter.com/WPtb7qQPuH

— MLB (@MLB) March 21, 2026

Despite hitting a home run for the Tampa Bay Rays, power is not Chandler Simpson’s game

Clearly, power is not Simpson’s specialty, as he has hit two home runs between the pros and college. Moreover, speed and a contact hitter: Simpson hit three triples, 15 doubles, and had 44 steals — caught 12 times, leading the American League — in 109 games with the Rays last year. Simpson had a .295 batting average in 414 at-bats (441 plate appearances).

On defense, Simpson needs to step up his game. In centerfield, he’s provided a -13 defensive runs saved and a -12 in leftfield. Simpson will likely be the Rays’ everyday leftfielder with Cedric Mullena patrolling centerfield.

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The Chicago White Sox lineup will need to be on its game when facing the Milwaukee Brewers, as they announced their Opening Day (March 26) starter.

More News: Chicago White Sox slugger feels ‘ready’ to start the season

Squaring off against All-Star right-hander Shane Smith will be the Brewers’ All-Star right-hander Jacob Misiorowski. Smith and Misiorowski were teammates in the minor leagues before Smith was selected in the Rule 5 Draft by the White Sox.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy is counting on his flamethrower to lead a relatively inexperienced starting staff. Right-hander Brandon Woodruff — who has had an injury-riddled past couple of years — has the most experience with over seven years of service time.

Opening Day just became even more electric @Jmisiorowski9 pic.twitter.com/VaBVxrq89Z

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) March 20, 2026

Jacob Misiorowski was outstanding last season for the Milwaukee Brewers

Misiorowski, in his rookie season, went 5-3 with a 4.36 ERA and struck out 87 in 66.0 innings. The soon-to-be 24-year-old had one of the better four-seam fastballs last season, ranking in the 99th percentile for velocity (99.3mph).

That outstanding performance has carried over to the spring, with Misiorowski striking out 12 in 7.1 innings. He has also allowed three earned runs, a home run, and three walks.

Pat Murphy explains his rationale for choosing Jacob Misiorowski as his starter

Woodruff, not being 100% ready to start Opening Day, created an opening for Misiorowski to get the nod.

“Obviously, if Woody is 100%, Woody would be in that spot,” Murphy said to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. “Traditionally, people like Woody – he’s our one veteran starter. But ‘Miz’ is going to step up.”

Murphy didn’t commit to whether the two-time All-Star would start the season on the injured list or not. Murphy also wouldn’t say who would follow Misiorowski, saying he’ll have to be “creative” with his staff.

“I think we’re going to have to be creative on our pitching staff,” Murphy said. “But we’ve done that before. Miz being the Opening Day choice, I think he’s very capable.”

Right-handers Brandon Sproat and Chad Patrick, along with left-hander Kyle Harrison, are in line to possibly start.

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Chicago White Sox first baseman/third baseman Munetaka Murakami didn’t disappoint in his return from the World Baseball Classic, hitting his first home run of the spring.

More News: Chicago White Sox receive worst-case scenario for Mike Vasil

“It was perfect,” Murakami said through a translator to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.” “Just perfect.” Murakami added that he feels he’s seeing the ball better compared to when he left for the World Baseball Classic.

“Compared to when I left Arizona, I feel much better as far as conditioning, as well,” Murakami said. “I’m seeing the ball better, I’m swinging better, so I’ll keep that approach up and try to hit as much as possible.”

In five games, Murakami is batting .353 with an OPS of 1.000 and has three RBI.

ムーンに飛ばした！村上選手のスプリングトレーニング初ホームラン！ pic.twitter.com/hPJ9JcIukJ

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) March 17, 2026

Despite Munetaka Murakami struggling in the WBC, he enjoyed his experience with world-top-tier players

“The main thing is when I look back after the season, I would love to say that that experience in the WBC really helped me out with my accomplishment in the season,” Murakami said. “To be able to participate in a world tournament with world-tier players is just a blessing. For myself to be on a team with incredible athletes and incredible teammates, they were a pleasure to be with.”

In five games playing for Japan, Murakami had a .211 batting average with a .654 OPS, a home run, five RBI, and five strikeouts.

Munetaka Murakami is quickly getting comfortable with the Chicago White Sox

New to Major League Baseball, Murakami said to Feinsand, “I’m getting comfortable every single day,” “I think I’m ready.”

Primarily playing third base while in the NPB, Murakami will likely be the White Sox’s everyday first baseman. He should also get time at DH to get him off his feet, but keep his bat in the lineup.

Hopefully, Murakami’s hitting his first home run will lead to more, as the White Sox need more power in the lineup. Infielders Lenyn Sosa (22) and Colson Montgomery (21) were the team leaders in home runs last season.

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The Chicago White Sox received unfortunate news, as right-hander Mike Vasil will miss the entire 2026 season. According to CHSN reporter Chuck Garfien, Vasil will undergo Tommy John surgery in the coming weeks.

More News: Chicago White Sox prospect receives high praise from Will Venable

Vasil got pulled from his last outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers after 3.2 innings with elbow discomfort.

The 26-year-old had an outstanding rookie season out of the White Sox bullpen, going 5-3 with a 2.50 ERA in 47 games (three starts), and had four saves and 82 strikeouts in 101.0 innings. The 25-year-old had been doing well this spring, going 2-0 with a 1.64 ERA in four games. However, Vasil had eight walks and nine strikeouts in 11.0 innings.

Unfortunate news for Mike Vasil.
He will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery in the coming weeks.

— Chuck Garfien (@ChuckGarfien) March 17, 2026

The Chicago White Sox will need others to step up on the pitching staff

The White Sox have done well to limit the number of pitchers who have undergone Tommy John surgery, after multiple pitchers went under the knife last spring. Right-hander Drew Thorpe is one arm recovering from Tommy John surgery and is slowly making progress toward a return.

Thorpe’s return will help manager Will Venable decide who will be in the starting rotation. Vasil was used out of the bullpen last season, but started two games this spring.

Having seven games left before traveling to Milwaukee to play the Brewers, Vasil’s injury creates openings for others to make the team.

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Italy has changed its plans for who will start the Semifinal game against Venezuela. According to Daniel Alvarez-Montes of El Extra Base, manager Francisco Cervelli will start right-hander Aaron Nola over right-hander Michael Lorenzen.

More News: Chicago White Sox prospect receives high praise from Will Venable

Nola has pitched five innings this World Baseball Classic, struck out five. Italy and Cervelli feel that the Philadelphia Phillies All-Star right-hander gives them the best chance to advance to the finals.

Cambio de planes en Italia: Aaron Nola será el abridor contra Venezuela, no Michael Lorenzen.

Es un movimiento meramente estratégico por parte de Francisco Cervelli. https://t.co/tPRNMqVyt4

— Daniel Álvarez-Montes (@DanielAlvarezEE) March 16, 2026

Italy has been perfect in the World Baseball Classic

Despite being an underdog in the World Baseball Classic, Italy is a perfect 5-0. Italy showed it could hang with teams like the United States, beating them 8-6 on March 10. Lorenzen went 4.2 innings, allowing two hits, a walk, and striking out two without allowing a run.

If Lorenzen had to pitch in the game against Venezuela, left-hander Sam Aldegheri would be an option to start. Aldegheri struggled in his last appearance against Puerto Rico, pitching 1.1 innings and allowing two earned runs and a home run while walking two.

Pete Crow-Armstrong has done well in the World Baseball Classic

Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has done well filling in for Minnesota Twins centerfielder Byron Buxton, who got hit on his hand during an at-bat against Brazil. In five games, Crow-Armstrong is hitting .294, has hit two home runs, and driven in six RBI.

The United States will send New York Mets right-hander Nolan McClean to the mound. McClean struggled in his one outing against Italy, allowing three earned runs, two walks, and two home runs in four innings.

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Braden Montgomery is one of the future foundational pieces of the Chicago White Sox’s success

A center piece in the Garrett Crochet trade, Montgomery has shown he’s a future big leaguer. Ascending through three minor league levels last season — hitting .270 with an OPS of .804 and 12 home runs — Montgomery will likely start the season at Triple-A to offer him a challenge.

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The Arizona Cardinals got a little bit deeper in special teams with the addition of former Chicago Bears wide receiver/returner Devin Duvernay. According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, Duvernay and the Cardinals agreed to a one-year contract worth $2.5 million.

More News: DJ Moore expects the Buffalo Bills to go ‘further’ than the Bears

The former All-Pro returner (2021) had 26 yards receiving and 231 yards on punt returns. On kickoffs, Duvernay had 1,069 yards with his longest return of 56 yards.

Sources: Former #Bears All-Pro WR/returner Devin Duvernay is signing with the #Cardinals on a 1-year, $2.5M deal, negotiated by @ErikBurkhardt of @RocNationSports.

Aside from being an option at receiver, Duvernay is a key weapon for his field-position impact as a returner. pic.twitter.com/U8dfTYZwM1

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 15, 2026

Devin Duvernay will help upgrade the Arizona Cardinals’ special teams

Duvernay is one of the best returners in the NFL, as he’s a two-time Pro Bowl returner. Duvernay has not scored a touchdown on a kickoff return since 2022, and has not returned a punt for a touchdown.

The Cardinals will benefit from Duncernay’s speed and return talents, ranking fourth-most in kickoff return yards (1,979) and 30th in punt return (217). Wide receiver/returner Greg Dortch was the team’s leader in kickoff (811) and punt returns (185).

One of the worst teams in the NFL last season (3-14), and not being good for four seasons — the Cardinals’ last .500 season was in 2021 (11-6) — the Cardinals may be a bottom dweller again.

Releasing quarterback Kyler Murray — Murray signed with the Minnesota Vikings — the Cardinals are sureing up their special teams play to compensate for a terrible offense they may have in 2026.

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Sadly for Chicago White Sox manager Will Venable, he could be down one arm for the rotation and his bullpen, with right-hander Mike Vasil leaving Saturday’s outing with right elbow soreness. According to MLB.com’s Scott Merkin, Vasil will undergo further evaluation for his elbow.

More News: Chicago White Sox right-hander takes another positive step in recovery

Will Venable won’t commit to anyone else in his starting rotation other than right-hander Shane Smith. Smith will be Venable’s Opening Day starter on March 26 against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Vasil had an outstanding rookie season out of the White Sox bullpen, going 5-3 with a 2.50 ERA in 47 games (three starts), and had four saves and 82 strikeouts in 101.0 innings. The 25-year-old had been doing well this spring, going 2-0 with a 1.64 ERA in four games. However, Vasil had eight walks and nine strikeouts in 11.0 innings.

Upon being lifted from the game, Vasil went 3.2 innings, giving up two hits, two walks, and struck out three.

Mike Vasil has left the game with a trainer.

3.2 IP. 2 H. 2 BB. 3 K. 0 R pic.twitter.com/HdLJtqziFs

— White Sox on CHSN (@CHSN_WhiteSox) March 14, 2026

Mike Vasil is the latest Chicago White Sox player to have an arm injury

The White Sox are no strangers to arm injuries, as they have had a couple of arms last spring, right-hander Drew Thorpe and left-hander Ky Bush, losing all of 2025 to Tommy John surgery. Hopefully for Vasil’s sake, it is just a soreness.

Vasil was one of the White Sox’s stars out of the bullpen last season and was going to be relied on to take down high-leverage innings this season. Right-handers Grant Taylor, Seranthony Dominguez, Jordan Hicks, and left-hander Sean Newcomb will make up the rest of the White Sox bullpen.

Dominguez (40 career saves) and Hicks (35 career saves) will get the first shots at closing games for Venable.

Potentially losing Vasil for even a short period of time would hurt the White Sox bullpen, as there aren’t many better options to replace his production. Non-roster invites: Right-handers Lucas Sims (0.00 ERA, four games), Adisyn Coffey (3.00 ERA, three games), and left-hander Ryan Borucki (0.00 ERA, five games) offer suitable replacements for Vasil.

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New Buffalo Bills and former Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore is excited to start his new journey with quarterback Josh Allen. Moore referred to the 2024 Associated Press MVP as a “field general.”

“It’s a warm welcome, I’m just glad to be here,” Moore said to Michael Baca of NFL.com. “[Allen] is ready for me to get there and get going.”

“He’s a field general,” Moore said of Allen. “You see him out there trying to conduct things and the way he does it, is successful, and I just want to be a part of that.”

More News: Chicago Bears’ Garrett Bradbury doesn’t want to reinvent the wheel

Moore had a down year with the Bears, having 682 yards receiving, but had six touchdowns. Moore is three seasons removed from a 1,000+ yard season (2023, 1,364 yards).

DJ Moore got a taste of winning while with the Bears, but expects to “further” with the Buffalo Bills

“Last year was my first winning season, so I got a taste of what everybody has been getting a taste of here in Buffalo,” Moore said. “It was good. It was fun. The atmosphere was amazing. … I look forward to getting back there with the Bills and going further.”

“[Go] out there every day and just getting better [by] one percent,” Moore said of Brady’s coaching style. “The little things or the most needed things that we needed to focus on, he always harped on them; and he never took his foot off the gas.”

Under head coach Joe Brady — Brady previously served as the Bills’ offensive coordinator from 2024-25 and was Allen’s quarterbacks coach starting in 2022 — the Bills had the fourth-best offense in the NFL (376.3 yards). Brady helped Allen become a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback and finish in the top five for MVP five times.

DJ Moore won’t be around when the Chicago Bears start winning

2025 was Moore’s first winning season with the Bears (11-6) — the Bears went 12-22 from 2023 to 2024. Quarterback Caleb Williams and Moore played together only in 2024 and 2025, when Moore saw a drop in production.

After winning the NFC North for the first time since 2018, the Bears are only scratching the surface of their potential. Under head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears ranked sixth-best offense (369.5 yards).

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The Chicago Bears brought in veteran center Garrett Bradbury to replace center Drew Dalman after he retired. The former Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots center is “not coming in to try and re-establish anything,” but to “help” the Bears.

“I’m not coming in to try and re-establish anything,” Bradbury told reporters virtually Thursday. “I’m just trying to learn from these guys, how do you guys work? They won the division last year. They had success, won a playoff game. I’m not coming in to try and change anything. I’m coming in to help. That starts with building these relationships and figuring out how I can help. And then it goes from there.”

More News: Buffalo Bills add veteran defensive depth by signing former Bears safety

Bradbury played in all 17 games with the Patriots last season and committed no holding or false start penalties.

Garrett Bradbury is “fired up” to join the Chicago Bears and Ben Johnson’s offense

“I’m fired up,” Bradbury said. “I’m not just saying that. Playing against Ben when I was in Minnesota and he was in Detroit for all those years – you watch certain offenses as an offensive line, and there’s just offenses that excite you. His is certainly one of them. You know what you’re going to get. You want to run the football, and you want play-action.

“It’s a physical brand of football, which I think every lineman wants to sign up for. Just the brief time I got to talk with him, he relayed that message. It’s going to be exciting; it’s going to be a lot of hard work and that’s what I’m ready to sign up for.”

Johnson was the Detroit Lions’ offense coordinator (2022-24) while Bradbury was with the Vikings (2019-24).

The Bears have done well to add and keep the offensive line intact

Even though Dalman retired at 27 years old, adding Bradbury wasn’t the only thing the Bears did to strengthen their offensive line. The Bears brought back left tackle Braxton Jones to help protect quarterback Caleb Williams blind side and re-signed offensive lineman Jordan McFadden. Offensive tackle Jedrick Wills also re-signed to add more depth to the line.

Williams showed his potential last season, falling just shy (3,942 yards) of becoming the first Bears quarterback in history to throw for 4,000 yards. With that likely being a possibility in 2026, strengthening the offensive line should help Williams accomplish that feat.

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The Buffalo Bills added depth to their defense on Thursday, signing former Chicago Bears safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to a one-year deal. According to NFL.com Insider Tom Pelissero, Gardner-Johnson and his agents, Kevin Conner and Robert Brown, signed a $6 million contract.

More News: Chicago Bears see Maxx Crosby kill trade hopes with 1st social media post since Ravens saga

The former Super Bowl champion — 2024 with the Philadelphia Eagles — Gardner-Johnson had three sacks, 35 solo tackles and four pass defenses in 10 games with the Bears.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson joins a quality Buffalo Bills defense and defensive back room

Gardner-Johnson will join the seventh-best defense in 2025 (293.1 yards) and add some veteran leadership on defense.

The Bills have a handful of safeties on their roster, with Sam Franklin and Cole Bishop as the main options. Safeties Wande Owens and Damar Hamlin also offer depth. 

Gardner-Johnson won’t just help the Bills on defense, but being a former Super Bowl champion could help inspire the locker room. The Bills failed to reach the big game last season after losing to the Denver Broncos in overtime in the AFC Divisional Round (33-30).

The Bills had their best chance to win the Super Bowl in 2025, with the Kansas City Chiefs taking a step back after dominating for over a decade.

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The Chicago White Sox received some promising news on right-hander Drew Thorpe, who missed all of 2025 due to Tommy John surgery.

More News: Chicago White Sox: Two options to be Will Venable’s third catcher

According to MLB.com’s Scott Merkin, Thorpe will throw another side session on Friday, which is another step closer to his returning to action. Thorpe last pitched for the White Sox in 2024, going 3-3 with a 5.48 ERA in nine starts.

