North Side Territory: A Chicago Cubs Podcast

Latest Episodes:

What we’re hearing about the Cubs: Michael Conforto’s new deal and more Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

Spring training is fully underway, but the Cubs haven’t stopped making moves. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney get you up to speed with the latest from Arizona, where the Cubs will be welcoming a one-time All-Star outfielder. Moisés Ballesteros has also arrived in camp after visa-related delays. Where does the rookie fit in now? Plus a look at Seiya Suzuki’s trajectory as he leaves for the World Baseball Classic in what will be a huge platform year for the Japanese outfielder. Follow North Side Territory throughout spring training for in-depth coverage from Mesa.
Use our code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount
Quit overspending on wireless with 50% off Unlimited premium wireless. Plans start at $15/month at MintMobile.com/Territory

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cubs news and notes: MLBPA problems and much more from spring training Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

The Tony Clark scandal hovered over spring training as union officials visited Cubs camp on Wednesday in Arizona. Sahadev Sharma joins Patrick Mooney with a full report from Mesa. The Athletic beat writers then give a very encouraging update on Cade Horton, who after an awesome rookie season already looks like a potential Cy Young Award contender and Game 1 playoff starter. Plus details on a subtraction to Chicago’s front office and what that might mean for the club’s pursuit of Japanese talent.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State of the Cubs (and their TV network and on-field product) Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

In what’s become an annual tradition, Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts separately addressed the team and the Chicago media covering spring training in Arizona. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney give Cubs fans the most important takeaways from that session with the club’s owner. How should Marquee Sports Network be judged at this point? What does the league’s TV future look like? Where does all that fit into the push for a salary cap in the upcoming labor negotiations? What about money for the trade deadline? For comprehensive coverage of the Cubs all year round, subscribe to North Side Territory.
Our listeners get 15% off plus free shipping when they buy two or more pairs of prescription glasses at WarbyParker.com/FOUL — using our link helps support the show. #WarbyParker #ad

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Early impressions from a Cubs camp with big expectations Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

What is Pete Crow-Armstrong working on this year? And how will Alex Bregman help the young star reach that next level? Sahadev Sharma joins Patrick Mooney with his early impressions from Arizona. The Athletic beat writers discuss the risk-reward approach to trying to change Crow-Armstrong’s game as well as Bregman’s influence within the clubhouse, which is already apparent. Follow North Side Territory throughout spring training for the latest on a Cubs team that is planning to be a World Series contender.
Quit overspending on wireless with 50% off Unlimited premium wireless. Plans start at $15/month at MintMobile.com/Territory

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cubs are back: Day 1 report from spring training Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

After the first formal workout for Cubs pitchers and catchers in Arizona, Sahadev Sharma joins Patrick Mooney for a rundown of the sights and sounds in Mesa. The Athletic beat writers capture the new expectations surrounding the team and wonder if we’ll see a different Craig Counsell this year (doubt it).

Nevertheless, the Cubs manager made headlines with his preliminary plan for the ninth inning, naming Daniel Palencia as his anticipated closer. And while the Cubs are back, it still left another question hanging out there: Are they done with their offseason yet?

Get 10 free meals and a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box at HelloFresh.com/FT10FM. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as a discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Side Territory’s Spring Training Preview Feb 07, 2026

Show notes

After a rough stretch of Chicago winter filled with snow, ice and bone-chilling temperatures, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are looking forward to pitchers and catchers reporting to Arizona. The Athletic writers explain why the offseason still doesn’t feel over yet in February, what they’ll be paying attention to in Mesa and how the pitching staff will have to come together (or not). Follow North Side Territory throughout spring training, when Sharma and Mooney will be in the clubhouse and around the complex gathering information and insights.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The offseason grades for the Cubs are in Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

Although another move or two could still be out there, the Cubs checked a lot of boxes this winter, adding to a roster that will be expected to win 90-plus games, a division title and multiple playoff rounds. With spring training right around the corner, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney hand out their offseason grades, reviewing what the Cubs got right and pointing out what could go wrong.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cubs mailbag: Contract extensions, lineup questions, roster decisions and more Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

With so many good questions from listeners, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney broke up their latest mailbag into two parts. In this episode, the beat writers analyze the possibility of long-term deals for Pete Crow-Armstrong and Nico Hoerner, and outline the plans for Moisés Ballesteros. Plus, a rundown of some of their favorite interviews over the years at Wrigley Field, and why Anthony Rizzo could be a great broadcaster in his new role.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cubs mailbag: Still looking for more pitching Jan 29, 2026

Show notes

With spring training rapidly approaching, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back with a pitching-centric mailbag, answering questions from listeners about which free agents are still in play, how Craig Counsell will manage the bullpen and whether the Cubs will go with a six-man rotation. Listen all year round for the latest information from the North Side.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cubs news and notes: Freddy Peralta trade, Jon Lester’s Hall of Fame case and more Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

As subzero weather grips Chicago, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are looking forward to spring training in Arizona and what’s next for the Cubs. In this episode, the two beat writers analyze the Peralta deal and what it means for the Brewers and the rest of the National League. Another Cooperstown election and the 10-year reunion of the 2016 World Series team prompts a question: Will anyone from that group make the Hall of Fame? Plus more on Chas McCormick and the strong sense that this front office is not done yet.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

North Side Territory: A Chicago Cubs Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected