Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is on track to join an elite club. Crow-Armstrong could become the seventh member of Major League Baseball’s 40-40 club.

Crow-Armstrong needs two stolen bases over Chicago’s final six games to enter sports history.

Crow-Armstrong’s season has reached a point where the NL MVP race feels finished. After 153 games, he has 44 homers, 105 RBIs, 37 steals, and 9.6 bWAR. His .956 OPS has matched the impact he continues to make with his defense. 

Crow-Armstrong became the first Cubs left-handed hitter since Billy Williams to reach 40 homers. Then he hit his 43rd and 44th homers against Atlanta on Wednesday, breaking Williams’ franchise record. Wrigley Field responded with repeated “MVP” chants as another huge night unfolded. Even after striking out, Crow-Armstrong received a standing ovation from Chicago. 

The homer tied Williams’ mark before his next two blasts pushed him past it. Now he needs only two more steals to reach the rare 40-40 milestone. Only 6 players have previously completed a 40-40 season in MLB history. 

Nearing 24,000 MLB debuts in the Baseball-Reference database, only six players have posted a season with at least 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases:  Jose Canseco (1988); Barry Bonds (1996); Alex Rodriguez (1998); Alfonso Soriano (2006); Ronald Acuña Jr. (2023); and Shohei Ohtani (2024). 

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said, “You’re shaking your head in amazement sometimes. You know, you don’t get to see this. That’s what I told Alex (Bregman): ‘We don’t get to see things like this.’ You spend your whole life in baseball, and you just don’t see this happen on a baseball field.” 

Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga said there were no words to describe what Crow-Armstrong was doing. In August, even Dave Roberts said Pete making this a race could push Ohtani even further. That praise has followed Crow-Armstrong as Chicago continues fighting toward another postseason run. 

With six games left and heading into the playoffs, Crow-Armstrong can solidify his case for NL MVP and lead the Cubs in the NL playoffs.

Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman was taken to the hospital after being struck by a foul ball while standing in front of the on-deck circle during their game against the Cincinnati Reds.

“He got hit in the left cheekbone, essentially under the eye,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “I don’t know anything more than that right now. He was bleeding from his nose a little. There’s some swelling. It’s a terrible, terrible accident. We hope he’s OK.” 

Bregman would later go to social media, where he posted an Instagram story that showed his eye swollen shut and bruised, along with blood on his cheek. The caption on the story was: “Thanks for all the messages, y’all. I’ll be back.”

The team later announced that he suffered from facial fractures.

Bregman has been struggling for most of the season so far.

In the fourth inning, Cubs first baseman Michael Busch stepped up to the plate, checked his swing and fouled off a pitch from Reds pitcher Luis Mey. The ball struck Bregman, who immediately jogged towards the Cubs’ dugout, covering the left side of his face.

An athletic trainer escorted Bregman down the dugout steps and into the clubhouse, with blood visible on his face. Matt Shaw replaced Bregman and drew a walk. He stayed in the game at second base, with Pedro Ramirez shifting to third.

“It just happens so fast,” Busch said. “Mey’s throwing the ball hard, and it comes off hard. Any time it enters the head area, it’s always scary. We try to focus on the game, but it’s tough. Hopefully he’s OK, first and foremost.”

Before leaving the game, Bregman went 1-for1- with a walk, an RBI and a run scored. This season he is batting .262 with 26 home runs and 89 RBIs after signing a $175 million, five-year free-agent deal in January.

“I mean, at the end of the day, you just hope your friend is OK; that’s the news that I’m hoping for. But scary stuff. Such a rarity.” Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong said.

The Cubs could have clinched a playoff berth that day with a Diamondbacks loss to the Yankees, but Arizona would go on to win 8-4.

Counsell said he hasn’t thought about how a potential long-term absence for Bregman might impact his postseason roster plans.

“You know, we’ve got to get good results from the hospital. He got hit in the face, so you’re worried just about his general well-being first. I want to get a good report first.” Counsell said.

The Chicago Cubs bolstered their pitching staff Sunday night, acquiring right-hander Kevin Gausman from the Toronto Blue Jays in a deal aimed at shoring up a rotation that’s been battered by injuries this season.