Thorpe was a part of two major trades in his career before joining the White Sox:

1. The deal that sent outfielder Juan Soto from the New York Yankees to the San Diego Padres in December of 2023. 

2. He was also a piece that helped the Padres acquire right-hander Dylan Cease in March of 2024.

The Chicago White Sox could use Drew Thorpe in the starting rotation

The White Sox will need all the arms they can muster to take down innings in 2026, as they ranked dead last in starting pitchers’ innings pitched last season (758.2).

Right-hander Shane Smith will be the White Sox’s Ace this season, as he will start Opening Day. Others, such as right-handers Sean Burke, Erick Fedde, Davis Martin, and left-hander Anthony Kay, will fall in behind Smith.

Having four out of the five spots filled leaves the fifth spot and depth pieces up for grabs, which Thorpe and left-hander Sean Newcomb will try to fill.

Thrope throwing another side session shows that he isn’t far off from throwing off a mound. If all continues to progress well with Thorpe’s throwing program, he could make a rehab start and possibly return to the White Sox soon.

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The Chicago Cubs will gain a familiar face in camp, with left-hander Matthew Boyd returning.

More News: Chicago Cubs Matt Shaw expands his versatility this spring

According to New York Post columnist Jon Heyman, Boyd will return to get stretched out as a starter since he didn’t get enough innings in the World Baseball Classic. The 2025 All-Star pitched 2.1 innings, allowing five hits, no walks, and three earned runs.

Boyd made two starts in spring training before joining Team USA, with a 1.93 ERA and seven strikeouts in 4.2 innings. New York Mets right-hander Clay Holmes is in the same situation as Boyd and could also return to camp.

Matthew Boyd is expected to return to Cubs camp to be stretched out as starter for season since he wouldn’t get enough innings as a Team USA reliever. Clay Holmes is in a similar spot and may go back to Mets camp. Twins ace Joe Ryan is a candidate to take one USA roster spot.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 12, 2026

Matthew Boyd needs to focus on the season ahead for the Chicago Cubs

Boyd, 35, will likely be counted on to be the Cubs’ ace heading into this season, or the No. 2. The Cubs haven’t announced a starter for Opening Day, and Boyd is one of the candidates for the job. Right-handers Cade Horton and Edward Cabrera are also options for manager Craig Counsell.

Boyd had a breakout campaign in 2025 — 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA in 21 starts — after having Tommy John surgery in late 2023. The surgery cost Boyd most of the 2024 season, but it led to him signing his contract (two years, $29 million) with the Cubs.

The Cubs have a strong top three in the rotation of Boyd, Horton, and Cabrera. The Milwaukee Brewers and the Cincinnati Reds as the Cubs main rivals for the National League Central. So, hopefully, having a formidable starting rotation paired with a strong offense could help win the Central.

The Cubs will take on the Washington Nationals on March 26. Right-hander Cade Cavalli will be the Nationals Opening Day starter.

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The Chicago Cubs have all nine positions in the field figured out except the bench.

More News: Chicago Cubs‘ Nico Hoerner has lofty goal for the 2026 season

Infielder Matt Shaw is a prime candidate to make the Cubs bench as a super-utility player, and is adding playing first base to his repertoire. Manager Craig Counsell said he knows the Cubs are giving Shaw a “kind of a difficult Spring Training experience”, asking him to play first base.

“Look, we’re giving him kind of a difficult Spring Training experience here,” Counsell said to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com. “I respect what he’s doing this spring. It hasn’t been easy, for sure. But, I’d rather make it hard right now and then go into the season with at least some experience at all these things.”

Matt Shaw is embracing the idea of playing first base for the Chicago Cubs, despite never playing there

In Shaw’s entire professional baseball career, college career, and short time in the major leagues, he has never played first base. Primarily a middle infielder, playing 124 games at third base last year, Shaw is excited for the opportunity to get more at-bats by playing first base.

“Definitely, I want to get as many at-bats as I possibly can,” Shaw said. “If that means playing a lot of different positions, then I think it kind of just is what it is. If I can continue to get better at those positions, then I think I’ll be in a good place to, No. 1, get a lot of at-bats, and No. 2, give guys days off if they need it to keep our team healthy going into October.”

The Cubs’ former first-round pick (13th overall) in 2023 feels he’s covering the nuances of playing first well.

“There’s small nuances that I’m learning,” Shaw said. “But overall I feel like I covered all the basics pretty well. It’s small things that I’m learning. Obviously, it’s Day 1 ever at first, but overall I feel really, really good.”

Matt Shaw could be a decent choice to back up Michael Busch if he needs a day off

The Cubs’ primary first baseman last season and going into this season is Michael Busch. Busch had a breakout campaign in 2025, batting .261 with an OPS of .866 and 34 home runs in 155 games. Busch played 151 games at first base and had a value of two defensive runs saved.

The Cubs’ turning to Shaw to maybe play first base is because Tyler Austin will be out for months with a knee injury. Prospect Moises Ballesteros is also a likely candidate to back up Busch. But Ballesteros has high upside, and will need everyday at-bats at Triple-A.

Shaw adding first base to his repertoire will help his chances of getting playing time in 2026. However, he will need to prove he can handle playing a position he’s never played.

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The Chicago White Sox and manager Will Venable planned to go into 2016 with a three-catcher mix. However, that will change with catcher Kyle Teel missing four to six weeks with a hamstring injury.

More News: Chicago White Sox starter officially out for Opening Day with injury

With Teel down and missing the beginning of the season, catchers Edgar Quero and Korey Lee will get the bulk of the duties.

Quero showed that he could be an everyday catcher last season — batting .268 with an OPS of .689 in 111 games. Quero is also going off this spring — .367 batting average and .920 OPS in nine games.

Venable has a couple of other options if he wants to start with three catchers.

Two choices to be Will Venable’s and the Chicago White Sox’s third catcher

Catcher Drew Romo | Non-roster invite |

Drew Romo, like Quero, is a switch-hitter and was claimed off waivers from the New York Mets in January. A former first-round (35th overall) draft pick of the Colorado Rockies, Romo has 19 big league games under his belt. In 15 games behind the plate in 2024, Romo had 21 defensive runs saved.

Romo has a great chance to be the White Sox’s third option at catcher, given his defensive skills and having a great spring. In 12 games, Romo is batting .385 with a 1.145 OPS, a double, a triple, and five RBI.

Catcher Michael Turner | Minor Leaguer and non-roster invite |

Michael Turner is a 27-year-old catcher from Warren, Ohio, and is a former ninth-round draft pick of the White Sox (2022). In four minor league seasons, Turner showed promise offensively, having a .262 career batting average and .730 OPS.

Turner was limited to 35 games in 2025 due to injuries, but batted .279 with a .720 OPS between Rookie ball and Double-A. Turner and Romo would need to get added to the White Sox 40-man roster, which is at capacity. 

The White Sox don’t necessarily need to carry three catchers to start the season

With Teel starting the season on the injured list, wasting a roster spot to carry three catchers doesn’t make too much sense. The smart move would be to add another pitcher, as injuries are a factor to begin the year.

Teel could likely be mid-April, missing the White Sox’s first 17 games. Teel could likely return during the White Sox series with the Tampa Bay Rays, or meet them in Sacramento (April 17-19) when they play the Athletics.

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Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner is one of the most underrated players in baseball and doesn’t work outside of his skill set to be great.

“I was really proud of last year throughout,” Hoerner said to Jordan Bastain of MLB.com earlier this spring. “During the season, I felt like I improved, while just being a good version of myself and embracing the things I do well.”

More News: Chicago Cubs breathe a sigh of relief after the Reds’ latest injury

Hoerner is an all-around player and came into this spring training hoping to build off his slugging from the second half.

“I slugged more in the second half,” Hoerner said. “But it didn’t come from swinging harder or doing stuff that’s outside of my skillset as it is. I just felt like I had a better understanding of how I was moving, and I’m excited to build on that.”

In seven seasons with the Cubs, Hoerner has a career slugging percentage of .384 and has 36 career home runs. Hoerner has shown to be more of a doubles (128), triples (15), and steals (131) player than a home run hitter.

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell noticed Nico Hoerner’s desire to be better

In three seasons as Hoerner’s manager, Craig Counsell has taken notice of Hoerner coming into spring training with new goals. Hoerner told Counsell this spring, “I want to hit for more power.”

“Just in the three years that I’ve been here,” Counsell said, “I’ve seen him come into spring with some different goals. And now I think he sits in a place where he understands himself better and how to achieve those goals. Instead of just saying, ‘I want to hit for more power,’ it’s more understanding how his body works around that goal.”

If Nico Hoerner can hit more than 10 home runs, that would be a win for the Cubs

Hoerner has hit seven home runs in back-to-back seasons and has two seasons (2020 and 2021) with zero home runs. The Cubs’ former first-round pick’s (24th overall) career high is 10 in 2022.

Already hitting over 30 doubles in a season (35 in 2024), developing more home run potential would benefit the Cubs. The Cubs ranked sixth in Major League Baseball in home runs in 2025 (223). Hoerner hitting at least 15 home runs next season would be a win for the Cubs.

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The Chicago Bears have continued to add before the new season starts on March 11 by bringing in more depth on defense.

More News: Chicago Bears sign former Detroit Lions wide receiver, 2x All-Pro, to reunite with Ben Johnson

According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, the Bears are finalizing a deal to bring in defensive end and former Atlanta Falcon, Kentavius Street. In two seasons with the Falcons, Street had three sacks, 20 solo tackles, and 36 total tackles in 20 games.

Street’s best season came in 2022 when he was with the New Orleans Saints, where he had 3.5 sacks in 17 games. Street has 10.5 sacks for his career.

The Bears also agreed to terms to bring in saftey Coby Bryant on a three-year ($40 million) contract to bolster their secondary.

Sources: The #Bears are signing veteran DE Kentavius Street.

Street has been with the Falcons since 2023 and brings 10.5 career sacks to Chicago. https://t.co/Vr1lYoAYtl pic.twitter.com/Ab7SEy8Yy7

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 10, 2026

The Chicago Bears are adding depth to their defensive front with Kentavius Street signing

Street won’t be a starter for the Bears on defense, but he’ll serve as a suitable backup. The Bears run a Base 4-3 Defense under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, while Street played under a Base 3-4 Defense while in Atlanta.

The Bears have defensive linemen Grady Jarrett, edge defenders Montez Sweat and Day Odeyingbo, and Gervon Dexter Sr. as the starters. Street and defensive lineman Neville Gallimore will come off the bench and plug when needed. The Bears had the fourth-worst in the NFL (29th, 361.8 yards).

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The Chicago Cubs won’t have an easy time winning the National League Central, but things became easier with Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene getting injured.

More News: Chicago Cubs roster cuts include MLB top pitching prospect

According to USA Today Baseball columnist Bob Nightengale, Greene will have arthroscopic surgery on Wednesday to remove bone chips and loose bodies in his right elbow. The surgery will keep the former first-round pick (second overall) out until July.

The former All-Star (2024) made one start this spring — allowing four earned runs on five hits and a walk — before getting shut down.

The Chicago Cubs can breathe a sigh of relief that Hunter Greene is out until July

The Cubs not having to face Greene will work in their favor, as the right-hander owned the Cubs’ in 2025. In two starts, Greene was 1-0 with a 1.38 ERA and struck out 11 in 13.0 innings. Greene also limited Cubs hitters to a .091 batting average (44 at-bats) and a .376 OPS.

The Reds will be one of the Cubs’ main rivals competing for the National League Central Division in 2026. The Milwaukee Brewers will try to retain the title. The Pittsburgh Pirates could also offer some competition after spending some money to build on their roster.

Not having Greene will hurt the Reds’ rotation and overall roster, but it should help the Cubs steal a few wins against them. The Cubs play the Reds four times (May 4 to May 7) before July.

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The Chicago Bears continued to add to their roster by agreeing to terms to bring back left tackle Braxton Jones. According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, the deal is worth a reported $10 million — $5 million in salary and $5 million in incentives.

More News: NFL: Former Chicago Bears QB agrees to sign with the Titans

A former fifth-round pick (168th overall) by the Bears in the 2022 NFL Draft, Jones has started 44 games in four seasons. Jones played in the fewest number of games (six) in 2025 after a couple of stints on the injured reserve list.

The Braxton Jones deal with the #Bears is 1-year, $5M with another $5M in incentives, per sources. https://t.co/xYCoeBomvt

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 9, 2026

The Chicago Bears continue to add to the offensive line

The Bears needed to add to their offensive line after center Drew Dalman suddenly retired at 27, leaving a massive void. Thankfully, the Bears acquired center Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots (in principle) for a 2027 fifth-round pick to replace Dalman.

The Bears have a decent offensive line to protect quarterback Caleb Williams, with left guard Joe Thuney, right guard Jonah Jackson, and right tackle Darnell Wright also returning. Protecting Williams is the top priority, as the third-year quarterback from the University of Southern California is emerging as a pillar of the team.

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The Tennessee Titans found their backup quarterback, agreeing to terms with former Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. According to NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo, the deal with Trubisky is a two-year contract.

More News: Chicago Bears agree to deal with potential Kevin Byard replacement

The Bears selected Trubisky with the second overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft out of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In four seasons with the Bears, Trubisky threw for 10,609 yards with 64 touchdowns and 37 interceptions, while making the Pro Bowl in 2018.

Trubisky also spent two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2022-23) and parts of three seasons with the Buffalo Bills (2021, 2024-25).

Mitchell Trubisky should offer the perfect backup for the Titans and Cam Ward

The Titans’ offense was terrible last season (31st, 259.6 yards), while quarterback Cam Ward tied Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith for the league lead in sacks (55). Under new head coach Robert Salah and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, things should be different.

Daboll was the offensive coordinator in Buffalo when Trubisky was the backup in 2021. Daboll also coached the New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (2,272 yards and 15 touchdowns). Under Daboll, Ward should have more success, with Trubisky offering a familiar option to turn to in case he needs another option.

Trubisky threw for 313 yards and four touchdowns in four games with the Bills last season.

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The Chicago White Sox have announced their Opening Day starter for the 2026 season, with right-hander Shane Smith getting the nod from manager Will Venable. Ironically, the start comes against his former team, the Milwuakee Brewers. 

More News: Chicago White Sox agree to terms on contracts with 31 players

Smith, 25, was the No. 1 overall pick in the Rule 5 Draft in the 2025 offseason and was the White Sox’s lone All-Star last season, going 7-8 with a 3.81 ERA in 29 starts. Right-hander Sean Burke was the White Sox Opening Day starter last season, pitching six scoreless innings of three-hit baseball, hitting one batter, striking out three, and earning the win.

On the bump for Opening Day pic.twitter.com/L8uRawDtjn

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) March 8, 2026

Shane Smith is the Chicago White Sox Ace, with manager Will Venable starting him on Opening Day

Even though he has one season under his belt, Smith is clearly the “Ace” of the White Sox starting staff, with a decent supporting cast surrounding him. Right-handers Erick Fedde, Davis Martin, and Burke will follow Smith in the rotation, with left-handers Anthony Kay and maybe Sean Newcomb offering left-handed options to round things out.

Smith’s struggles didn’t affect Venables decision to make him the Opening Day starter — having a 5.79 ERA, allowing four runs (three earned), two walks (two hit batters) in 4.2 innings. According to FanGraphs, they project Smith will go 7-8 with a 3.98 ERA and make 28 starts, and strike out 140 in 144.0 innings in 2026.

Being asked to be the ace in his second season in Major League Baseball is a lot of pressure to put on a former Rule 5 pick, but Smith and his calm demeanor appear to be up to the task.

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The Chicago Cubs have begun trimming their spring training roster to get ready for Opening Day, going from 62 players to 53.

More News: WBC: Chicago Cubs All-Star to start for USA against Great Britain

Of the names cut from the roster, infielders James Triantos and Pedro Ramirez got optioned to Triple-A Iowa (Triantos) and Double-A Knoixville (Ramirez), with right-hander and MLB No. 58 prospect Jaxon Wiggins getting returned to minor league camp.

Triantos had been performing well in camp — hitting .280 with a double, four RBI, and three stolen bases in 12 games. Ramirez had been doing enough to stay to compete for a spot on the big league roster — batting .368 with a home run, a double, six RBI, three walks, and four stolen bases in 11 games — but there’s no room for Triantos or Ramirez on the roster at the moment.

Today's roster moves presented by @NuveenInv: pic.twitter.com/JYwYTReKr8

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 8, 2026

Jaxon Wiggins still has work to do before he can join the Chicago Cubs rotation

Wiggins had the opposite spring training from Triantos and Ramierz, struggling in his two appearances — allowing five runs (all earned, 13.50 ERA) on six hits, walking one, and striking out five.

The former second-round pick (2023 MLB Draft) from the University of Arkansas performed well at High-A South Bend last season — 1-2 with a 1.71 ERA in six games (five starts, 26.1 innings) — and Double-A Knoxville — 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA in 10 starts (42.0 innings). However, Wiggins struggled in three starts at Triple-A Iowa, going 0-2 with a 4.66 ERA and walking six (striking out 14) in 9.2 innings.

Wiggin’s control has been his issue, having 72 walks in 137.2 innings between 2024 and 2025. In his grades as a pitcher — MLB uses a 20-80 scale for grading prospects’ tools, with 20 being the worst and 80 the best — Wiggins gets a 45 grade (below average) for his control.

