North Side Territory: A Chicago Cubs Podcast

The next two weeks will define the Cubs’ season. Making the playoffs is an annual goal that remains within reach, even a likely outcome. But until the first bottle of champagne is popped, the Cubs are going to have to sweat it out with the Phillies, Padres and Diamondbacks. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the state of play in the middle of September. Missing the playoffs would be an organizational failure that wastes Pete Crow-Armstrong’s likely MVP season, the best defense in baseball and the sport’s highest-scoring offense. Stay tuned. To get your new wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month, go to MintMobile.com/Territory . That’s it there’s no catch. Start your FOX One 3-day Free trial today at FOXOne.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Cubs getting swept out of Milwaukee, it seems like a good time to hear what the fans are thinking. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney answer questions from listeners who want to know: Are Cubs officials as frustrated as Cubs fans when the Brewers are running away with the division title again? Moving forward, how will this late-season slump influence the organization’s strategies around pitcher development and bullpen construction? And is anyone coming from Triple-A Iowa to help this team? Listen for behind-the-scenes insights and the latest information on the Cubs. Go to Quince.com/foul for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the playoffs fast approaching, the Cubs are running out of time to fix their bullpen. The available relief options are also limited in the middle of September. What’s the current mood in the clubhouse? How did it get to this point? And who might be able to help with these issues? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share their reporting and insights from Milwaukee. Shop now at Fabletics.com/Foul and get 70 to 80% off everything when you sign up as a new VIP Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another tough loss in Milwaukee spotlighted the gap in the division as well as the manager’s decisions. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain what Craig Counsell was thinking and where the Cubs go from here. Within the next three weeks, the Cubs have to figure out their bullpen, finish ahead of the Phillies and try to peak at the right time. Because the Brewers are clearly the class of the NL Central over a 162-game schedule. The playoffs might be a different story. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Go to Quince.com/foul for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Who would you trust to pitch the late innings of a big game at Wrigley Field? That’s the dilemma facing Cubs manager Craig Counsell and his coaches as they try to get a group of relievers back on track before the playoffs. With the Brewers holding a commanding lead in the division and the Phillies surging in the wild-card race, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney examine the club’s options moving forward. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Start your FOX One 3-day Free trial today at FOXOne.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The PCA Show captivated some of the greatest players in franchise history, who gathered at Wrigley Field over the weekend for a 150th anniversary celebration. Not only has Crow-Armstrong moved ahead of Shohei Ohtani in the National League MVP race, he’s also put himself in the best-season-ever conversation for a club that was founded in 1876. Still, there are areas of concerns as the Cubs enter the final month of the regular season. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney outline the road ahead, with major questions about Shota Imanaga’s spot in the rotation, who can be trusted out of the bullpen, and if the Cubs can hold off the Phillies for the top wild-card spot and put some pressure on the Brewers in September. Shop now at Fabletics.com/Foul and get 70 to 80% off everything when you sign up as a new VIP Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of a big weekend at Wrigley Field, where the Cubs are holding a 150th anniversary celebration, Jon Lester returns to the show to give his perspective on the current team, which just returned from a difficult road trip. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney chat with Lester about Pete Crow-Armstrong’s emotional reaction and pointed comments after a blown balk call. Lester also gives a scouting report on former teammate Quintin Berry, the Cubs third-base coach involved in a sign-stealing back-and-forth with the Diamondbacks. Listen for insider insights drawn from the field and the clubhouse. To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/ FOUL . The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a 2-4 road trip through Seattle and Arizona, the Cubs look like a team that could use a day off in Chicago. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share their reporting and observations on PCA’s explosion after a blown balk call and Brown’s setback, which casts doubt on his ability to return this season. Plus, an updated look at Craig Counsell’s circle of trust and how the Cubs will try to get their bullpen right over this final month before the playoffs. Go to Quince.com/foul for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a moment that demonstrated both the team’s sense of urgency and impressive roster depth, Cubs manager Craig Counsell made Shota Imanaga’s last start the shortest outing of his major-league career, not messing around at this stage of the playoff race. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down what it means for Imanaga, Counsell and the plans for October. Plus, reporting from the dugout and the clubhouse on why Kevin Gausman looks like a Game 1 playoff starter, and how Justin Steele and Ben Brown could fit onto the postseason pitching staff. Go to Quince.com/foul for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With newfound depth and a number of pitchers working their way back into the roster conversations, the Cubs are facing a series of difficult decisions as they gear up for the stretch run. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney talk through what they’re hearing about the pitching plans for the rest of the season, Game 1 of the playoffs and potentially multiple postseason rounds. Who’s in? Who’s out? And who’s on the bubble? Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Start your FOX One 3-day Free trial today at FOXOne.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chicago sports fans were treated to an awesome spectacle at Wrigley Field with two dramatic walk-offs, a nasty fight in the bleachers that went viral and unforgettable individual performances that made you wonder what it would be like if these two teams somehow met in October. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share their reporting from the North Side with insights into managers’ decisions, Seiya Suzuki’s upcoming free agency and the pitchers the Cubs are hoping to get back for the playoffs. To get your new wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month, go to MintMobile.com/Territory . That’s it there’s no catch. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PCA created another signature moment for the highlight reels attached to his MVP campaign and this crosstown rivalry. That walk-off homer against the White Sox was only the latest example of his magical season, which has elevated his teammates as well as the entire organization. The Cubs need that presence while covering for the absence of Gold Glove shortstop Dansby Swanson and Edward Cabrera’s disappointing year. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share their reporting from Wrigley Field. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See how K12 Powered Schools can help unlock your child’s full potential. Enroll online today at K12.com/foul See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Cubs rolling into the stretch run, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back to answer your questions. Does this team have enough left in the tank to overtake the Brewers? How will Craig Counsell and his coaches rearrange the pitching staff once Edward Cabrera and Ben Brown are healthy? Who’s closing the first playoff game? How will the front office replace Seiya Suzuki if he walks as a free agent? Listen for reporting and behind-the-scenes insights from Wrigley Field. Shop now at Fabletics.com/Foul and get 70 to 80% off everything when you sign up as a new VIP Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon Lester returns to the show for another wide-ranging conversation with The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney. After attending the 10-year reunion for the 2016 World Series team at Wrigley Field, Lester gives his scouting report on the 2026 Cubs, how they match up with the Dodgers and what works in October. Lester also explains the clubhouse dynamics before and after the trade deadline, plus how the Dodgers recruit free agents and run their business. Lester knows from experience. Go to Quince.com/foul for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the Cubs are absorbed in the playoff race, this period after the trade deadline is a good time to reassess the organization’s future. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the roster, the upcoming free agents and some internal replacements on the horizon. Could Ian Happ and/or Seiya Suzuki stick around next season? Would the Cubs consider flanking Pete Crow-Armstrong with Pedro Ramírez and Matt Shaw in the outfield? What about the pitching staff? Plus, some intel on Owen Ayers, a top catching prospect the Cubs did not trade at the deadline, with the idea that he might be a September call-up. Head to Factormeals.com/foul50off and use code foul50off to get 50% off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year, while supplies last until 10/31/2026 Go to Quince.com/foul for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

How do you like the Cubs now? After the players showed exceptional resiliency and cohesiveness throughout the season, the front office rewarded them with a buying spree at the deadline, giving up young talent to trade for playoff-tested pitchers. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break it all down with reporting and reactions from Wrigley Field. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See how K12 Powered Schools can help unlock your child’s full potential. Enroll online today at K12.com/foul See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There it is. On the night before the trade deadline, the Cubs reached an agreement with the Blue Jays to acquire a big-game pitcher who produced two quality starts against the Dodgers in last year’s World Series. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back with details on the Gausman deal, insights into the Tarik Skubal talks and a reminder that Jed Hoyer’s front office is not done yet. To get your new wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month, go to MintMobile.com/Territory . That’s it there’s no catch. To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/ FOUL . The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final days before the trade deadline, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share what they’re hearing about the Cubs’ plans. Yes, Jed Hoyer’s front office is all over the pitching market. And, yes, prices are sky-high at the moment. But that shouldn’t stop the Cubs from adding multiple pieces and leveling up this team as a World Series contender. Listen for the names currently under consideration. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.