Chicago sent Triple-A outfielder Brett Bateman and Class-A infielder Ty Southisene to Toronto in exchange for the 35-year-old veteran, with the Cubs also absorbing the remainder of Gausman’s $23 million salary for the year. The move addresses a need that’s dogged Chicago for weeks, as the club has been connected to nearly every available arm on the trade market amid a wave of rotation injuries that left the front office searching for reinforcements ahead of the deadline.

Gausman brings a mixed regular-season line into his new clubhouse — he’s 5-10 with a 4.38 ERA and 127 strikeouts this year — but his postseason résumé is what made him attractive to a Cubs team with October ambitions. Across 14 career playoff starts, Gausman has posted a 3.83 ERA, and he was a driving force behind Toronto’s run to the 2025 World Series, going 2-3 with a 2.93 ERA over six starts that October. That track record positions him as a ready-made option for Chicago’s rotation down the stretch and into any postseason run, regardless of how his volume numbers have looked during the regular season.

For Toronto, the trade signals a step back from immediate postseason aspirations as the pending free agent’s expiring contract made him a natural trade chip. The Blue Jays used the return to continue reshaping their farm system, adding a pair of prospects in Bateman and Southisene while also separately acquiring infielder Jose Soriano in moves connected to their broader roster shakeup around the deadline.

Analysts were largely bullish on the trade from Chicago’s perspective, with at least one outlet grading the return as an “A” for the Cubs given the relatively modest prospect cost required to land a pitcher with Gausman’s playoff pedigree. The addition gives Chicago another established arm to lean on as the club pushes for a deeper postseason run than it managed a year ago.

Alex Bregman was expected to be a key addition for the Chicago Cubs when he signed a five-year, $175 million contract during the MLB offseason. But nearly two months into the 2026 season, fans and people around the Cubs organization fear he’s one of the main reasons for the team’s recent collapse.

After beginning the year with playoff expectations and one of the best records in baseball, Chicago has fallen into a slump. It happens to most MLB teams, but the Cubs have gone 5-16 over the last 21 games and have dropped to fourth place in the National League Central. While injuries have been a factor, the pitching has also struggled, but much of the attention is on Bregman’s struggles at the plate.

The numbers tell the story: Through 65 games, Bregman has just five home runs and 19 RBIs, making this one of the worst seasons of his major league career. Perhaps most concerning is his inability to deliver in key situations—he leads the majors in runners left on base. Frustration has become evident at Wrigley Field, and many Chicago fans have begun booing the former All-Star. Bregman has not shied away from the criticism.
​
He’s admitted he’s been terrible and needs to play better, but despite his offensive struggles, Bregman continues to provide value defensively. He ranks among the National League’s better defensive third basemen and is respected in the clubhouse for his leadership and experience.

Still, the Cubs did not invest $175 million solely in defense. They signed Bregman to replace much of the offensive production they lost, hoping to bring Chicago back into postseason contention. Cubs fans expected more and are looking for Bregman to return to the form he showed as the Houston Astros’ star third baseman.

​

Last season, the Chicago Cubs broke a four-year postseason drought, finishing 92-70 and earning the top wild-card spot. The Cubs defeated the San Diego Padres in three games during the NL Wild Card series. However, the Brewers bested their rivals in five games in the Divisional Round. This was the first postseason I-94 rivalry matchup between the two.

>GET DEALS ON CHICAGO CUBS TICKETS NOW!

Notable acquisitions made at the trade deadline include relief pitchers Andrew Kittredge, Michael Soroka and Taylor Rogers. The Cubs also acquired Willi Castro from the Minnesota Twins.

Chicago’s offense batted .249 last season, placing 13th in MLB. The team also recorded 1,371 hits, hit 223 home runs and batted in 771 runs. The Cubs’ pitching staff recorded a 3.79 ERA and struck out 1,265 batters. These stats placed Chicago 9th in ERA and 27th in strikeouts.

Nico Hoerner led the team in hits (178) and batting average (.297), while Michael Busch led in home runs (34). Seiya Suzuki had the most RBIs on the team, recording 103. Matthew Boyd recorded a 3.21 ERA, surrendered 154 hits and struck out 154 batters in 179 innings pitched.