Likely to start the season in the Iowa Cubs starting rotation, Wiggins working on his command is a must if he wants to get a call-up to the big league club this season.

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Chicago Cubs fans will get to see their All-Star center fielder, Pete Crow-Armstrong, get the start against Great Britain after Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton got hit by a pitch in his hand in the fifth inning with the bases loaded. The 2025 Gold Glove winner will bat ninth for manager Mark DeRosa.

More News: Chicago Cubs manager’s hilarious reaction to son playing in Diamondbacks game

Crow-Armstrong came in to replace Buxton for the rest of the game on Friday and went 0-2 with two groundouts, while drawing a bases-loaded walk in the ninth inning to score his teammate, third baseman Alex Bregman.

Tarik Skubal is on the mound for @USABaseball tonight

: 8pm ET on FOX pic.twitter.com/tshIsb3nym

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 7, 2026

Chicago Cubs Pete Crow-Armstrong has a chance to shine in his first World Baseball Classic start

Getting his feet wet playing on Friday in the US’s 15-5 drubbing of Brazil, Crow-Armstrong has a chance to put on a show against Great Britain, who are 0-1 after losing to Mexico (8-2) on Friday. Crow-Armstrong and the USA lineup will face 31-year-old right-hander Tyler Viza, who has no major league experience, but has a 43-63 record with a 4.40 ERA in 816.0 innings in nine minor league seasons.

In 148 games against right-handed pitching last season, Crow-Armstrong batted .271 with an OPS of .838 and hit 24 of his 31 home runs off right-handers. Against left-handers, Crow-Armstrong was not great, batting .188 with an OPS of .593 in 109 games.

Crow-Armstrong can likely expect to play the whole game against Great Britain, with DeRosa likely to proceed with caution after Buxton got hit. If Buxton is good to play, he could likely come in as a late-inning switch if Great Britain brings in a left-hander to face Crow-Armstrong.

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The Chicago White Sox on Friday agreed to terms with 31 out of 32 of its pre-arbitration players, with infielder Miguel Vargas’ contract getting renewed for 2026, according to a press release.

More News: Chicago White Sox: 3 players vying to be the third baseman

Vargas put together a great second half last season — batting .267 with a .790 OPS post-All-Star Break — and will look to be the White Sox’s starting third baseman come Opening Day, or a platoon bat with first baseman/designated hitter Munetaka Murakami if he can’t hit left-handers.

Other notable Chicago White Sox players to have contracts for the 2026 season

Of the pitchers who agreed to terms to pitch for the White Sox in 2026, we’re right-handers Shane Smith — the White Sox’s only All-Star in 2026 — Davis Martin, and Sean Burke, who will all be a part of Will Venable’s starting rotation. Right-handed relievers Grant Taylor and Mike Vasil also got contracts and will be options for Venable to use in the backend of his bullpen.

All three of the White Sox’s potential catchers for this season, Kyle Teel, Edgar Quero, and Korey Lee, were also given contracts. Teel and Quero split the catching duties last season, while Lee spent most of the season at Triple-A, but Venable could tryout a three-catcher mix to start the season.

Infielders Chase Meidroth, Colson Montgomery, Curtis Mead, and Brooks Baldwin will all be back as well. Montgomery and Meidroth will occupy shortstop and second base, with Baldwin offering versatility playing both infield and outfield. Mead will be in the running with Vargas to start at third base or platoon at first base.

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After the Chicago Bears found out that center Drew Dalman would be retiring after five seasons at 27, the Bears needed to find someone to replace him.

More News: Chicago Bears: Potential Maxx Crosby trade update revealed

The Bears have options available on the free agent market when the new season opens on March 11 at 4 p.m. Eastern, but will be down one potential suitor, with center Tyler Biadasz agreeing to terms with the Los Angeles Chargers on a three-year contract worth $30 million, according to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport. The Washington Commanders released Biadasz to free up $8.3 million in cap space.

The Chicago Bears will need to look elsewhere to find their next center

Despite Biadasz appearing to be off the table, the Bears have other options available to sign. Free agent centers Connor McGovern of the Buffalo Bills (previous salary $7.45 million, seven years pro), Graham Glasgow of the Detroit Lions ($6.66 million, 10 years pro), and Ethan Pocic of the Cleveland Browns ($6 million, nine years pro) would offer suitable veteran replacements.

Center Ryan Bates would also offer a familiar option, as he spent the past two seasons with the Bears and played 16 games on the offensive line last season.

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The Chicago White Sox have many young players vying for a spot to make the Opening Day roster, with only a handful of positions open.

More News: Chicago White Sox reliever makes bold bullpen prediction

Third base is one position available, with three players competing to be the everyday player for manager Will Venable.

Three Chicago White Sox infielders are vying to be the everyday third baseman

Infielders Curtis Mead, Miguel Vargas, and Sam Antonacci (White Sox No. nine prospect) are competing to be the everyday third baseman, and all three have stood out this spring for the White Sox — Antonacci (Italy) and Mead (Australia) left camp to play in the World Baseball Classic.

Infielder Sam Antonacci |

Antonacci has been raking at the plate this spring, batting .308 with a 1.346 OPS and two home runs in six games. Antonacci got an RBI in Italy’s 9-4 win over the Chicago Cubs on March 3.

A combination of contact, power, and speed, Antonacci is giving Venable something to think about, with the 23-year-old being a non-roster invite to camp.

Infielder Miguel Vargas |

Vargas struggled before the All-Star break last season, batting .218 with an OPS of .680 in 93 games, but turned things around post-All-Star break, batting .267 with a .790 OPS. Having made the necessary changes to show he’s worth starting at third base and batting .409 with two doubles and two RBI in eight games this spring, Vargas could likely get the first crack to start at the hot corner.

Infielder Curtis Mead |

Mead got traded over to the White Sox from the Tampa Bay Rays in the deal that sent right-hander Adrian Houser over. Mead has also been productive at the plate in four games this spring, batting .308 with a home run and three RBI. Playing for Australia in the World Baseball Classic, Mead went 2-4 with a pair of singles in his first game against Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) and started at third base.

His production during the World Baseball Classic and the rest of spring should help his chances of being an option to start over Vargas.

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The Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks will meet up for another spring training matchup, which will have a fun little twist to it, with Craig Counsell’s son Brady on the Diamondbacks gameday roster.

More News: Report: Baltimore Orioles reliever possibly to start season on the IL

According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, Brady will have his first professional at-bat today after being a 10th-round draft pick of the Diamondbacks in 2025, and got the scoop on his dad, telling his mom of the news before him. Counsell said to Rogers about seeing his son’s first professional at-bat on Thursday, “I’ll close my eyes and watch the video later.”

Brady Counsell could be a solid prospect for the Arizona Diamondbacks

Counsell (Brady) did not appear in the minor leagues after getting drafted last season and did not compete in the Arizona Fall League. In four seasons in college, Counsell batted .255 with a .786 OPS and 28 home runs in 196 games.

Counsell spent his final season in college with the Kansas Jayhawks (University of Kansas), and had a down year from the season prior with the Minnesota Golden Gophers (.287 average, .905 OPS) — batting .259 with an OPS of .851 and 12 home runs. Counsell will likely start his season in the lower levels of the minor leagues to help continue his development.

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The Baltimore Orioles had one of the worst bullpens in Major League Baseball last season (25th, 4.57 ERA), added right-handers Ryan Helsley and former Chicago Cubs reliever Andrew Kittredge to give things a boost.

More News: Chicago Cubs MiLB Gold Glove winner competes for a roster spot

Sadly for the Orioles, Kittredge won’t be a factor for them to start the season, with Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reporting that the soon-to-be 36-year-old (March 17) Kittredge will likely start the season on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation.

Kittredge has pitched in one game this spring and allowed three runs (two earned) in a third of an inning.

Kittredge was with the Orioles and the Cubs last season, having a 4-3 record with a 3.40 ERA in 54 games. 2025 marked the fifth straight season Kittredge had an ERA under 3.50.

The Chicago Cubs lucked out in not retaining Andrew Kittredge for the 2026 season

The Cubs could have brought Kittredge back to be a part of their revamped bullpen, as he had a $9 million club option, which the Orioles picked up upon trading for him. Kittredge had knee surgery to begin last season, which forced him to miss Opening Day and debut on May 21.

Kittredge’s absence means others on the fringes of the Orioles roster will get chances to see if they can fill a late-inning role that Kittredge would’ve occupied.

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Chicago White Sox reliever Grant Taylor got his feet wet in the big leagues last season, pitching out of a shaky bullpen (dead last in saves, 25), and he believes things will be better in 2026.

More News: Chicago White Sox infield prospect may force his way onto the team

“I think we can be one of the best bullpens in the game,” Taylor said to Elijah Evans of Just Baseball Media. “I’d say we’re close to that just purely based on stuff.”

In 36.2 innings pitching out of the bullpen, Taylor had a 2-4 record with a 4.91 ERA, with six saves and striking out 54. Taylor should be an important member of manager Will Venabale’s bullpen, which will feature some new faces.

The Chicago White Sox’s new faces in the bullpen should help Grant Taylor’s prediction come true

Taylor is one of a handful of arms returning to occupy a spot in the bullpen, with right-handers Mike Vasil and Jordan Leasure — the White Sox leader in saves last season with seven — also returning. Right-handers Seranthony Dominguuez — free agent signing for two years, $20 million — and Jordan Hicks — traded over from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for right-hander Gage Ziehl and a player to be named later — were brought in to offer some experienced arms.

Dominguez will likely get the first crack at being Venable’s closer, with 40 career saves under his belt, but Taylor or Hicks (35 career saves) could also see time in the ninth inning.

Others like left-handers Tyler Gilbert, Brandon Eisert, and Sean Newcomb (who could also be in the starting rotation), and right-handed Wikelman Gonzalez, will offer suitable depth pieces to fill things out.

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Tyler Reddick and 23XI Racing are riding high after winning the first three races of the NASCAR Cup Series season. Reddick became the first driver in NASCAR’s history to win the first three races of a season, including the Daytona 500 — 23XI Racing became the first team to win the first three races since Petty Enterprises in 1963.

More News: NASCAR: Tyler Reddick and 23XI Racing make history in Austin

Winning the DuraMax Texas Grand Prix didn’t come easy, as the No. 97 car of Trackhouse Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen gave Reddick a run for his money, Reddick, used the pressure from Gisbergen to his advantage to help him win the race.

“I think for me in the heat of the battle, it’s like, ‘alright, I’ve got to find a way to hold off Shane,’ ” Reddick said to Cameron Richardson of NASCAR.com. “As I started to pull away, certainly, it’s like, ‘alright, there’s a lot on the line here.’ Hit your marks. Don’t be a hero. You don’t have to win by eight seconds. So important to just not make mistakes. Shane could have been playing games, right? Like back off a bit, see if I burn my stuff up, and I back up to him at the end of the race. I just didn’t let myself think it was over until it was truly over. So certainly used the pressure of what’s on the line to motivate myself to hit my marks and close it out.”

Reddick has a commanding lead in the standings, totaling 186 points, and has led 112 laps. Reddick’s teammate, Bubba Wallace (23 car), sits in a distant second with 116 points and led 86 laps with two top 10 finishes.

23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin thinks Tyler Reddick is “complete” but has some work to do

Reddick’s boss and competitor on the track for Joe Gibbs Racing in the No. 11 car, Denny Hamlin, has been impressed with Reddick’s talents, calling him “complete.” However, Hamlin says that he and Reddick are still working with him on short tracks.

“He’s complete,” Hamlin said to Richardson. “I mean, the one area that we continue to work on with him is the short tracks. I think that’s where he can still improve a little bit, but we’re working pretty hard on improving him at those types of tracks. But he’s complete and certainly more complete than I am at this stage. He’s got really good things going on. I think we’re steadily seeing him continue to get better. What I love to see is that the work he puts in and things that we provide him for information, he’s soaking it all in and he’s using it and executing it. What I’ve seen out of him over the last few years, where he had some weaknesses, our team has helped him shore those up, and it’s amazing to see how well he’s doing.”

On short tracks (under a mile) like Martinsville Speedway, Reddick finished in 15th place last season and finished in 18th place at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Tyler Reddick and 23XI Racing seem to be legit competitors to win it all

After winning their lawsuit against NASCAR in the offseason, 23XI Racing is a viable competitor to teams like Joe Gibbs Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, and Team Penske. No. 9 Chase Elliott (Hendrick, 114 points) and No. 12 Ryan Blaney (Penske, 100 points) are the only drivers over 100 points from the major teams, but have a ton of ground to make up to catch Reddick.

Reddick will try to replicate his victory in Austin and try to win four in a row in Phoenix for the Straight Talk Wireless 500 on March 8 at Phoenix Raceway.

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The Chicago White Sox have a great young core and prospects developing to add to it, with one prospect, infielder Sam Antonacci (White Sox 11th prospect), who may force his way onto the Opening Day roster.

More News: MLB: Bruce Meyer continues to prepare for a potential 2027 lockout

Antonacci is a local product, hailing from Springfield, Illinois, and the White Sox drafted him in the fifth round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Coastal Carolina University.

Sam Antonacci may force the Chicago White Sox’s hand to add him to the Opening Day roster

Antonacci has the knack for the ball to find him, and not in the field, but as a target when at the plate, getting hit by a pitch 39 times in 2025 and walking 69 times. Having a great ability to get on base (.439 career on-base percentage), Antonacci showcased his hitting skills, batting .291, and his speed, swiping 48 bases (getting caught 10 times).

Antonacci has brought those talents into White Sox camp this spring, batting .308 with two home runs and three RBI, while stealing three bases (hasn’t been caught), walking three times, and hit by a pitch twice. The 23-year-old recently left camp to join Team Italy along with his teammate, catcher Kyle Teel, to play in the World Baseball Classic (WBC). The WBC will take place from March 5 to 17, and will be in Japan, the United States, and Puerto Rico.

Depending on how well Antonacci does during the World Baseball Classic, where he’ll see some major-league-caliber arms, and the rest of spring training, he could force the White Sox to add him to the 26-man roster. With the White Sox needing a starting third baseman, Antonacci could work his way into a platoon role with third baseman Miguel Vargas, who showed some signs of growth at the plate last season.

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The Chicago Cubs are trying to get infielder Matt Shaw to become a super utility player, as he has no starting role, but have another viable option in Pedro Ramirez waiting in the wings.

More News: MLB: Bruce Meyer continues to prepare for a potential 2027 lockout

A former international free agent signing with the Cubs in 2021, Ramirez won a Gold Glove in the minor leagues last season, which is no easy feat.

“They told me that winning a Gold Glove in the Minor Leagues was difficult, so I wanted to take that challenge, and I wanted to show that I could play that position,” he said to Patrick Brown of MLB.com. “I put in the work, and I just wanted to challenge myself every single day.

“Then, I went out there to work and just showcase that.”

So far this spring, Ramirez has hit .364 with three steals (caught once) and driven in two RBI in eight games.

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell wants Pedro Ramirez to expand his versatility

Ramirez is a primary infielder, playing second base, third base, and shortstop, but has also played four games in left field. The Cubs have a set infield, with Alex Bregman at third base, Dansby Swanson at shortstop, and Nico Hoerner at second base. Manager Craig Counsell would like Ramirez to “expand a little bit of his value defensively” if he’s to have a role on the Cubs.

“I think we’re trying to expand a little bit of his value defensively, because I think as you break into the big leagues, sometimes you’re not just going to be handed a position,” Counsell said to Brown. “You’re probably going to have to move around, and where the opportunity happens is where you get to play, but the fact that he’s got that attached to him means he should be able to handle new positions.”

Ramirez would be competing with infielder Matt Shaw, who will likely be Counsell’s utility man off the bench. Ramirez has done slightly better than Shaw at the plate, with Shaw hitting .308 with two stolen bases (has not been caught), and has one RBI in six games.

Pedro Ramirez will really need to open Craig Counsell’s eyes to make the Opening Day roster

It’s not out of the question that Ramirez could make the Cubs Opening Day roster, but it doesn’t seem likely barring an absolute standout performance this spring. Added to the 40-man roster this offseason to avoid him getting plucked in the Rule 5 Draft, the Cubs would have to use a minor league option on him if he doesn’t make the 26-man roster.

Shaw should get the chance to prove himself to start the season, with Ramirez likely to get a call-up at some point this season due to a potential injury or performance. Starting spring training strong at the plate and being solid defensively, Ramirez could force his way onto the Opening Day roster.

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23XI Racing came into the DuraMax Texas Grand Prix winners of two straight races to begin the NASCAR Cup Series season. They can add a third win to their resume, with Tyler Reddick (45 car) winning his third straight race to start the season, something no other driver in the history of the NASCAR Cup Series.

More News: Tyler Reddick discusses viral Michael Jordan video post-Daytona 500 win

Reddick’s two wins include the season opener at the Daytona 500, which he won on a chaotic final lap.

23XI Racing and Tyler Reddick ran another impeccable race

Ross Chastain (1 car) of Trackhouse Racing won Stage 1 to add to his total points in the standings (61). 23XI Racing did well to stay in the top 20 for Stage 1, with Bubba Wallace (23 car) finishing in 11th place (missing the points), while his teammates, Reddick and Riley Herbst (35 car) finished in 19th and 16th place respectively to complete Stage 1.

Reddick would bounce back in Stage 2 to lead the first 23 of 25 laps, with 23XI deciding to pit Reddick before the close of Stage 2, ceding the Stage points to Ty Gibbs. Reddick would finish in the points (fifth), collecting five more points to add to his total. Wallace and Herbst did well in Stage 2, with Wallace jumping up to sixth place (six points) behind Reddick, and Herbst finishing in 11th place (just outside the points) to collect 11 points for 23XI Racing.

Reddick and Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney (12 car) were the leaders once again for the final Stage, with Reddick edging the former Cup Series champion (2023) for the lead as they came around the first corner. Blaney and Trackhouse Racing Shane Van Gisbergan (88 car) proved to be Reddick’s biggest competitor in the race, managing to maintain the same pace as the 45 car.

Reddick and Blaney would both choose to pit with 26 laps to go, with Reddick barely eking out Blaney exiting pit road. Ultimately, 23XI Racing’s strategy and timing on when to pit proved to be what won Reddick his third straight race (total.

Wallace would finish the race in 11th place, and Herbst in 23rd place.

23XI Racing and Tyler Reddick look to win four straight at the Straight Talk Wireless 500

After winning in Austin, Reddick and 23XI Racing turn their sights on the Straight Talk Wireless 500, taking place on Sunday, March 8.

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News for the 2027 season for the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, and the other 28 baseball organizations continues to look bleak as the new executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), Bruce Meyer, makes his rounds during spring training.

More News: MLB: St. Louis Cardinals entrust Oliver Marmol to continue leading the way

On Sunday, Meyer met with the Detroit Tigers and continued to prepare players for a potential lockout in 2027.

“The league has pretty much already said there’s going to be a lockout,” Meyer said to the Tigers. “I think the commissioner (Rob Manfred) more or less guaranteed it. I would be shocked if they didn’t do a lockout when the agreement expires. Having said that, as I’ve said in the past many times, we’ll start negotiating not long after Opening Day, and we’ll be ready to meet wherever and whenever and bargain in good faith. If there’s a way to avoid it and get a fair deal for the players, we’re always looking to do that. I think the expectations of a lockout upon the expiration of this agreement are very high — almost guaranteed.”

Bruce Meyer said a salary cap would be bad for players

“Our position, both historically and now, is pretty clear. This union, and every executive director of this union, has always been of the view that it’s bad for players, and for that reason, historically, we’ve been opposed to it. I don’t see any reason to change our view on that subject. It’s a subject I can and have gotten into at great length, but at the end of the day, the owners want it — not because it’s good for players, but it’s good for them. That’s always been the position of this union. We have a legal duty to consider anything they propose, and whatever they propose, we will evaluate it and report to our players. The fundamental nature of a salary cap is bad for players on multiple levels, so that’s always been our view.”

Owners — in particular in smaller TV markets — pushed the idea of a salary cap, which is a sticking point for players. An idea of a $280 million cap was out there, which would cause five major league organizations to shed payroll to meet the cap: the Los Angeles Dodgers ($381.6 million), the New York Mets ($368.7 million), the New York Yankees ($329.6 million), the Philadelphia Phillies ($311.2 million), and the Toronto Blue Jays ($300.3 million.

The Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox would not be affected by a salary cap either way

Neither the Cubs nor the White Sox would benefit from a salary cap, as the Cubs enter 2026 with a payroll of $240.9 million, and the White Sox $101.5 million. However, the White Sox would be affected by a floor, which always comes with a cap, with a proposed floor of $140-$160 million.

The Cubs and White Sox spent big this winter, with the Cubs breaking open the checkbook for All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman (five-year, $175 million) and the White Sox signing Japanese slugger first baseman/designated hitter Munetaka Murakami (two-year, $34 million). But the White Sox would need to give out at least two contract extensions or sign one major free agent to meet the floor requirement if there were a salary cap.

The two sides (MLBPA and MLB) can reach an agreement before the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expires on Dec. 1, 2026.

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The St. Louis Cardinals are in a rebuilding phase and have entrusted manager Oliver Marmol to guide them through it. According to the Cardinals X account, Marmol will be around for at least three more seasons, with the sides finalizing a two-year deal to keep Marmol as manager for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, with a club option for 2029.

More news: Pete Crow-Armstrong doubles down on strong comments about Dodgers

In four seasons as the Cardinals manager, Marmol has a record of 325 wins and 323 losses while making the playoffs once, losing to the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Wild Card round (2-0) in 2022. The Cardinals were able to trade third baseman Nolan Arenado after trying to find a suitor last offseason, trading him and $31 million (to pay down his contract) to the Arizona Diamondbacks for right-hander Jack Martinez. 

Oliver Marmol and the St. Louis Cardinals won’t meet the Chicago Cubs for a while

Marmol and the Cardinals will have a long while to wait before they play the Chicago Cubs, not meeting their divisional rival until the end of May. Two of the three games played by the Cardinals and the Cubs (May 29 to 31) will be on national TV, FOX (May 30), and NBC Peacock (May 31).

The Cubs and Cardinals meet 10 more times after May, with two more of those appearances coming on FOX (July 4) and NBC Peacock (July 5). Another matchup between the two National League Central rivals will be on Aug. 16, on MLB.TV.

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Chicago Cubs All-Star centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong made some inflammatory comments regarding Los Angeles Dodgers fans in an interview with Wayne Drehs of Chicago Magazine, calling them not “baseball fans.”

More News: Chicago Cubs infielder explains withdrawal from WBC

“I love Chicago more and more,” Crow-Armstrong says. “The people are great. They aren’t just baseball fans who go to the game like Dodgers fans to take pictures and whatever. They care.”

Crow-Armstrong grew up in Los Angeles, but his dad was a Cubs fan, doubled down his comments about Dodger fans in an interview on the “Foul Territory” Podcast.

“I didn’t really get a chance to back that statement up with that has nothing to do with Doc, that has nothing to do with Shohei, any of the players over there,” Crow-Armstrong said on the “Foul Territory” Podcast. “I love Mookie Betts; I look up to him like crazy. Freddie has only ever been great to me. If anything, those are the guys that have given those fans a reason to be fans. I grew up going to Dodgers games when they weren’t always good, when they had Mannywood pop up, but they (the fans) go in phases. All fans fight and stuff, but I remember putting the Giants fan in a coma. That stuck with me as a kid. Just little things. Sitting in the stands, just nasty stuff goes on. I didn’t always experience that at other ballparks. But like I said, that has nothing to do with who is on the field for them. I love playing against them, and I love what they’re doing right now, because they’re creating a dynasty, but I want to take them down too.”

An All-Star in 2025 because of his great first half, hitting .265 with an OPS of .846 and 25 home runs in the first 95 games, he failed to remain hot post All-Star break — hitting .216 with a .634 OPS and six home runs in the next 62 games.

Pete Crow-Armstrong and the Chicago Cubs won’t have to wait long to face the Dodgers

Crow-Armstrong won’t have to wait long for his comments to come back and bite him, as the Cubs will travel to Los Angeles for a three-game series from April 24-26. The only other time in 2026 the Cubs will play the Dodgers is in August, from Aug. 3 to Aug. 5 in Chicago.

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The World Baseball Classic is less than a week away, beginning March 5-17, and Chicago Cubs infielder, first baseman Jonathon Long, will not be attending due to a left elbow sprain.

More News: Chicago Cubs All-Star gives valuable insight on White Sox slugger

Long, 24, is competing to win a spot on the Cubs Opening Day roster, and decided not to attend the World Baseball Classic was the best thing for his future. 

“You’ve got to look at it like, what’s the best long-term solution?” Long told Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times. “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.”

Long was one of the best-hitting prospects in the Cubs organization, batting .305 with an OPS of .883 and 20 home runs in 140 games with the Iowa Cubs. Long also showed his ability to get on base (.404) and walked 79 times in 514 at-bats. Long was going to represent Team Chinese-Taipei (Taiwan) in the World Baseball Classic. 

Jonathon Long is making the smart decision to improve his chances of making the Chicago Cubs

Despite the injury setback, Long has a great chance to make the Cubs as a bench bat, as his main competition, first baseman Tyler Austin, had surgery on his right knee and could miss “months.” Long also plays third base and left field, offering manager Craig Counsell some versatility to give starting third baseman Alex Bregman and left fielder Ian Happ days off.

Catchers Miguel Amaya and Moises Ballesteros will also get some work over at first, with Long having the edge as the Cubs need a right-handed power bat.

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The Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox have the most Japanese talent outside of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

More News: Colson Montgomery reflects on his 2025 season with the Chicago White Sox

The Cubs have left-hander Shota Imanaga and right-fielder/designated hitter Seiya Suzuki on their roster, while the White Sox recently signed Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami (two years, $34 million). Imanaga, who accepted the qualifying offer ($22.025 million) to return to the Cubs, gave some insight into what type of hitter Murakami will be, while also providing a scouting report for the Toronto Blue Jays’ offseason signing, third baseman Kazuma Okamoto (four years, $60 million).

“So I wouldn’t say, you know, they’re underrating them [Murakami and Okamoto]. I think, you know, with MLB, there’s going to be a lot of changes that are going to happen,” Imanaga said on the “Foul Territory” podcast. “So I think there are factors of that involved. And then regarding, you know, the players like, I mean, they’re superstars in Japan, and they’re fantastic players, and Murakami and Okamoto. I mean, they’ve hit many home runs off of me. So I think in their contract, I mean, you know, some of the home runs they hit off me was it were in there. So I would factor that in.”

Imanaga played and faced Murakami and Okamoto during his time in the NPB, where he spent eight seasons.

The Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox have shown they’re destinations for Japanese talent

Since the Dodgers seemingly have a stranglehold on the Japanese market — signing the likes of two-way star and reigning National League MVP Shohei Ohtani, and right-handers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki — Chicago quickly became a nice alternative. Former Japanese great right-hander Koji Uehara, outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, and current San Diego Padres right-hander Yu Darvish played in Chicago.

Imanaga and Suzuki are both free agents after this season, and their futures with the Cubs and in Chicago remain uncertain. As for Murakami, even though he signed a two-year deal, general manager Chris Getz could capitalize on his production and trade him at the deadline for players to contribute to the rebuild.

With a pool of Japanese talent increasingly available, and the World Baseball Classic offering a perfect opportunity for others to showcase their talents, the Cubs and White Sox have a good chance to get first cracks at signing these players.

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Chicago Cubs All-Star Pete Crow-Armstrong is one of the best young players in baseball and isn’t afraid to speak his mind. In a recent profile with Wayne Drehs of Chicago Magazine, the 23-year-old took some shots at the Los Angeles Dodgers and their fans, saying that the people of Chicago are better “baseball fans.”

More News: Report: Chicago Cubs add outfield depth by signing former All-Star

“I love Chicago more and more,” Crow-Armstrong says. “The people are great. They aren’t just baseball fans who go to the game like Dodgers fans to take pictures and whatever. They care.”

Growing up in Los Angeles, Crow-Armstrong’s father was a Cubs fan. The Cubs didn’t draft Crow-Armstrong — the New York Mets did in the first round (19th overall) in the 2020 MLB Draft, and got traded to the Cubs in the deal that sent infielder Javier Baez and right-hander Trevor Williams to the Mets in 2021.

Pete Crow-Armstrong will get his chance to face the Dodgers early

Crow-Armstrong hit .247 with a .768 OPS and hit 31 home runs in 157 games last season. He also set career highs in RBI (95) and steals (35), but struck out too much (155). One of the focal points of the Cubs’ offense, Crow-Armstrong needs to have a great overall season, not just a great first half, for the Cubs to be successful.

Crow-Armstrong won’t have to wait long for his comments to come back and bite him, as the Cubs will travel to Los Angeles for a three-game series from April 24-26. The only other time in 2026 the Cubs will play the Dodgers is in August, from Aug. 3 to Aug. 5 in Chicago.

The goal of every team in the National League this season is to end the Dodgers’ reign as World Champions, and Crow-Armstrong’s comments will help fan the flames of the Cubs-Dodgers rivalry for this season.

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Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery emerged as a future star for the team last season after getting called up and putting together a solid second half.

More News: Chris Getz has confidence in the Chicago White Sox’s future

Reflecting on the struggles he faced to start the 2025 season, Montgomery is confident he’ll do well this year after struggling to start 2025.

“It felt good, especially just where things kind of started, you know, coming into camp, you know, battling for position on the team, and for that to not happen you know, it could definitely get you discouraged, and, you know, your confidence low, and everything like that,” Montgomery said to MLB Network Radio on his 2025 season. “And so I just knew that, you know, there’s certain timings for things. And went to Triple-A, and was still kind of sulking about it, and, you know, that kind of went into not really playing very good in Triple-A. So definitely had to put a lot of ego aside and kind of just get back on track of just being one day at a time, one at bat at a time.”

“So then, you know, a lot of the White Sox, they definitely helped out with a lot of that stuff, you know, just kind of tell me how much they still believe in believe in me and things like that. And at the end of the day, I just felt like things started just aligned pretty good for me, you know, routines and preparation, everything was really good so and then everyone always asked me, like, what changed? And I don’t really feel like anything changed. I just felt like, you know, my confidence was at a high, and I just felt like I knew going into each day that I was gonna give everything I had, and I think that’s why it resulted in a pretty good second half.”

"I had to put a lot of ego aside and get back on track with being one at-bat at a time."

After a successful second half of his MLB debut, shortstop Colson Montgomery is feeling a new wave of confidence this camp:#WhiteSox | @whitesox
https://t.co/WG5zyiVTKm pic.twitter.com/x9lKv8hEOi

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) February 23, 2026

Colson Montgomery has the runway he needs to continue to grow with the Chicago White Sox

During his time at Triple-A last season, Montgomery hit .218 with an OPS of .733 and 11 home runs, while driving in 30 RBI in 216 at-bats. Montgomery’s struggles while in the minors became so profound that he took some time to work with the White Sox director of hitting, Ryan Fuller, who helped turn Montgomery’s swing around. Once he got called up after working with Fuller, Montgomery batted .239 with an OPS of .840 and was second on the team in home runs (21) in 71 games.

Montgomery’s success in the second half of last season should slot in the top four of manager Will Venable’s lineup, with first baseman/designated hitter Munetaka Murakami (246 career home runs, NPB) and second baseman Lenyn Sosa (team leader in home runs, 22) providing him protection.

This protection could help bring up Montgomery’s power numbers, as he’ll see more pitches to hit. However, he’ll need to cut down on his strikeouts, striking out 83 times in 255 at-bats (284 plate appearances).

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The Chicago White Sox will be a team to watch this season, improving in 2025 (60-102) after setting the all-time loss record in 2024 (41-121).

More News: Chris Getz has confidence in the Chicago White Sox’s future

The White Sox and general manager Chris Getz did well to supplement the roster, and it will be on manager Will Venable to get the most out of his players. In his second year as the White Sox skipper, Venable is excited about establishing a new team identity with the players he has, but emphasizing that they’ll need to remember to do the little things to win games.

“It’s been exciting, you know, one we were all just excited to get back together after a long offseason,” Venable said on MLB Network Radio. “These guys did a great job being connected during the offseason and going about their offseason the right way. Our staff did a great job continuing to help them develop. And yes, we’re just excited to be here, and this is extremely competitive group that’s just itching to get going.

Obviously, wins and losses matter, and they’re going to matter every year. But for us, it’s going to be at the process. And really, like we have identified these things, you know, up front that we want these guys to create habits around. You know, the first step on defense, you know, the first step out of the box, simple things like covering first base, you know, things that you have to do to win games, knowing that there’s more layers to it, and these guys will figure the rest out. But That for me is, you know, as we experienced 2025 towards the end of the year, that’s what we were pounding our fist on the table for. We imagine that it’s going to be more of the same, but hopefully we just get a couple more wins.”

After an 102-loss season, the #WhiteSox are looking ahead to establishing a new team identity within the clubhouse:#SpringTrainingTour
https://t.co/WG5zyiVTKm pic.twitter.com/D44WDRZefd

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) February 23, 2026

The Chicago White Sox have a chance to make some noise in the American League Central

The White Sox’s offseason moves, which include signing Japanese Slugger Munetaka Murakami to a two-year deal ($34 million), offer more power (246 home runs in the NPB) to a team that finished 23rd (165) in the league last season. Second baseman Lenyn Sosa (22) and shortstop Colson Montgomery (21) were the team leaders in home runs last season, with Sosa almost tripling his home run total from 2025 (eight).

The White Sox, with its lineup, could make waves in the American League Central in 2026, but the starting rotation will need to step up. The White Sox finished dead last in innings pitched last season (758.2).

With right-hander and the White Sox’s lone All-Star, Shane Smith, likely leading the rotation, right-handers Davis Martin, Erick Fedde, Sean Burke, and left-handers Anthony Kay and Sean Newcomb will fill out the rest of the spots. White Sox top pitching prospect Noah Schultz (MLB No. 49 prospect) could potentially debut this season to offer another arm in the rotation, but that will depend on his success in the minor leagues.

With talent surrounding the roster and the potential to add more through call-ups and trades, the White Sox could make some noise next season.

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The Chicago Cubs continued to add depth to the roster on Sunday, finalizing a deal to sign free agent outfielder and former All-Star (2017) Michael Conforto, according to New York Post columnist Jon Heyman. The deal is a minor league deal, according to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. 

More News: Can the Cubs comfortably declare an ace of the staff?

Conforto, who will turn 33 on March 1, played with the reigning World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in 2025, batting .199 with an OPS of .637 and 12 home runs in 138 games. A veteran of 10 seasons, Conforto previously played with the San Francisco Giants (2023-24) and the New York Mets (2015-21), where he had the most success of his career.

Breaking: Michael Conforto to Cubs

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 23, 2026

Michael Conforto will give Craig Counsell and the Chicago Cubs a decent left-handed power bat

Conforto has seen a steady decline in his production over the last few seasons due to a chronic right shoulder injury, which caused him to miss the entire 2022 season. A former 30+ home run hitter could give the Cubs at least 20 home runs, doing so with the Giants in 2024.

Conforto will join an outfield rotation of left-fielder and Gold Glove winner Ian Happ, All-Star centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, outfielder/designated hitter Seiya Suzuki, and potentially Matt Shaw. Outfielders Kevin Alcantara and Justin Dean will also offer depth options in case of injury.

Unlikely to play 138 games as he did with the Dodgers (though it’s a possibility), Conforto will offer manager Craig Counsell a decent left-handed power bat to use off the bench, or platoon at either DH when Suzuki is in the field — Suzuki has taken some reps in centerfield and primarily plays right field — or play right field.

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The Chicago White Sox have had one of the best offseasons to position themselves to at least try to make a playoff push, if all goes well.

More News: Chicago White Sox All-Star SP perfect response to potential Opening Day start

General manager Chris Getz showed a willingness to add to the young core the White Sox have formed, and feels the team enters 2026 in a good position, with the players they have.

“The best way to kind of summarize it where we were a year ago, and I was talking to Will Venable, looking out on the field, and we didn’t know who was going to be playing shortstop coming into this year, and we know who that person is,” Getz said to MLB Network Radio. “We’ve got two young catchers, and Kyle Teel, Edgar Quero, we got Miguel Vargas, who, initially, when he came over in trade [with the Los Angeles Dodgers], had his struggles, and, you know, made a lot, you know, leaps and bounds of a better season last year, you had a Murakami to the mix. Now, you look at our the depth of our starting pitching, our bullpen, just will and the coaching staff, you know, the front office, you know, the first couple years you’re forming, you’re developing, you’re growing up together and and now to go into year three, year two. For Will Venable, we feel really good about, you know, what this where this club is, and the direction it’s headed.”

“We feel really good about where this club is heading.”

After three straight 100 loss seasons GM Chris Getz and the #WhiteSox are excited about the direction of the team.

 https://t.co/WG5zyiWrzU pic.twitter.com/Oc9n28moTw

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) February 23, 2026

The Chicago White Sox need to prove that there is an end goal to this rebuild

In year three of the rebuild, the White Sox need to start showing their fans and the American League that they’re going to give their counterparts a run for their money. Two seasons removed from setting the all-time loss record in 2024 (41-121), the White Sox losing over 100+ games for a fourth straight season could happen. But it doesn’t seem likely, given the 19 wins added last season (going from 41 to 60).

Players like shortstop Colson Montgomery and starter right-hander Shane Smith (All-Star in 2025) need to take major steps forward in their development, as they’re cornerstones to the franchise and critical to the rebuild. Others, like infielders Chase Meidroth and Lenyn Sosa, catchers Teel and Quero, and first baseman/designated hitter Murakami, provide a great supporting cast.

The White Sox could win 60-70 games in 2026, according to some models, but will need to show that this is the core that could make a run at a World Series. 

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Entering the fourth year of a rebuild and setting the record for the most losses in a season in 2024 (41-121), the Chicago White Sox should be a lot better in 2026.

More News: Chicago White Sox prospect’s hilarious response to getting on base

Finally spending this offseason, the White Sox’s biggest question at the moment, outside of who will make the 26-man roster, is who will be the Opening Day starter? Manager Will Venable has a ton of arms to choose from, with All-Star right-hander Shane Smith being one of them, who said about making his first career Opening Day start, “Whatever shakes out, I can live with.”

“No,” Smith said to MLB.com’s Scott Merkin. “Everybody in here wants it. I’m included in that,” he added. “Whatever shakes out, I can live with. But as long as I put my best foot forward, and try to do everything I can in the days leading up and make sure I’m a professional in all aspects, that’s all I can do.”

Shane Smith would be the proper choice to be the Chicago White Sox’s Opening Day starter

Turning 26 on April 4th, Smith has the pedigree to be Venable’s Opening Day starter, as he was the team’s lone All-Star last season, going 3-7 with a 4.26 ERA in 18 starts (86.2 innings) before the All-Star break, and then went 4-1 with a 3.17 ERA in 11 starts (59.2 innings) after the break. A Rule 5 Draft pick from the Milwaukee Brewers organization last season, Smith has shown tremendous growth since joining the White Sox staff.

Other potential Opening Day starters for Venable could be right-handers Erick Fedde, who recently re-signed with the team, and Sean Burke, who was the White Sox Opening Day starter last season. Burke pitched six scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Angels for the White Sox’s 8-1 victory.

All three would be solid options to choose from, with left-handers Sean Newcomb and Anthony Kay providing other alternatives, but spring training will be the battleground for who will ultimately get the nod to kick off the season.

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The Chicago Cubs are one of 30 Major League Baseball teams wondering what will happen to the game after this season, as the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) is up in December.

More News: Despite the Chicago Cubs spending, two OFs have not seen the bag

Executive director of the MLBPA, Tony Clark, resigned amid scandal and an FBI investigation on Tuesday, leaving the MLBPA’s second in command, Bruce Meyer, to fill in for Clark until a successor is elected. Meyer, who met with the Cubs on Wednesday as a part of their tour around the league, all but guaranteed a work stoppage at the end of the 2026 season.

“A lockout is all but guaranteed at the end of the agreement. The league has pretty much said that. Their strategy in bargaining has always been to put as much pressure on players as they can to try and create divisions and cracks among our membership. It’s never worked. I don’t think it ever will work.”

More from MLBPA’s Bruce Meyer who met with Cubs players this afternoon: “A lockout is all but guaranteed at the end of the agreement. The league has pretty much said that. Their strategy in bargaining has always been to put as much pressure on players as they can to try and…

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) February 18, 2026

A work stoppage wouldn’t just be bad for the Chicago Cubs, but all of Major League Baseball

Major League Baseball is in its best state it has ever been in. Game 7 of the World Series alone had 51.0 million viewers worldwide, with the whole series averaging 34.0 million, up 19% from 2024.

Player salaries are also on the rise, with Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal making history with his arbitration case, being awarded a salary of $32 million for 2026. Skubal’s victory in arbitration sets a precedent for pitchers moving forward, as the standard for a back-to-back Cy Young Award winner is now $32 million.

The big issue (mainly for owners) is the “big teams” (mainly the Los Angeles Dodgers) outspending smaller market teams by using deferrals. The Cubs are one of those big-market teams that flexed their financial muscle this winter (and used deferrals), spending big to sign third baseman Alex Bregman (five years, $175 million).

Commissioner Rob Manfred and the owners’ solution to these “problems” is a salary cap, which the players are strongly against. With both sides digging their heels in, a work stoppage seems guaranteed.

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The Chicago White Sox have many prospects who could potentially join their core this season, including infielder and Chicago native Sam Antonacci.

More News: Chicago White Sox GM mispeaks about trade acquisition

Antonacci is one of the White Sox’s top prospects and showed a lot of progress last season, jumping three levels in the White Sox system (Rookie Ball to Double-A). Antonacci also appeared in the Arizona Fall League, where he showcased his hitting tool and ability to get on base, batting .378 in 74 at-bats (93 plate appearances) and had a .505 on-base percentage.

Antonacci’s ability to get on base is one of his strongest skills (career .439 OBP), with a knack for getting hit by pitches, which helps with his goal of getting on base. Antonacci got hit a total of 49 times last season.

“Definitely hurts a little bit, but you have to grow up at some point and just be able to play through it,” the non-roster invite to White Sox Spring Training told Scott Merkin of MLB.com prior to Tuesday’s workouts. “It was instilled in me in college, especially when kind of getting screamed at it if I got out of the way. I’m happy I have those teachings.

My mom hates me for it. I found that out in the offseason,” said Antonacci with a laugh. “She said I’m going to get hurt that way. She could be right. But I would rather get hurt for wearing a pitch to help my team out than getting out of the way and then striking out. So, she can be mad at that, but we’ll have our differences. I’m just here to try to get on first base.”

Sam Antonacci is excited to play with his future teammate, Kyle Teel, in the WBC

Antonacci will not be in spring training with the White Sox for long, as he will be joining his teammate, catcher Kyle Teel, to play for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic. Antonacci said he’s excited to play with his future teammate, saying, “It should be fun.”

“I’m excited to play alongside Teel. That should be fun,” Antonacci said. “Right now, I’m honestly just here to meet all these guys and kind of just get together with them and build on what the White Sox are doing, and then when Team Italy comes, I’ll focus on that. My sole focus is here and getting better with these guys.”

Sam Antonacci could be up with the Chicago White Sox at some point this season

Antonacci isn’t a top-100 prospect in baseball. Still, he could turn out to be a productive big leaguer, given his hitting abilities, posting a career .298 batting average, and his ability not to strike out, walking 69 times to 73 strikeouts in 2025 (86 walks and 86 strikeouts for his career).

Unlikely to break out of camp with the White Sox, it isn’t out of the question that Antonacci could get a call-up this season, as his ability to play third base, shortstop, and second base could help his chances. The White Sox currently have an opening at third base, but given his power and speed, Antonacci would be more suited to play centerfield, where there’s also a need.

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After going 5-12 in 2024, the Chicago Bears under new head coach Ben Johnson rebounded and finished first in the NFC North (11-6) for the first time since 2018.

More News: Chicago Bears tight end ranked among top trade candidates for 2026 offseason

The Bears’ success is thanks to Johnson’s offensive mind, as the Bears have the sixth-best offense in the NFL (369.5 yards). The Bears also had the third-best rushing offense (144.5 yards), thanks to their two backs, D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai.

Swift enters the final year of his contract with the Bears ($1.33 million) and had the best season of his career last season, rushing for 1,087 yards (223 carries) and nine touchdowns. Doing so well and with his future uncertain, Swift hopes he “did enough” to make the Bears want him.

“I have no idea, but hopefully I did enough for them to want me back because I know I don’t want to go anywhere else,” Swift told the Chicago Sun-Times. “I hope it plays itself out that way. I love the city, I love the coaching staff and the men that I work with. That’s out of my control, but if I had it my way, I’d be back. I don’t want to play nowhere else.”

D’Andre Swift enters a prove-it season to try to stay with the Chicago Bears

For the Bears to consider keeping Swift around long-term, like he wants, he’ll need to replicate the same season he had, as he only has two 1,000-yard rushing seasons under his belt — 2023 being the other, 1,049 yards. Swift’s resurgence is all credited to Johnson, who he said, “believes in me.”

“First of all, Ben always believed in me as a player, so just him giving me opportunities was great,” Swift said. “The more opportunities I’m given, the more I can make stuff happen.”

Even though Swift had a resurgence in his career under Johnson, he’ll be fighting to get carries, as Monangai had a breakout rookie year, rushing for 783 yards (169 carries) and five touchdowns. Swift will have to show once again that he’s the back the Bears saw in 2025 to get the extension he’s looking for.

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After finally spending some money this offseason, the Chicago Cubs have finally gotten close to the luxury tax ($244 million), having the ninth-largest payroll in Major League Baseball ($240.872 million).

More News: Chicago Cubs All-Star hopes to be more ‘consistent’ in 2026

Despite the Cubs’ spending, none of it has come in the form of contract extensions. According to Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times, neither of the Cubs outfielders, All-Star left fielder Ian Happ and right fielder/designated hitter Seiya Suzuki, received extensions.

Happ: “Going back to the last time, I’ve always said I’d be open to talking about anything.”

Suzuki (via interpreter): “I want to work hard and perform well, and hopefully they say yes.”

Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki said the Cubs haven't yet engaged them in extension talks.

Happ: “Going back to the last time, I've always said I'd be open to talking about anything."

Suzuki (via interpreter): “I want to work hard and perform well, and hopefully they say yes.”

— Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) February 16, 2026

Happ has been a Cub since getting drafted out of the University of Cincinnati in the first round (ninth) of the 2015 Draft (nine seasons), while Suzuki has spent his entire five seasons as a Cub since signing from the NPB in 2020.

The Chicago Cubs will likely sign one and not both Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki

Between the two, Happ and Suzuki are making $38 million ($19 million each) and offer the Cubs two contrasting players to think about keeping around. Happ is a four-time Gold Glove winner in left field — providing eight defensive runs saved for the Cubs in left — while Suzuki is more suited as a designated hitter, given his power (career high 32 home runs in 2025).

Happ has also proven to be more durable than Suzuki, playing in 619 games since 2022 (averaging 154.75 games), while Suzuki has played in 532 games (averaging 133 games). The factor of Suzuki being more expensive as a potential free agent could play a factor, as his power numbers could net him a decent deal on the free agent market. If he has a good season, Suzuki could find himself signing a deal similar to Nick Castellanos in 2022 (five years, $100 million).

With no talks in sight, president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, is likely to let the season play out before thinking about signing either to an extension.

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Of all the players entering the Chicago Cubs spring training camp, centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong will need to be his All-Star self for all 162 games to help the Cubs succeed.

More News: Tom Ricketts believes the Chicago Cubs can compete in the Central

Batting .265 with an OPS of .846 and 25 home runs pre-All-Star break (95 games), he was not able to replicate that same level of performance after batting .216 with an OPS of .634 and six home runs post-All-Star break (62 games). With a fresh start heading into 2026, the Cubs Gold Glove centerfielder will look to be more “consistent.”

“If I hit 25 homers in the second half, I’m probably pretty freakin’ happy,” Crow-Armstrong said to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com. “It doesn’t matter how I do it. I did what I did last year. It’s just about doing more of it next year. I don’t know how it’s going to happen. I don’t know how it’s going to play out. But it’s about the work I put in now. That’s fun to do.”

Overall, in 157 games, Crow-Armstrong batted .247 with a .768 OPS, but finished hitting over 31 (first 30 home run season) and 95 RBI (career high). PCA also showcased his speed, stealing 35 bases while being caught eight times.

Pete Crow-Armstrong comes into spring training with a new approach at the plate to help the Chicago Cubs succeed

Last season, the Cubs’ assistant hitting coach, John Mallee, noticed that Crow-Armstrong was overcomplicating his swing and was “out of his normal patterns.”

“Earlier in the year, all of his patterns were smaller,” Mallee said to Bastian. “His stride was shorter. His separation with his hands was shorter. And as the season grew, and he had a lot of success, he started to get out of his normal patterns. He started striding too far and getting a little too stretched out, which increased his swing-and-miss in the zone.”

Coming into this season, Crow-Armstrong made it a focus to get back to his normal routine, which now includes stepping up in the box. PCA’s new routine is so crafted that he’s counting the number of taps the bat hits his back shoulder.

“It’s just repping out the setup numerous, numerous times, so I can let the swing play,” Crow-Armstrong said.

With spring training games soon to begin, Crow-Armstrong will be able to see if these adjustments will help him get back to his All-Star form. Crow-Armstrong will also be able to see how well his new swing plays against live pitching, as he will be a part of Team USA for the World Baseball Classic.

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The Chicago Cubs have not won the National League Central since 2020, when they were 34-26 in 60 games, due to Covid shortening the season.

More News: Chicago Cubs cut ties with infielder for the 2nd time in 5 months

Falling short by 5.0 games of the Milwaukee Brewers in winning the division in 2025, Cubs owner Tom Ricketts believes his team has what it takes to win the Central.

“Obviously we want to win the division. We should win the division,” owner Tom Ricketts said to Marquee Sports Network. “You know, it’s just a matter of executing and staying healthy. And I think what we should be right there. You know, you want to win the division for a lot of reasons, not just because, because it’s aggravating not to, but you want to put yourself in the best position for the playoffs as well. And so, so hopefully that you know that will execute against that plan and be there at the season.”

"Obviously we want to win the division. We should win the division."

Tom Ricketts believes the Cubs can win the NL Central this season. pic.twitter.com/RSKuBozE86

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) February 16, 2026

The Cubs have a chance to dethrone the Brewers, as they did well to add to the roster this offseason, while the Brewers got worse by trading away their ace, Freddy Peralta, to the New York Mets.

The Chicago Cubs’ additions in the offseason should help them win the National League Central

Ricketts showed a willingness to spend this offseason, finally breaking open his checkbook and signing third baseman Alex Bregman (five years, $175 million) after two offseasons of him linked to the Cubs. The Cubs also did well to add to their starting rotation, acquiring right-hander Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins, while also re-signing left-hander Shota Imanaga.

Also adding right-handers Phil Maton, Jacob Webb, Hunter Harvey, and left-handers Caleb Thielbar and Holby Milner to the bullpen, the Cubs are improving on an already great asset — 11th in reliever ERA (3.78 ERA).

Injuries are a part of the game, and president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, will need to be shrewd in his dealings at the trade deadline to push the Cubs past the Brewers and the reigning World Series Champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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The NASCAR season is back with the Daytona 500 to kick off the season, bringing with it a ton of excitement.

