North Side Territory: A Chicago Cubs Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Cubs trade rumors: What’s next for Matt Shaw and Nico Hoerner? Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

It could be nothing. But this is a front office that is always willing to listen, never viewing a player as untouchable. And the Cubs are clearly signaling that they’re not yet done with their offseason moves. So where does that leave Shaw and Hoerner now that the Cubs have a potential surplus of infielders after the addition of Alex Bregman? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share what they’re hearing on North Side Territory, the go-to show for offseason news and analysis of the Cubs.

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What we’re hearing: Kyle Tucker’s decision and the futures of Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw Jan 17, 2026

Show notes

Now that the Tucker saga has a predictable ending – the top free agent is heading to Dodger Stadium – The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney give some insights into why the Cubs seemed to move on a long time ago. Closing Alex Bregman’s five-year, $175 million deal certainly took a lot of heat off the Cubs organization leading into its annual winter convention. But the front office also hasn’t yet shut down any of the trade speculation surrounding Hoerner, Shaw and a potential surplus of infielders. North Side Territory, your offseason home for Cubs news and analysis, gets into all of those angles and more.

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First impressions of Alex Bregman at Wrigley Field Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

What an introduction to Chicago for the two-time World Series champion who purposely chose No. 3 for his new jersey. Yes, Bregman wants a third World Series ring to add to his collection. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain the significance of this moment, how the five-year, $175 million deal came together and where Bregman is planning to make an impact, on and off the field.

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The Cubs make a huge splash with the Alex Bregman deal Jan 11, 2026

Show notes

On an electric night for Chicago sports fans, the Cubs reminded the city and the baseball world that they are still a big-market force, closing a five-year, $175 million deal with Bregman before the Bears roared back for a playoff victory over the Packers. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain why the Cubs have been so enamored with the All-Star third baseman and what Bregman’s arrival means for the rest of this year and beyond.

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Where the Cubs stand with the “Big Four” free agents Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

After trading for Edward Cabrera and upgrading their starting rotation, the Cubs have a clear need for another hitter and a genuine opportunity to level up their roster. With the free-agent market moving slowly, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain where the Cubs are at with Bo Bichette, Alex Bregman, Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker, analyzing their potential fits both on and off the field.

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Why the Cubs made the Edward Cabrera trade Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down all the angles to Chicago’s biggest offseason move thus far – what the Cubs see in Cabrera, why Owen Caissie was dealt to the Marlins and where the front office goes from here. For detailed scouting reports and behind-the-scenes insights, listen to North Side Territory all winter and throughout the season.

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Mapping out the potential next moves for the Cubs in 2026 Jan 03, 2026

Show notes

Happy New Year from North Side Territory, the show that covers all the offseason angles involving the Cubs.

The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back to sketch out what the Cubs might do now that Tatsuya Imai has decided to sign with the Astros.

Look for certain names to resurface in free agency, and expect more trade rumors to pop up. Plus, an explainer on what the Cubs have done with their bullpen and how that sets up the rest of the winter (and start of spring training).

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New year begins with Cubs missing out on Tatsuya Imai Jan 02, 2026

Show notes

The Imai sweepstakes ended with the Japanese pitcher picking an unexpected team and settling for a smaller contract than projected. The Astros took on some risk, but they could also be rewarded with a very good pitcher. Why didn’t the Cubs sign Imai? And where do they go from here? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break it all down on North Side Territory, the show for all the latest offseason news surrounding the Cubs.

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Previewing what 2026 may bring for the Cubs Dec 24, 2025

Show notes

Looking ahead to a new season, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney see a playoff-caliber team that’s approaching a cliff. With so many key players close to reaching free agency – and questions about the farm system and the baseball budget – this should be a fascinating year around the Cubs. Who stays? Who goes? What’s different from the organization’s last cliff? And why do some of these issues sound familiar?

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Year in review: What the Cubs showed us in 2025 (and what they didn’t) Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

Happy holidays from North Side Territory. With a playoff season in the books and the offseason in full swing, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney sit down to reflect on the last 12 months on the Cubs beat. From Pete Crow-Armstrong becoming a star to Craig Counsell putting his stamp on the organization to the crowds reenergizing Wrigley Field, there was no shortage of topics to cover. We’re also left to wonder when the Cubs will make their next big move and act like the big-market team that those fans deserve.

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