The offseason started off with Kittredge being sent to the Baltimore Orioles for cash considerations. After that, Chicago signed Phil Maton for two years. The Marlins traded Edward Cabrera to the Cubs on January 7th for outfield prospects. Alex Bregman signed with the Cubs a week later on a five-year deal, while Javier Assad and Justin Steele were resigned following the Cabrera trade. On February 15th, pitcher Shelby Miller signed a two-year contract.

Chicago hopes to build off of last year’s successful campaign. The Cubs have lofty expectations as they are expected to compete for a playoff berth. FanGraphs also gives the Cubs a 44.7% to win the NL Central and a 3.8% to win the World Series. These expectations aren’t far-fetched as the roster is well-rounded. Bregman fills in a hole at third base due to his hitting and defensive abilities.

The former Astros infielder won a Gold Glove award in 2024 and is the all-time postseason leader in home runs, RBIs, putouts and assists. This means Bregman is a proven veteran who can serve as a mentor during the postseason. Pete Crow-Armstrong is looking to continue his upward trend on the stat sheet. Crow-Armstrong joined legend Sammy Sosa as the second Cubs player to record a 30-30 season after finishing 2025 with 31 home runs and 35 stolen bases. He also played in the All-Star Game and won a Gold Glove award last season.

>GET DEALS ON CHICAGO CUBS TICKETS NOW!

With a well-rounded roster, the Cubs should be in the conversation. It all comes down to Bregman and Crow-Armstrong staying consistent and the pitching carrying their weight.

DraftKings currently lists the Cubs at -150 to make the playoffs and +1900 to win the World Series.

Chicago Cubs schedule:

Mar 26, 2026	vs Washington	L 10-4	0-1	B. Lord(1-0)	M. Boyd(0-1)	—
Mar 28, 2026	vs Washington	W 10-2	1-1	C. Horton(1-0)	M. Mikolas(0-1)	—
Mar 29, 2026	vs Washington	L 6-3	1-2	J. Irvin(1-0)	S. Imanaga(0-1)	C. Beeter(1)