More News: Tyler Reddick delivers Michael Jordan his first Daytona 500 victory

The Daytona 500 was chaotic to say the least, with multiple wrecks, including one that ended up deciding the race and brought Michael Jordan and his driver, Tyler Reddick (45 car), of the 23XI Team the victory. Jordan, who sued and won against NASCAR in the offseason, had four drivers competing in Sunday’s race: Bubba Wallace (23 car, finished 10th), Reddick, Riley Herbst (35 car, finished eighth), and Corey Heim, who serves as the team’s development driver (67 car, finished 28th).

Jordan, a six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls, won his first Daytona 500 as an owner of a team, saying, “It felt like he won a championship.”

“I can’t even believe it was so gratifying. I mean, we had four guys that were really fighting, that was helping each other out. I mean, you never know how these races gonna end, right?” Jordan said to FOX Sports after the race. “It’s like you just try to survive. And I thought Riley did an unbelievable job by pushing at the end. That shows you what teamwork can really, really do. I mean, he doesn’t get enough credit, he won’t get enough credit, but we feel the love. We understand exactly what he did. And I mean, we just hung in there all day. I mean, we great strategy by the team, and we gave ourselves a chance at the end. And look, I’m ecstatic. I mean, I don’t even know what to say. It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won’t even know.”

NASCAR could be in for Michael Jordan and 23XI making noise this season

With three proven race winners on his team, Jordan and the 23XI Team seem like they could be making noise this season. 23XI will compete in NASCAR’s next race, the Autotrader 400 on Feb. 22.

With his win, Reddick takes a commanding lead in the standings, collecting 58 Cup Series points, while Joey Logano (22 car) sits in second place with 46 points. Wallace and Herbst are also helping keep the 23XI Team at the top of the field, with Wallace in eighth (37 points) and Herbst (35 points) just behind Lagono’s teammate Ryan Blaney (12 car, 36 points).

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Though the Chicago White Sox have done well to revamp their roster this offseason, they may have made a blunder with general manager Chris Getz’s comments regarding newly acquired infielder Luisangel Acuna. Acuna was one of the players acquired in the trade that sent Luis Robert Jr. to the New York Mets.

More News: Chicago White Sox GM Chris Getz feels good about his roster

According to Sam Phalen on X/Twitter, Getz has mislabeled Acuna as a switch-hitter in multiple interviews, when the 23-year-old infielder strictly bats right-handed.

Great job by many of you flagging this.

Here are FOUR different times this offseason where #WhiteSox GM Chris Getz has referred to Luisangel Acuña as a switch hitter.

Acuña is, in fact, NOT a switch hitter.

Not great. Four times isn’t a misspeak. pic.twitter.com/yYYsHBH49w

— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) February 11, 2026

Chris Getz’s not knowing what handedness his players are signals a bigger problem

The fact that Getz didn’t know, or intentionally misspoke, signals a wider problem regarding the White Sox front office, as it begs the question: are they properly evaluating players?

Acuna is an infielder by trade, with his primary position being shortstop. But with Colson Montgomery set to be the everyday shortstop and Chase Meidroth occupying second, Acuna likely will get reps out in center field. Acuna could struggle playing center for the White Sox, as he has just 43 career games between the big leagues and minor leagues in center.

Hopefully, the players brought back in the return for Robert Jr. don’t pan out. However, if they don’t, it might be time to question Getz’s ability to continue as the general manager for the rebuild, as the White Sox need to find hidden talent to compete.

The post Chicago White Sox GM mispeaks about trade acquisition appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago White Sox had a great offseason, in which general manager Chris Getz added pieces to pair with the young core that is forming.

More News: Chicago White Sox reunite with quality right-hander on a one-year deal

Recently signing right-hander Erick Fedde to fill out the rotation, the White Sox still have some room to spend and add at least one more piece. However, Getz seems content with the roster he’s constructed, saying, “We do feel good about the group we have in here.”

“We’ve got flexibility, we do. But we do feel good about the group we have in here,” Getz said to MLB.com’s Scott Merkin. “So much of this year will be the continual development of the young players we have on this roster.”

Chris Getz could increase payroll in the form of an extension or by acquiring a bigger contract at the trade deadline

Despite Getz stating the White Sox are basically done adding on the free agent market, that doesn’t mean the White Sox won’t increase their payroll in other ways. Signing one of their young players to a contract extension, like the Athletics are doing with their core, signing four players in the last two years:

• DH Brent Rooker: five years, $60 million
• OF Lawrence Butler: seven years, $65.5 million
• OF Tyler Soderstrom: seven years, $86 million
• INF Jacob Wilson: seven years, $70 million

Athletics have signed four players to longterm extensions since last offseason pic.twitter.com/9i0lXBmMwt

— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) January 30, 2026

Infielder Colson Montgomery (.239 average, .840 OPS) and right-hander Shane Smith (3.81 ERA) would be the first two players to look at to sign long-term. Montgomery showed the ability to be a franchise player, and Smith made the All-Star team in his rookie season.

Catchers Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero could be others worthy of an extension, with both showing the ability to hit — Teel batted .273 with an OPS of .786 in 78 games, while Quero (switch hitter) hit .268 with an OPS of .689 in 111 games. The White Sox could also acquire a player at the trade deadline who is under a long-term contract to help increase payroll.

Someone like the Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller (five years, $77 million) could be an option to give the White Sox another experienced arm. Keller has three more years remaining on his existing contract (55.7 million) and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2029.

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Despite having a great offseason in which the Chicago White Sox signed Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami (two years, $34 million), they still needed to add another starting pitcher. The White Sox ranked dead last in baseball in innings pitched by their starters (758.2 innings).

More News: Chicago White Sox trade infield depth to the Baltimore Orioles

The White Sox have options to fill out their rotation, but added some more depth, with New York Post columnist and MLB Insider Joel Sherman reporting right-hander Erick Fedde is finalizing a one-year deal with the White Sox.

Fedde, who will be 33 when the season starts, was with the White Sox to start the 2024 season and was a part of a three-team trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals, where Fedde went to St. Louis.

Source: The White Sox and Erick Fedde are in agreement on a 1-year deal, pending physical

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) February 9, 2026

Erick Fedde gives the Chicago White Sox another quality starter to move at the trade deadline

Despite doing well in 2024, Fedde didn’t do great in 2025, pitching for three teams (the Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, and Milwaukee Brewers), and went 4-13 with a 5.49 ERA in 32 games (24 starts). Fedde, however, has proven to be an innings eater in his career, pitching over 125.0 innings for four straight seasons.

A quality starter who is mainly a sinker (34% usage) and cutter pitcher (28%), Fedde also has a sweeper (26%) and a changeup (12%) in his repertoire. Looking to bounce back, Fedde will give the White Sox another potential trade chip to use to get a prospect or a quality big league-ready talent at next season’s trade deadline.

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The Chicago Bears and their head coach, Ben Johnson, have finally found the offensive coordinator they have needed, since former offensive coordinator Declan Doyle took the offensive coordinator role with the Baltimore Ravens.

More News: Former Chicago Bears GM parting ways with Falcons after Ian Cunningham hire

To fill Doyle’s shows and assist Johnson with the playcalling, the Bears decided to hire from within, promoting passing game coordinator Press Taylor to offensive coordinator, according to NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo. Taylor, 38, was the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator (2022-24) and was integral in Pro Bowl quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s development.

Taylor has also worked with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Indianapolis Colts in various roles.

The #Bears are promoting passing game coordinator Press Taylor to offensive coordinator, giving coach Ben Johnson a new top lieutenant, per The Insiders.

Taylor was an OC with the #Jaguars until 2024 before working with Johnson. With Declan Doyle in Baltimore, Taylor is the OC. pic.twitter.com/vWlEr6G8qA

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 8, 2026

Press Taylor should add another quality voice to take the Chicago Bears’ offense to the next level

Even though Johnson will be the primary play caller, having another voice with play-calling experience to offer a different perspective could help in late-game situations or when telling Johnson that going for it on fourth down may not be a great idea. The Bears had the sixth-best offense in the NFL in Johnson’s first season as the head coach (369.5 yards) and had the best offense in the playoffs, despite their elimination (431.0).

This move by the Bears appears to be a smart one, as Taylor will offer continuity to quarterback Caleb Williams, who, aside from being great in the fourth quarter, needs to show growth throughout the game. With running backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, and receivers/tight ends Rome Odunze, DJ Moore, Luther Burden III, and Colston Loveland all returning, the Bears are in good shape to do well next season.

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The Chicago Bulls have been active at the trade deadline, but have made some perplexing trades.

More News: Chicago Bulls trade fan favorite guard to Minnesota Timberwolves

The Bulls, so far, have traded away the majority of their starting five, with center Nikola Vucevic going to the Boston Celtics, guard Coby White going to the Charlotte Hornets, and now guard Ayo Dosunmu getting traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Chicago Bulls fans are questioning what direction the team is heading with its trades

Since being drafted in the second round (eighth pick, 38th overall) by the Bulls in the 2021 NBA Draft out of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Dosunmu has spent his entire five-year career with the Bulls. In the span, Dosunmu has scored 10.9 points, had 3.3 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 324 games (164 games started.

These trades have left Bulls fans questioning the front office and the direction the Bulls are heading, as they have yielded no first-round picks.

“ANOTHER GUARDBULLS IS COMEDY BUT I FW IT,” said one optimistic Bulls fan.

ANOTHER GUARDBULLS IS COMEDY BUT I FW IT

— ThaGuyNick (@ThaGuyNick_) February 5, 2026

“We’re stacking 2nd round picks like the way the Thunder stack 1st round picks,” said a disappointed fan.

We’re stacking 2nd round picks like the way the thunder stack 1st round picks pic.twitter.com/35ZQ87vv69

— 392 Peezy (@GoodJobPatrick) February 5, 2026

“Are bulls allergic to 1st round picks,” said a disgruntled Bulls fan.

Are bulls allergic to 1st round picks

— OutofHornets (@Out_of_Hornets) February 5, 2026

“@grok what is Chicago doing bro?” A Bulls fan asked Grok to try to find answers.

@grok what is Chicago doing bro?

— Andraž Novljan (@andrazz_) February 5, 2026

“More second-rounders. This front office is so soft.” One fan complained about the front office.

More second rounders.

This front office is so soft.

— Jason V. Stewart (@jvthed210725) February 5, 2026

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With less than a day remaining till the NBA Trade Deadline, the Chicago Bulls have been one of the more active teams over the past couple of days.

More News: Chicago Bulls expected to make quick decision on new trade acquisition

Trading away their veteran center, Nikola Vucevic, to the Boston Celtics for shooting guard Anfernee Simmons and a second-round pick, the Bulls made yet another move, trading guards Coby White and Mike Conley Jr. to the Charlotte Hornets for guard Colin Sexton, forward Ousmane Dieng, and three second-round picks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

White had spent his entire seven-year career with the Bulls after they drafted him in the first round (seventh overall) in 2019, and has scored 15.4 points, 3.9 assists, and 3.7 rebounds. Sexton, this season with the Hornets (42 games), had scored 14.2 points per game, 1.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.

Just in: The Chicago Bulls are trading Coby White and Mike Conley Jr. to the Charlotte Hornets for Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng and three second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/NnHXT5b8lR

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2026

Chicago Bulls-Charlotte Hornets trade leaves more questions than answers

Trading White was always enviable. White will be an unrestricted free agent after this season, and the Bulls were never able to extend him due to the 140% rule. However, this trade is perplexing, as Sexton is also a free agent after this season and is making more than White ($18.975 million), who is making $12.888 million.

White has been on the trade block for two seasons and is having another solid year (18.6 points per game and 4.7 assists) after having a breakout season (20.4 points and 4.5 assists) in 2024-25. With his stock rising, it’s hard to see why the Bulls and their front office didn’t find a better package of players and picks to acquire White and Conley Jr.

With the trade deadline expiring at 3 p.m. on Friday, the Bulls still have possible moves they could make with the stockpile of picks they have acquired, which could signal they may make a play for the Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo, but that remains to be seen.

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Despite the Chicago Bears coming one game short of reaching the NFC Conference Championship game after losing 20-17 in overtime in the Divisional Round to the Los Angeles Rams, the Bears can hold their heads high knowing they did better than expected.

More News: Chicago Bears Could Improve Defense With National Champion Linebacker

With great play from their second-year quarterback Caleb Williams (3,942 yards and 27 touchdowns) and having first-year head coach Ben Johnson as his mentor, the Bears have a solid foundation heading into next season. Another part of that foundation, and another standout from last season, was first-round pick (10th overall) tight end Colston Loveland, who surpassed expectations for this season.

Loveland did so well in his first season in the NFL, catching 713 yards and six touchdowns, that he was named the Bears’ Rookie of the Year, per Bears.com. The Bears’ seventh-round and rookie running back, Kyle Monangai, could have also been considered for the award after rushing for 783 yards and five touchdowns.

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson loves what Colston Loveland brings to the team

A product of the University of Michigan, Loveland came into the draft with a shoulder injury, which didn’t sway Johnson or the Bears from taking the Idaho native, with Johnson loving Loveland’s work ethic.

“When we drafted him, he was still coming off the injury,” Johnson said to Bears.com. “He really missed the springtime, and in training camp you’re trying to be smart in terms of how you’re acclimating him not just to the offense, but physically making sure his shoulder is good to go. It did take a little bit of time before we built that trust with him. So, a little bit of a slower start early in the year, and then it’s just kind of picked up and it’s clicked for us. He’s one of the first ones in the building every single day. He is always studying his playbook while he’s eating breakfast. He is always the last one off the practice field, doing the JUGS machine. Model of consistency, which for a rookie speaks volumes. As a coaching staff I know we really believe in him, and he is really just scratching the surface of what he’s going to become.”

Loveland had two standout games from last season, with 1. Coming in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he caught a career-high (regular season) 118 yards and two touchdowns, and 2. In the playoffs against the Green Bay Packers, receiving for 137 yards.

With a year under his belt and heading into his second season, Loveland has a chance to be better in his sophomore season. Continuing to grow a rapport with Williams, the Bears are likely the favorites to repeat as champions of the NFC North next season.

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The Chicago White Sox have been one of the more active teams thus far this offseason, with their latest move coming as a trade with the Boston Red Sox for right-hander Jordan Hicks and pitching prospect David Sandlin.

More News: Chicago White Sox pull off pitching trade with Red Sox

Though the White Sox have made headlines with some of their moves this offseason, they have also made some under-the-radar moves, like sending infielder/outfielder Bryan Ramos to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for cash considerations, according to the Orioles X (Twitter) account.

We have made the following trade: pic.twitter.com/5rVpweU2BD

— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) February 2, 2026

The Chicago White Sox are shedding their old players to make way for new ones to add to what they’re building

Ramos, 23, has been with the White Sox since 2018 when he signed a minor league deal at 16. However, Ramos never found his footing with the White Sox, spending parts of two seasons with the big league club (36 games), with the majority of his career coming in the minor leagues, where he hit .249 with an OPS of .757 in six seasons; at the big league level, Ramos hit .198 with an OPS of .577.

Ramos will add valuable depth to a deep Orioles roster, which includes All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso, but he will have to compete for a bench role if he wants to make the big league roster.

The White Sox jettisoning Ramos shows they’re willingness to build around their young core and find better options available to add depth.

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The Chicago White Sox and general manager Chris Getz have had a great offseason, which culminated in the team signing Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami to a two-year ($34 million) deal.

More News: Chicago White Sox sign veteran $6 million All-Star outfielder

Also adding reliever Seranthony Dominguez (two years, $20 million) to be their closer, the White Sox still needed to add more depth to their starting rotation after ranking dead last in innings pitched by their starters (758.2). With there being a need for another starter, Getz decided to go out and make a trade with ESPN’s Jeff Passan reporting the White Sox are acquiring right-hander Jordan Hicks and right-handed pitching prospect David Sandlin from the Boston Red Sox.

Trade news: The Chicago White Sox are acquiring veteran right-hander Jordan Hicks and right-handed pitching prospect David Sandlin in a trade with the Boston Red Sox, sources tell ESPN.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 1, 2026

According to Red Sox beat writer Chris Cotillo, the White Sox are sending their No. 21 prospect, right-hander Gage Ziehl, to the Red Sox. Along with Hicks and Sandlin, the Red Sox are sending $8 million to the White Sox to help pay for Hicks’ $24 million remaining salary, according to The Athletic’s Will Sammon.

Sandlin, 24, had a 9-6 record with a 4.50 ERA in 32 games (14 starts) last season between Double and Triple-A.

The Red Sox are sending $8 million (of Hicks’ $24 million) to Chicago as part of this trade, league sources said. https://t.co/Gd5ukaKToS

— Will Sammon (@WillSammon) February 1, 2026

Jordan Hicks offers more depth for the Chicago White Sox in their starting rotation

Hicks struggled to put together another quality season as a starter, posting a career-worst 2-7 record with a 6.95 ERA in 34 games (nine starts) between the Red Sox and San Francisco Giants. Joining a rotation that saw rookie right-hander Shane Smith be the team’s lone All-Star, a change of scenery, and lower expectations could help Hicks revamp his career.

Having as much depth as the White Sox do, Hicks could wind up being a valuable weapon for manager Will Venable out of the bullpen, if Dominguez can’t get the job done as the team’s closer. Hicks has 35 career saves under his belt.

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The Chicago White Sox have a say as one of the winners of the offseason after finally spending to add to their young core.

More News: The Chicago White Sox have the ‘financial flexibility’ to spend after trading Luis Robert Jr.