DATE	OPP	TIME / TV	VENUE	HOME STARTER	AWAY STARTER	BUY TICKETS
Mar 30, 2026	vs L.A. Angels	CHC 6, LAA 2 – 7th	Wrigley Field	E. Cabrera(-, 0.00 ERA)	R. Johnson(-, 0.00 ERA)	Tickets Starting at $7.20
Mar 31, 2026	vs L.A. Angels	7:40 pm	Wrigley Field	J. Taillon(-, 0.00 ERA)	J. Soriano(1-0, 0.00 ERA)	Tickets Starting at $3.60
Apr 1, 2026	vs L.A. Angels	2:20 pm	Wrigley Field	M. Boyd(0-1, 14.73 ERA)	Y. Kikuchi(0-0, 4.15 ERA)	Tickets Starting at $4.80
Apr 3, 2026	@ Cleveland	4:10 pmESUN	Progressive Field	J. Cantillo(0-0, 4.91 ERA)	C. Horton(1-0, 2.84 ERA)	Tickets Starting at $104.40
Apr 4, 2026	@ Cleveland	7:15 pmFOX	Progressive Field	S. Cecconi(0-1, 12.46 ERA)	S. Imanaga(0-1, 7.20 ERA)	Tickets Starting at $39.60
Apr 5, 2026	@ Cleveland	1:40 pmGDTV	Progressive Field	P. Messick(-, 0.00 ERA)	E. Cabrera(-, 0.00 ERA)	Tickets Starting at $33.05
Apr 6, 2026	@ Tampa Bay	4:10 pmRATV	Tropicana Field	R. Pepiot(-, 0.00 ERA)	J. Taillon(-, 0.00 ERA)	Tickets Starting at $168.13
Apr 7, 2026	@ Tampa Bay	6:40 pmRATV	Tropicana Field	S. McClanahan(-, 0.00 ERA)	M. Boyd(0-1, 14.73 ERA)	Tickets Starting at $57.60
Apr 8, 2026	@ Tampa Bay	6:40 pmRATV	Tropicana Field	D. Rasmussen(0-0, 1.80 ERA)	C. Horton(1-0, 2.84 ERA)	Tickets Starting at $48.00
Apr 10, 2026	vs Pittsburgh	2:20 pm	Wrigley Field	S. Imanaga(0-1, 7.20 ERA)	C. Mlodzinski(0-0, 4.15 ERA)	Tickets Starting at $16.98
Apr 11, 2026	vs Pittsburgh	2:20 pm	Wrigley Field	E. Cabrera(-, 0.00 ERA)	B. Ashcraft(-, 0.00 ERA)	Tickets Starting at $33.60
Apr 12, 2026	vs Pittsburgh	2:20 pm	Wrigley Field	J. Taillon(-, 0.00 ERA)	B. Chandler(-, 0.00 ERA)	Tickets Starting at $16.07
Apr 13, 2026	@ Philadelphia	6:40 pmFS1	Citizens Bank Park	C. Sanchez(1-0, 0.00 ERA)	M. Boyd(0-1, 14.73 ERA)	Tickets Starting at $27.90
Apr 14, 2026	@ Philadelphia	6:40 pmTBS	Citizens Bank Park	A. Nola(0-0, 5.40 ERA)	C. Horton(1-0, 2.84 ERA)	Tickets Starting at $20.40
Apr 15, 2026	@ Philadelphia	6:40 pmESUN	Citizens Bank Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $23.64
Apr 17, 2026	vs N.Y. Mets	2:20 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $24.00
Apr 18, 2026	vs N.Y. Mets	2:20 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $40.80
Apr 19, 2026	vs N.Y. Mets	2:20 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $22.80
Apr 20, 2026	vs Philadelphia	7:40 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $10.55
Apr 21, 2026	vs Philadelphia	7:40 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $10.07
Apr 22, 2026	vs Philadelphia	7:40 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $10.91
Apr 23, 2026	vs Philadelphia	2:20 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $10.79
Apr 24, 2026	@ L.A. Dodgers	10:15 pmATV	Dodger Stadium	—	—	Tickets Starting at $62.40
Apr 25, 2026	@ L.A. Dodgers	7:15 pmFOX	Dodger Stadium	—	—	Tickets Starting at $80.40
Apr 26, 2026	@ L.A. Dodgers	4:10 pm	Dodger Stadium	—	—	Tickets Starting at $56.40
Apr 27, 2026	@ San Diego	9:40 pmPDTV	Petco Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $32.23
Apr 28, 2026	@ San Diego	9:40 pmPDTV	Petco Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $27.65
Apr 29, 2026	@ San Diego	4:10 pmPDTV	Petco Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $17.23
May 1, 2026	vs Arizona	2:20 pmDBTV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $24.00
May 2, 2026	vs Arizona	2:20 pmDBTV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $37.12
May 3, 2026	vs Arizona	2:20 pmDBTV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $33.60
May 4, 2026	vs Cincinnati	7:40 pmRDTV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $16.75
May 5, 2026	vs Cincinnati	7:40 pmRDTV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $10.68
May 6, 2026	vs Cincinnati	7:40 pmRDTV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $6.06
May 7, 2026	vs Cincinnati	2:20 pmRDTV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $16.80
May 8, 2026	@ Texas	8:05 pm	Globe Life Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $37.80
May 9, 2026	@ Texas	7:05 pmRASN	Globe Life Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $42.32
May 10, 2026	@ Texas	2:35 pmRASN	Globe Life Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $38.40
May 12, 2026	@ Atlanta	7:15 pmBRVN	Truist Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $20.40
May 13, 2026	@ Atlanta	7:15 pmBRVN	Truist Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $18.00
May 14, 2026	@ Atlanta	7:15 pmBRVN	Truist Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $18.00
May 15, 2026	@ Chi. White Sox	7:40 pm	Rate Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $51.60
May 16, 2026	@ Chi. White Sox	7:10 pm	Rate Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $68.40
May 17, 2026	@ Chi. White Sox	2:10 pm	Rate Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $46.62