Highlighting some of their moves, the White Sox landed Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami on a two-year deal ($34 million) and added a solid back-end of the bullpen option in right-hander Seranthony Dominguez (two years, $20 million) to be their closer. The White Sox ranked deadlast in Major League Baseball in saves last season (25).

Despite not having a great bullpen last season, Dominguez will help lock down the backend of games, which will help others like right-hander Mike Vasil, who was one of the unsung heroes on the White Sox bullpen, settle into a role. Even though he was a rookie, Vasil proved to be one of the best relievers, leading all of MLB in innings pitched (90.0), which is the most by a White Sox pitcher since Keith Foulke (105.1) and Sean Lowe (95.2) in 1999.

Mike Vasil appreciation post pic.twitter.com/K6UMf2nX6h

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) January 27, 2026

The Chicago White Sox could have one of the better bullpens in 2026

Entering the fourth year of their rebuild, the White Sox could take a step toward being more competitive in 2026, and it could come from having a strong bullpen. Having Dominguez get the first crack at being the closer should allow Vasil, Grant Taylor (4.91 ERA), and Jordan Leasure (3.92 ERA) to fill in the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings.

However, the White Sox lack a solid left-handed reliever who can take down high-leverage innings. Left-handers Brandon Eisert (4.39) and Tyler Gilbert (3.88) are options, but are more suited for long relief or mop-up roles. With some good veteran relievers still on the market, Justin Wilson and Andrew Chafin, the White Sox should add one to fill out the rest of their bullpen.

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The Minnesota Twins are likely to be at the bottom of the American League in 2026 after trading away most of their big league roster at the trade deadline last season.

More News: The Chicago Cubs’ path to the WS got harder after the Mets’ roster upgrades

Though the Twins are going to be bad, they are showing a willingness to sign veterans to trade at next season’s deadline to help their rebuild. The most recent of those signings comes in the form of All-Star reliever Taylor Rogers, who, according to The Athletic’s Aaron Gleeman and Ken Rosenthal, is finalizing a one-year deal worth $2 million.

The 35-year-old Rogers has been a solid reliever in his decade as a big leaguer and has notched 83 saves, and has a career ERA of 3.34.

Reporting along with @Ken_Rosenthal: Twins are reuniting with former All-Star closer Taylor Rogers on a one-year, $2 million contract.

Logical fit for both sides, as the 35-year-old Rogers returns home to the team that drafted him and the Twins add some much-needed bullpen help.

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) January 22, 2026

Despite not performing down the stretch for the Chicago Cubs, Taylor Rogers should do well for the Twins

Rogers was one of the more valuable trade pieces at the deadline last year and failed to perform down the stretch for the Chicago Cubs, posting a 5.09 ERA in 17 games. Even though Rogers wasn’t great with the Cubs, he should be a lot better when pitching for the Twins next season.

Originally drafted by the Twins in the 11th round of the 2012 MLB Draft, Rogers spent the first six seasons of his career (2016-21) pitching for Minnesota, posting a 17-18 record with a 3.15 ERA in 314.2 innings. Rogers, in his career, has proven to be a “lefty specialist,” with a career batting average against lefties of .199 (.569 OPS), while allowing righties to hit .259 off him (.746 OPS).

The Twins needed to add bullpen arms, and by signing Rogers, they not only get someone to eat innings, but also serve as a valuable trade piece to help with their rebuild.

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Despite being one of the best wide receivers since debuting in 2014, Davante Adams has never been to a Super Bowl.

More News: Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles gives worrying update on Ozzy Trapilo for 2026 season

Adams and the Los Angeles Rams are one win away from him playing in his first career Super Bowl, which he called a “mythical thing.”

“Just having been here so many times and understanding exactly what it takes to get where we’re ultimately trying to go,” Adams said Wednesday, via ESPN’s Sarah Barshop. “It’s obviously exciting to achieve the minor goals along the way that you ultimately need to do to get where you want to be, but yeah, [getting to a Super Bowl] just feels like almost like a mythical thing to me at this point. It’s tough not to think about that one,” Adams said. “A loss like that will last a long time. And we’ve got an opportunity to change that now. Being back in a position where you’re with a great team and in a great situation, you definitely have a greater appreciation for times like this for sure,” he said.

Davante Adams was a non-factor in the Rams’ win over the Chicago Bears, which could affect his confidence

In the Rams’ 20-17 overtime win over the Bears, Adams was a non-factor, posting a pedestrian 24 yards (two receptions) and scoring no touchdowns. Adams’ inability to be a viable option after the Bears locked down Puka Nacua (56 yards on five receptions) may affect his confidence heading into the game against Seattle.

Davante Adams needs to continue being a solid No. 2 option for Rams QB Matthew Stafford

With Puka Nacua being the No. 1 option in head coach Sean McVay’s offense, Adams has provided Stafford with a sturdy second option when Nacua isn’t open, catching for 789 yards (60 receptions) and 14 touchdowns. In the Rams’ two playoff wins, Adams was a non-factor, catching no touchdowns with a total of 96 yards (seven receptions).

The Rams are facing the best passing defense (128.0 yards) in the Seattle Seahawks after the Houston Texans got knocked out (127.5 yards). Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald shut down the San Francisco 49ers’ offense in the Divisional Round, allowing no touchdowns and holding them to 252 total yards, which could happen against another top offensive team (375.5 yards) like the Rams.

Though Matthew Stafford is the likely NFL MVP (4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns) and can navigate a defense like the Seahawks’, Adams’ veteran savvy could help him break free of the Seahawks’ defensive backs and possibly lead the Rams to the Super Bowl.

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The Chicago Cubs’ path to a World Series in the National League just got a little harder, as the New York Mets continue to build a formidable roster.

More News: The New York Yankees capitalize on the Chicago Cubs’ failure to pay Cody Bellinger

After collapsing down the stretch (28-37 post All-Star break), the New York Mets have rebounded this offseason to put together a roster that should compete with the likes of the Los Angeles Dodgers. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Mets have acquired Milwaukee Brewers Ace Freddy Peralta for top prospects infielder Jett Williams and right-hander Brandon Sproat.

New York Post columnist Joel Sherman added that right-hander Tobias Myers was also going to the Mets in the deal. Myers gives the Mets added pitching depth, used as a starter and reliever, 1-2 with an ERA of 3.55 in 22 games (six starts), and he also comes with five more years of control.

BREAKING: The New York Mets have acquired All-Star right-hander Freddy Peralta in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, sources tell ESPN. Deal is done. Top prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat are headed to Milwaukee. One more big league pitcher will head to the Mets.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 22, 2026

The Chicago Cubs’ path to a World Series just got harder after the Mets’ formidable offseason

It’s safe to say the Mets may have secured the moniker of “winners of the offseason” after having an impressive week. They acquired the centerfielder they needed in Luis Robert Jr., signed the right-handed bat in Bo Bichette — who will complement Juan Soto — and added the top of the rotation starter (Peralta), they’ve needed.

Peralta, 29, had his best season with the Brewers last season, leading the National League in wins (17) and having the best ERA of his career (2.70), and made a career high 33 starts (176.2 innings). Adding Peralta gives the Mets one of the best rotations, with potential Rookie of the Year in 2026, Nolan McLean, likely slotting in behind Peralta.

With the Brewers likely to take a step back now that they’ve jettisoned Peralta, the Cubs have an easier path to winning the National League Central. However, they have a harder time getting to the World Series, not just with the Dodgers to contend with, but also the Mets.

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The standoff between the New York Yankees and Cody Bellinger has finally come to a close with the two sides finalizing a five-year deal, worth $162.5 million, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

More News: Chicago Cubs face harsh reality via Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects list

The deal also includes opt-outs after the second and third seasons, includes a full no-trade clause, and a $20 million signing bonus to account for New York’s high income tax rate. Having a better season than he did with the Chicago Cubs in 2024, Bellinger got the deal he wanted from the Cubs, who didn’t feel he could be the former MVP-type player (2019) he once was.

Cody Bellinger's deal with the Yankees is for five years and $162.5 million, sources tell ESPN. There are opt-outs after the second and third season, a $20M signing bonus and a full no-trade clause.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 21, 2026

The New York Yankees capitalize on the Chicago Cubs’ failure to pay Cody Bellinger

To go along with his MVP, Bellinger is a two-time All-Star, a two-time Silver Slugger, the Rookie of the Year in 2017, and a Gold Glove winner, which has translated over to playing multiple positions (center field, first base, right field, and left field). Since winning the MVP, Bellinger’s production at the plate declined, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to non-tender him.

Bellinger’s production at the plate picked up in his first season with the Cubs, hitting .307 with an OPS of .881 in 2023, but fell in 2024 (.266, .751). Exercising his option instead of opting out, the Cubs traded Bellinger to the Yankees on Dec. 17 for reliever Cody Poteet and $5 million to shed his salary after feeling he wouldn’t get back to the player he once was.

Bouncing back at the plate in 2025, Bellinger hit .272 with an OPS of .813 and fell a home run shy of hitting 30 home runs (29) for the first time since 2019 (47). His resurgence at the plate and above-average defense led the Yankees to give Bellinger the contract the Cubs and the Ricketts family didn’t feel comfortable giving him.

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The Chicago White Sox have accomplished everything they needed to do this offseason, with the biggest hurdle being trading centerfielder Luis Robert Jr.

More News: Chicago White Sox trade away Luis Robert Jr. to the New York Mets

With $20 million now off the roster, general manager Chris Getz now has the “financial flexibility” to add to their young core, according to CHSN’s Chuck Garfien, which could come in the form of two or three more players. According to Garfien, Getz says the White Sox are going to be “very active,” and they’re already talking to agents.

With the Mets taking on Luis Robert’s $20 million salary for 2026, Chris Getz says “We’ve got financial flexibility now to bring in (more) talent. We’re going to be very active.”

He’s already been talking with agents and clubs.

— Chuck Garfien (@ChuckGarfien) January 21, 2026

The Chicago White Sox still need a few arms and a bat to fill out their roster

Having an extra $20 million to spend, Getz and the White Sox have some options on the free agent market to spend on. With the White Sox needing pitching, they could sign free agent right-hander Zac Gallen, who remains unsigned. That likely won’t happen, as Gallen is seeking a longer-term deal and more money.

Other potential options that could fill out that $20 million are right-handers Nick Martinez, Lucas Giolito, or Griffin Canning, whom the White Sox have expressed interest in signing. The White Sox could also use another bat in the outfield now that Robert Jr. is gone, with Andrew Benintendi, Brooks Baldwin, Derek Hill, and Everson Pereira being the options to fill the outfield.

With only a few weeks remaining until the start of spring training, the likelihood of the White Sox spending this $20 million is slim, but it could happen.

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The Chicago White Sox have had many legends in their history, but none can compare to White Sox icon Wilbur Wood, who sadly passed away Sunday, Jan. 18. According to the White Sox on X, the three-time All-Star was 84.

More News: Chicago White Sox sign 8-year veteran pitcher to minor league deal

Along with being named an All-Star, Wood finished in the top five for the Cy Young award three times, with his highest finish being second in 1972 (24-17, 2.51 ERA). Wood also pitched over 300.0 innings four times in his career (1971-74), with 376.2 innings being his career high.

The White Sox send our condolences to the family, friends and fans of 3x All-Star Wilbur Wood, who has passed away at the age of 84.

Wood appeared in 578 games (286 starts) over 12 seasons with the White Sox from 1967-1978. pic.twitter.com/cFU4IZlohI

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) January 19, 2026

Wilbur Wood was not just an icon for the Chicago White Sox, but for Major League Baseball

Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Wood made his major league debut on June 30, 1961, with the Boston Red Sox as a 19-year-old. While facing the then-Cleveland Indians, Wood showed what made him a great major leaguer, pitching four innings, striking out three, allowing three hits, one walk, and allowing two earned runs.

Wood would eventually make his way to the White Sox in 1966 after bouncing from the Red Sox to the Pittsburgh Pirates when the Pirates traded Wood to the Sox for pitcher Juan Pizarro. Wood would then spend the rest of his career (12 seasons, 1967-78) with the White Sox, going 163-148 with a 3.18 ERA and striking out 1,322 batters.

What made Wood so unique in his career, and what gave him the longevity he had (17 seasons), was his ability to master the ever-elusive knuckleball. Wood was the most notable left-handed knuckleballer the game has seen, with the rest being right-handed.

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After 13 seasons in Major League Baseball, two-time All-Star and 2022 World Series Champion with the Houston Astros, reliever Ryan Pressly announced his retirement from the game, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Nico Hoerner and teammates address trade rumors

In his retirement announcement, the 37-year-old thanked all three major league teams he played for in his career: the Minnesota Twins (six years), the Astros (seven years), and the Chicago Cubs for the final season of his career in 2025. Pressly, who joined the Cubs after his former teammate Kyle Tucker got traded over, said of his time with the team, that he was thankful for “the Cubs for giving me a chance to pitch for such an iconic franchise. Wrigley Field, those North Side fans, unforgettable. Thank you.”

Ryan Pressly announces his retirement pic.twitter.com/RtpjWe1uIn

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 17, 2026

Despite not pitching well for the Chicago Cubs, Ryan Pressly had a great career

Drafted in the 11th round of the 2007 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox, Pressly would make his debut on April 4, 2013, with the Twins after they drafted him in the 2012 Rule 5 Draft. One of the better closers in the game, Pressly, finished with a career record of 37-39 with a 3.33 ERA and saved 117 games in 691.1 innings (667 games).

Pressly has also shown to be one of the best postseason pitchers of all time, ranking fifth for saves (14). Pressly’s impressive resume made him a trade target of the Cubs, who needed an experienced closer with postseason experience to help them engage in their playoff push in 2025.

Sadly for both Pressly and the Cubs, things never panned out. In 44 games with the Cubs, Pressly had a 2-3 record with a 4.35 ERA and saved only five games in 41.1 innings. Pressly’s struggles and inability to refine what made him so dominant led to his release on Aug. 1.

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After the Chicago Bears took care of business by defeating the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round (31-27), they will turn their focus to the Los Angeles Rams to try to advance to their first Conference Championship game since 2010.

More News: Draymond Green Doesn’t Hold Back About Bears QB Caleb Williams

Facing the likely MVP in quarterback Matthew Stafford and two great wide receivers, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, who Bears’ defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said, “It’s going to take an exceptional effort on our part to give ourselves a chance,” when talking to the Chicago Sun-Times about game planning for the two wideouts.

“You come away from there thoroughly impressed,” Allen said of Nacua. “He runs as fast as he needs to to get the job done. He’s big, he’s physical. He catches everything that’s remotely close to him and he’s tremendous with the run after the catch. I just think he does everything that you want a receiver to be able to do.”

The Chicago Bears and Dennis Allen will have their work cut out for them in containing Puka Nacua and Davante Adams

Allen and the Bears will have their work cut out for them when facing the third-best offense this postseason (411.0 yards) and Stafford (304 yards), who is 57 yards behind Caleb Williams (361 yards) and has just one interception to Williams two. The Bears, sadly, have not performed well when protecting against the pass (second-worst, 322.0 yards), which will need to turn around if they’re to advance.

Nacua is coming off his second 1,000+ yard season in his career (1,715 yards), while Adams proved to be a solid second option for Stafford to turn to (789 yards). Forcing the Rams to run the ball, which has proven to be their weakness so far (fifth, 116.0 yards), should be Allen’s game plan to shut down the Rams’ offense.

The Bears and the Rams will meet on Sunday, Jan. 18, and play at 6:30 Eastern on NBC Peacock.

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After doing little to add to their roster outside of their bullpen, the Chicago Cubs turned things around by flipping the script and making a big trade and signing their big free agent fish to give fans hope in 2026.

More News: MLB insider doesn’t hold back in bold Cubs prediction for 2026

Acquiring right-hander Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins to bolster their starting rotation, while signing third baseman and two-time World Series Champion Alex Bregman to a five-year $175 million contract, the Cubs’ roster is starting to look better than the one they had in 2025, which went 92-70 and lost to the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series (3-2).

Still a ways to go before the offseason is over and the start of spring training, the Cubs still have moves to make to add more pitching depth to their roster, but are most likely not going to make another big signing or trade.

The Chicago Cubs’ signing of Alex Bregman and trade for Edward Cabrera could mean they won’t make any more big signings or trades

The Ricketts family has shown a habit of not spending money on big-name free agents, despite playing in one of the larger TV markets in the country, which means they could outspend everyone in their division. Their signing of Bregman — $70 million of the contract getting deferred, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal — signaled their willingness to build a truly competitive roster, especially after not bringing back All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker.

Source: $70M of the $175M is deferred.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 11, 2026

The three-time All-Star adds more depth and value to the Cubs roster than re-signing Tucker would, but by signing him and trading for Cabrera, which cost them their top prospect, Owen Caissie, the Cubs will likely not be making any more big free-agent signings or trades.

The Cubs still could use another front-line starter to pair with Cabrera and All-Star left-handers Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga, who will likely head the rotation. Left-hander Justin Steele will be back this season after having Tommy John surgery partway through the beginning of last season, and he will add depth to their rotation. Right-handers Jameson Taillon, Cade Horton, and possibly Javier Assad are other options to fill things out.

With mid-level arms like RHP Erik Fedde, RHP Lucas Giolito, and RHP Miles Mikolas still available on the free market, the Cubs have options to bring more depth into the rotation.

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The Chicago Bears, after disappointing in the first three quarters of Saturday’s Wild Card matchup with the Green Bay Packers, broke out their comeback magic once again and scored 25 points against the Packers’ six in the fourth quarter to advance to the Divisional Round.

More News: Chicago Bears receive backlash for controversial uniform choice against Packers

Splitting the two head-to-head matchups they had during the regular season, the Bears ultimately got the last laugh when they won when it mattered the most, in the playoffs. Head coach Ben Johnson said after the game about the win, “This one meant something to us.”

“There was probably a little bit more noise coming out of their building up north to start the week, which we heard loud and clear, players and coaches alike,” Bears head coach Ben Johnson said to NFL.com’s Michael Baca. “This one meant something to us.”

The Bears completed the largest playoff comeback in franchise history with their win (18 points) and will advance to their first Divisional Round game for the first time since 2010, where they beat the Seattle Seahawks 35-24.

Ben Johnson lives up to his promise of beating the Packers twice a year by celebrating in front of Matt LeFleur

Before getting emotional at the podium, Johnson made sure to show how excited he was living up to his promise to beat Matt LeFleur and the Packers twice a year, quickly shaking his hand and immediately running to embrace his players.

Time to celebrate Ben Johnson pic.twitter.com/oVP58kcXEM

— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) January 11, 2026

The Chicago Bears will need to be on their game for the Divisional Round when they play either the Eagles or the Rams

Despite their fourth-quarter magic, the Bears will need to try to win the game against either the Eagles or the 49ers in the first three quarters. The Bears won their game against the Eagles in the regular season, going to Philadelphia in Week 13 and winning 24-15, while they didn’t play the Rams this season.

The Bears will face either leading MVP candidate quarterback Matthew Stafford (4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns) or one of the best defenses in the Eagles (13th, 314.2 yards), which could cause problems if they can’t game-plan well enough to counter the strengths of either team. With the Eagles and 49ers set to play Sunday at 4:25, the Bears will know soon who their next opponent will be.

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The Chicago White Sox enter the third year of their rebuild, and everything appears to be going well for the team that set the all-time loss record (42-121) in 2024.

More News: The Chicago White Sox need one player to step up in 2026 to advance their rebuild

Breaking from their norm of not spending money, the White Sox made one of the more notable free agent signings when they landed Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami to a two-year deal to pair with their young core, which will help them take a step forward in 2026. Adding the necessary offense they needed after posting the fourth-worst team batting average (27th, .232), the White Sox still need to find pitchers to eat innings for this season, as they ranked dead last in innings pitched for their starters (758.2).

To help fill those innings, the White Sox are showing interest in free agent starter Griffin Canning, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. Canning, 29, was on pace to have likely one of the better seasons of his career, posting a 7-3 record with a 3.77 ERA (16 starts) and striking out 70 batters in 76.1 innings, until a ruptured Achilles tendon ended his season.

Latest notes with @WillSammon:

*Effect of luxury tax on free agency

*Cubs in mix for Bregman, Bichette

*The delay on Donovan

*Mets working trades

*O’s would punt a pick

*Justin Wilson mulls retirement

*White Sox seek SP

*Brewers’ interesting hirehttps://t.co/NTqnT2Qu4l

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 7, 2026

Why adding Griffin Canning would benefit the Chicago White Sox

Even though Canning is not a big name in baseball, he has shown himself to be a reliable starting pitcher, posting a career 4.65 ERA, but has failed to stay on the field, making 30+ starts one time (2024, 31 starts). Despite his injury history and coming off a terrible injury like an Achilles rupture, signing Canning would bode well for general manager Chris Getz in the White Sox, given that they need starters.

The White Sox have a handful of arms on their roster, led by their lone All-Star in 2025, Shane Smith, but they have two pitchers in right-hander Drew Thorpe and left-hander Ky Bush coming off Tommy John surgeries. Signing Canning would also give the White Sox another valuable trade piece to use at the trade deadline, as they did with right-hander Adrian Houser, who they traded to the Tampa Bay Rays for two prospects and Curtis Mead, who did well down the stretch.

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The Chicago Cubs entered the postseason needing to fill many holes on their roster, but the most important of them all was to acquire a frontline starting pitcher.

More News: Former Chicago Cubs reliever reveals how he signed with NL foe

With left-handers Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez still on the free agent market, but demanding a hefty price tag, the Cubs opted to make a trade to acquire the starter they’ve coveted. According to Bleacher Nation’s Michael Cerami, the Cubs are finalizing a deal with the Miami Marlins to acquire right-hander Edward Cabrera.

Cabrera, 27, was among the top trade candidates this offseason and has the upside of being a No. 2 starter, which is exactly what the Cubs have been looking for. Cabrera was solid, pitching to an 8-7 record with a 3.53 ERA (26 starts), while striking out 150 batters in 137.2 innings.

BREAKING: Cubs are finalizing a deal to acquire SP Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins.

— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) January 7, 2026

The finalized trade for Cabrera included the Cubs No. 1 prospect, outfielder Owen Caissie, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

Edward Cabrera will bolster the Chicago Cubs’ rotation

Sep 23, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Marlins pitcher Edward Cabrera (27) throws a pitch during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn ImagesDespite not having a big name in their rotation like Cy Young award winner with divisional foe the Pittsburgh Pirates, Paul Skenes, the Cubs had the eighth-best starters’ ERA (3.83). Though he’s not a star, Cabrera will add depth to the Cubs’ rotation but also help it round out into one of the better rotations in the National League, joining All-Stars Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga.

Unlikely to re-sign outfielder Kyle Tucker, given his price tag, the Cubs are building a strong pitching staff, adding left-handers Holby Milner and Caleb Theilbar, and right-handers Hunter Harvey and Jacob Webb to one-year deals. With still a ways to go until Opening Day, the Cubs could add one or two more arms to their pitching staff to account for any potential injury that could occur.

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The Chicago Cubs have had a lackluster offseason. Their biggest acquisition has been re-signing left-hander Shota Imanaga to the qualifying offer ($22.025 million), which is a solid move and adds depth to their rotation, but isn’t the “Ace” they need to take down National League Central Champions, the Milwaukee Brewers.

More News: Cubs connected to intriguing new trade target amid rampant rumors

Outside of Imanaga, the Cubs have focused their free agent signings on adding to their bullpen (11th, 3.78 ERA), but didn’t bring back one of their best bullpen arms in right-hander Brad Keller, who signed a two-year $22 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Not bringing back Keller to lock down the seventh or eighth innings to give the ball to closer Daniel Palencia for the ninth could cause the Cubs to regress and have a worse bullpen in 2026.

Brad Keller reveals how he signed with the Phillies after an exciting stint with the Chicago Cubs

Coming off the best season of his career, pitching to a 4-2 record with a 2.07 ERA, while tallying three saves and striking out 75 batters in 69.2 Innings, Keller was one of the top middle relievers on the market this free agency period and would’ve helped the Cubs’ bullpen. Signing the same deal that New York Mets reliever Luke Weaver signed, Keller, on his recent appearance on the YouTube show “Foul Territory,” revealed how his signing with the Phillies came into being.

“You know it was really cool. I had good conversations with those guys. Had a zoom call. I was actually on vacation,” Keller said on “Foul Territory.” “I was on we had a family vacation down in the [Florida] keys, and it’s kind of my agent called me. Is like, Hey, man, like, this is kind of picking up some steam, like, are you able to, you know, step away for a little bit and get on the phone? I was like, Yeah, sure. So some jumped on a zoom call front office [Dave Dombrowski and Preston Mattingly] and Caleb Cotham and those guys, and, you know, really, really liked what they had to say. And you know, some things that were brought up pitching wise that I really enjoyed. And yeah, next thing, you know, I was on a flight headed to Philly to get all my physicals done. So it was great, though. No, it was a way more enjoyable process this time. And, you know, years past.”

Keller, when asked by host Erik Kratz how he felt seeing the Cubs rebuild their bullpen and him not being a part of it, said there’s “No bad blood or ill will against them at all.”

“I love my time there they I credit them to everything this season, you know, like I said, my first taste of postseason, first taste of winning throughout the whole season. So I have no bad blood or ill will against them at all. I mean, it was by far my favorite, you know, season of playing baseball. You know, I tell everybody is, I had so much fun. The clubhouse was unbelievable. The guys in there, you know, support staff, all the way to coaching staff for the players, everything was, you know, big league as it gets. So, as far as that, you know, I loved it over there, and I got, I have no ill will.”

The Cubs need to start adding more starting pitching, or go all-in on their bullpen

Since the Cubs are unlikely to re-sign outfielder Kyle Tucker to the deal he’s seeking (approximately $400 million), their offense will be what it is minus Tucker; with the same being said about the starting rotation — barring any trades or other free-agent signings. The Cubs still have a chance to land the “Ace” or a frontline starter they need, with left-handers Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez still on the market.

Valdez and Suarez will command long-term and lucrative deals, which is not something the Cubs deal in. Since this is the case, the Cubs should go all in on building up their bullpen. The Cubs have already added: left-handers Holby Milner and Caleb Theilbar, along with right-handers Hunter Harvey and Jacob Webb on one-year deals.

With there still a ways to go before the start of the regular season, the Cubs still have time to make a blockbuster trade to add a top-tier starter or another backend of the bullpen arm.

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After a disappointing loss (19-16) to the Detroit Lions to wrap up the regular season, the Chicago Bears enter their playoff week losers of two straight and have an uneasy feeling heading into their third matchup with divisional opponent, the Green Bay Packers.

More News: The Cowboys make their decision on Matt Eberflus after showing his incompetence

After the loss to the Lions, Bears head coach Ben Johnson issued a challenge to his second-year quarterback, Caleb Williams, to respond to one of the better defenses in the league (12th, 311.8 yards), saying, “We’re going to need him at his best.” In response to his head coach’s challenge, William stated, “I think I’m built for these moments.”

“I think I am built for these moments mentality wise how I’ve worked,” Williams said via the team transcript. “I’ve been in a bunch of big games before and a bunch of big rival games. In those moments and in these moments, I think I can provide a spark for the team. I think I can do whatever my team needs me to do. Whether that’s stay in the pocket, whether that’s run, whether that’s scramble, whether that’s hand the ball off 30 times and be energetic about it. Whatever it takes is where I’m at and where I’m going to be at for these next couple weeks hopefully.”

The Chicago Bears need Caleb Williams to continue to impress in their matchup with the Packers

Splitting their regular-season matchups with the Packers, the Bears will need Williams to continue to shine and show his clutch factor for them to get a win. In their two meetings this season, Williams threw for a total of 436 yards (38-69) and four touchdowns, while throwing just one interception.

The worst part of the Packers’ defense is their rushing attack (18th, 117.7 yards), which could nullify running backs D’Andre Swift (1,087 yards) and rookie standout Kyle Monangai (783). The Packers are likely to force Johnson to place the ball in Williams’ hands to see if his fourth-quarter magic can come out in the other three quarters of the game. In the last two minutes of the game/half, Williams has thrown for 563 yards with four touchdowns and one interception.

If Williams can take what he has done well in the last couple of minutes of the game or the half, the Bears could be walking out of their house with a victory.

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The Chicago White Sox are on the precipice of being a competitive team once again, but are still a few pieces of the puzzle short of being a finished product.

More News: Chicago White Sox sign Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami to two-year deal

The White Sox’s signing of Japanese slugger Muentaka Murakami indicated their willingness to take a step forward in competing this upcoming season after their young core of prospects showed some signs of life. Led by Rookie of the Year Finalist (fifth) shortstop Colson Montgomery, the White Sox will need him and the rest of their prospects to show some growth in 2025 to compete with the likes of the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians.

The Chicago White Sox need Colson Montgomery to take a step forward in his development to help their rebuild

Despite having a trove of prospects in their system, not all of them will hit and be future foundational pieces of the White Sox roster. Montgomery is one of those foundational pieces that general manager Chris Getz hopes will lead the White Sox to their first postseason appearance since 2021.

For next season, the White Sox will need Montgomery and Murakami (21 and 24 home runs, respectively) to provide the power necessary for the White Sox to score enough runs (27th, 647) to continue to get better in their win total. According to Baseball Reference, Montgomery is projected to be about the same next season, jumping 13 points in his batting average (going from .239 to .252) and taking a dip in his home run total by two (19).

If the White Sox want to further progress in their rebuild, Montgomery will need to be better than these projections.

The White Sox also need to add starting pitching to their young hitting core

Even though the White Sox have an exciting young hitting core, it won’t mean anything if they don’t supplement it with starting pitching and depth in the bullpen. The White Sox’s overall pitching staff ranked 20th in the major leagues for ERA (4.26) and was 21st for their starters’ ERA (4.39), while their bullpen ranked 18th (4.16), but ranked dead last in saves (25).

The White Sox have a few internal options to eat a bulk of the innings they need to fill for 2026, but they still should add a couple more arms to their rotation, with pitchers RHP Drew Thorpe and LHP Ky Bush coming off Tommy John surgery. The White Sox’s lone All-Star in 2025, RHP Shane Smith, appears to be manager Will Venable’s No. 1 and potential Opening Day starter heading into 2026, which will be a massive order for Smith to fill in his sophomore season.

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The Dallas Cowboys have once again disappointed their fans by going 7-9-1 and missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season.

More News: Former Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace could become next Falcons GM

After switching coaches, trading away their best defensive player, Micah Parsons, and having one of the worst defenses in the NFL under defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, the Cowboys are in complete disarray. The Cowboys had the second-best offense (391.9 yards) behind the Los Angeles Rams (394.6 yards), and Eberflus couldn’t back it up, producing the third-worst defense (377.0 yards) in the league.

This failure and the incompetence to put together an adequate defense have led the Cowboys to decide to part ways with Eberflus, according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz. The Cowboys also had the worst passing defense (251.5 yards) and scoring defense 30.1 points allowed, while their rushing defense (23rd, 125.5 yards) was the best part of the dysfunction. 

Sources: The #Cowboys are firing DC Matt Eberflus.

During his lone season in Dallas, Eberflus’ unit ranked last in several categories — including 3rd down, red zone and passing defense. https://t.co/QQ0UozaFky pic.twitter.com/Vvr3Nh8Il4

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 6, 2026

Matt Eberflus failed to help the Dallas Cowboys improve just as he failed to improve the Chicago Bears

Before taking the defensive coordinator’s role with Dallas, Eberflus had been attempting to lead the Bears to their first winning season since 2018 (12-4), but failed to do so in his three seasons at the helm, with a record of 14-32 (.304 winning percentage). The Bears would eventually decide to move on from Eberflus, firing him after Week 13, after failing to use his final timeout to set up a potential game-tying field goal attempt. Eberflus, in his final season, went 4-8.

Failing in Chicago and now in Dallas doesn’t bode well for Eberflus’s future as a head coach or a coordinator in the NFL. However, with at least six head coaching vacancies and possibly more coordinator positions opening, Eberflus will have options and likely get another chance somewhere else.

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The Chicago White Sox improved their record by 19 games in 2025 (60-102) after coming off a historically awful season in 2024 (41-121), and they will continue to get better in 2026.

More News: Chicago White Sox ‘engaged’ in talks with Japanese slugger: Insider

The White Sox have a young core forming heading into 2026, led by shortstop Colson Montgomery, but need to supplement him and the others with veterans and outside talent from the organization to upgrade their lineup and roster and make them more competitive. Not spending big on the free agent market, the White Sox turned toward the Japanese market, with ESPN’s Jeff Passan reporting that the White Sox and third/first baseman Munetaka Murakami are finalizing a two-year contract worth $34 million.

Murakami’s posting window to sign with a major league club would have ended on Monday, Dec. 22, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Known for his power (hitting 56 home runs in 2022), Murakami would bring big-time power to a White Sox lineup (28th in slugging percentage, .373). However, Murakami does strike out a ton, striking out over 180 times in two seasons (2019 & 2024).

Overall, in 2025, Murakami batted .286 with an OPS of 1.051 (career high) and hit 24 home runs while driving in 52 RBI.

BREAKING: Third baseman Munetaka Murakami and the Chicago White Sox are in agreement on a two-year, $34 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Murakami, 25, is the single-season home run champion in Japan and will bring his prodigious power to a rebuilding White Sox team.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 21, 2025

In the meantime, the White Sox make their biggest free agent move in years. Murakami, Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, Edgar Quero, Miguel Vargas — Chicago has a lot of young, interesting talent. And the upside for Murakami is enormous. A savvy move to get two prime years.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 21, 2025

Munetaka Murakami boosts the Chicago White Sox lineup and gives them the power hitter they lack

Despite being a strikeout king, adding Murakami would be beneficial for manager Will Venable to have in his lineup. The White Sox’s leader in home runs in 2025 was second baseman Lenyn Sosa, who nearly tripled his home run total in 2025 (22) from 2024 (eight), so adding Murakami would give the Sox someone with 30+ home run potential and the White Sox a nice triple threat of Montgomery, Sosa, and Murakami.

The White Sox have an opening at first base, and with Murakami’s joining the club, he’ll likely get the bulk of the starting reps to play on the right side of the infield. In their history, the White Sox’s most notable Japanese player was infielder Tadahito Iguchi. Iguchi helped the White Sox win the 2005 World Series.

Now that he’s signed, Murakami could be the next Japanese player to join the White Sox and the young core they’re forming, and bring another World Series trophy back to Chicago.

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