May 18, 2026	vs Milwaukee	7:40 pmBRTV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $28.80
May 19, 2026	vs Milwaukee	7:40 pmBRTV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $22.56
May 20, 2026	vs Milwaukee	7:40 pmBRTV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $27.95
May 22, 2026	vs Houston	2:20 pmATV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $42.00
May 23, 2026	vs Houston	2:20 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $60.00
May 24, 2026	vs Houston	2:20 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $65.51
May 25, 2026	@ Pittsburgh	6:40 pm	PNC Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $42.86
May 26, 2026	@ Pittsburgh	6:40 pm	PNC Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $42.86
May 27, 2026	@ Pittsburgh	6:40 pm	PNC Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $42.86
May 28, 2026	@ Pittsburgh	6:40 pm	PNC Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $43.43
May 29, 2026	@ St. Louis	7:15 pmCATV	Busch Stadium	—	—	Tickets Starting at $43.20
May 30, 2026	@ St. Louis	7:15 pmFOX	Busch Stadium	—	—	Tickets Starting at $49.20
May 31, 2026	@ St. Louis	7:20 pmNBC	Busch Stadium	—	—	Tickets Starting at $27.60
Jun 2, 2026	vs Athletics	8:05 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $30.00
Jun 3, 2026	vs Athletics	8:05 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $36.00
Jun 4, 2026	vs Athletics	8:05 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $27.86
Jun 5, 2026	vs San Francisco	2:20 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $66.00
Jun 6, 2026	vs San Francisco	2:20 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $69.60
Jun 7, 2026	vs San Francisco	8:20 pmNBC	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $61.20
Jun 9, 2026	@ Colorado	8:40 pmROTV	Coors Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $24.00
Jun 10, 2026	@ Colorado	8:40 pmROTV	Coors Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $25.20
Jun 11, 2026	@ Colorado	3:10 pmROTV	Coors Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $20.40
Jun 12, 2026	@ San Francisco	10:15 pm	Oracle Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $57.90
Jun 13, 2026	@ San Francisco	10:05 pm	Oracle Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $70.80
Jun 14, 2026	@ San Francisco	3:10 pmABC	Oracle Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $95.48
Jun 15, 2026	vs Colorado	8:05 pmROTV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $20.40
Jun 16, 2026	vs Colorado	8:05 pmROTV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $26.40
Jun 17, 2026	vs Colorado	8:05 pmROTV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $24.00
Jun 19, 2026	vs Toronto	2:20 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $78.00
Jun 20, 2026	vs Toronto	2:20 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $90.00
Jun 21, 2026	vs Toronto	2:20 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $66.00
Jun 22, 2026	@ N.Y. Mets	7:10 pm	Citi Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $28.48
Jun 23, 2026	@ N.Y. Mets	7:10 pmTBS	Citi Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $27.60
Jun 24, 2026	@ N.Y. Mets	7:10 pm	Citi Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $31.20
Jun 25, 2026	@ N.Y. Mets	7:10 pm	Citi Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $36.00
Jun 26, 2026	@ Milwaukee	7:45 pmATV	American Family Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $43.20
Jun 27, 2026	@ Milwaukee	7:10 pmBRTV	American Family Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $51.60
Jun 28, 2026	@ Milwaukee	2:10 pmBRTV	American Family Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $60.00
Jun 29, 2026	vs San Diego	8:05 pmPDTV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $31.48
Jun 30, 2026	vs San Diego	8:05 pmPDTV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $40.38
Jul 1, 2026	vs San Diego	2:20 pmPDTV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $36.00
Jul 3, 2026	vs St. Louis	4:05 pmCATV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $100.00
Jul 4, 2026	vs St. Louis	8:08 pmFOX	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $108.00
Jul 5, 2026	vs St. Louis	2:30 pmPEAC	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $78.00
Jul 7, 2026	@ Baltimore	6:35 pm	Oriole Park at Camden Yards	—	—	Tickets Starting at $28.79
Jul 8, 2026	@ Baltimore	6:35 pm	Oriole Park at Camden Yards	—	—	Tickets Starting at $27.28
Jul 9, 2026	@ Baltimore	6:35 pm	Oriole Park at Camden Yards	—	—	Tickets Starting at $24.00
Jul 10, 2026	@ Cincinnati	7:10 pmRDTV	Great American Ball Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $26.88
Jul 11, 2026	@ Cincinnati	7:10 pmRDTV	Great American Ball Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $29.03
Jul 12, 2026	@ Cincinnati	1:40 pmRDTV	Great American Ball Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $20.40
Jul 17, 2026	vs Minnesota	8:05 pmTWTV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $75.60
Jul 18, 2026	vs Minnesota	2:20 pmTWTV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $86.40
Jul 19, 2026	vs Minnesota	2:20 pmTWTV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $60.00
Jul 20, 2026	vs Detroit	8:05 pmDSN	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $54.00
Jul 21, 2026	vs Detroit	8:05 pmDSN	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $23.60
Jul 22, 2026	vs Detroit	8:05 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $25.25
Jul 24, 2026	@ Pittsburgh	6:40 pm	PNC Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $54.34
Jul 25, 2026	@ Pittsburgh	6:40 pm	PNC Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $49.72
Jul 26, 2026	@ Pittsburgh	1:35 pm	PNC Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $48.00
Jul 27, 2026	@ St. Louis	7:45 pmCATV	Busch Stadium	—	—	Tickets Starting at $30.00
Jul 28, 2026	@ St. Louis	7:45 pmCATV	Busch Stadium	—	—	Tickets Starting at $27.60
Jul 29, 2026	@ St. Louis	7:45 pmCATV	Busch Stadium	—	—	Tickets Starting at $27.60
Jul 30, 2026	@ St. Louis	2:15 pmCATV	Busch Stadium	—	—	Tickets Starting at $15.60
Jul 31, 2026	vs N.Y. Yankees	2:20 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $108.00
Aug 1, 2026	vs N.Y. Yankees	7:15 pmFOX	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $120.00
Aug 2, 2026	vs N.Y. Yankees	2:20 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $110.16
Aug 3, 2026	vs L.A. Dodgers	8:05 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $91.20
Aug 4, 2026	vs L.A. Dodgers	8:05 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $81.60
Aug 5, 2026	vs L.A. Dodgers	2:20 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $90.72
Aug 7, 2026	@ Kansas City	8:10 pmRYTV	Kauffman Stadium	—	—	Tickets Starting at $53.46
Aug 8, 2026	@ Kansas City	7:10 pmRYTV	Kauffman Stadium	—	—	Tickets Starting at $57.02
Aug 9, 2026	@ Kansas City	2:10 pmRYTV	Kauffman Stadium	—	—	Tickets Starting at $35.64
Aug 11, 2026	@ Washington	6:45 pmNATV	Nationals Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $19.20
Aug 12, 2026	@ Washington	6:45 pmNATV	Nationals Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $22.80
Aug 13, 2026	@ Washington	4:05 pmNATV	Nationals Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $30.00
Aug 14, 2026	vs St. Louis	2:20 pmCATV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $61.20
Aug 15, 2026	vs St. Louis	2:20 pmCATV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $96.00
Aug 16, 2026	vs St. Louis	3:10 pmABC	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $71.72
Aug 17, 2026	vs Chi. White Sox	8:05 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $78.00
Aug 18, 2026	vs Chi. White Sox	8:05 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $63.60
Aug 19, 2026	vs Chi. White Sox	2:20 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $72.00
Aug 21, 2026	@ Seattle	10:10 pmMRTV	T-Mobile Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $63.60
Aug 22, 2026	@ Seattle	9:40 pmMRTV	T-Mobile Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $75.89
Aug 23, 2026	@ Seattle	4:10 pmMRTV	T-Mobile Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $66.00
Aug 24, 2026	@ Arizona	9:40 pmDBTV	Chase Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $38.40
Aug 25, 2026	@ Arizona	9:40 pmDBTV	Chase Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $36.00
Aug 26, 2026	@ Arizona	3:40 pmDBTV	Chase Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $39.60
Aug 28, 2026	vs Cincinnati	2:20 pmRDTV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $46.80
Aug 29, 2026	vs Cincinnati	2:20 pmRDTV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $48.00
Aug 30, 2026	vs Cincinnati	3:10 pmNBC	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $52.26
Aug 31, 2026	vs Milwaukee	7:40 pmFS1	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $46.80
Sep 1, 2026	vs Milwaukee	7:40 pmBRTV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $28.08
Sep 2, 2026	vs Milwaukee	7:40 pmBRTV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $30.00
Sep 3, 2026	vs Milwaukee	7:40 pmBRTV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $30.00
Sep 4, 2026	@ Miami	7:10 pmMATV	loanDepot park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $22.31
Sep 5, 2026	@ Miami	4:10 pmMATV	loanDepot park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $30.36
Sep 6, 2026	@ Miami	1:40 pmMATV	loanDepot park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $31.00
Sep 7, 2026	@ Milwaukee	2:10 pmBRTV	American Family Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $39.52
Sep 8, 2026	@ Milwaukee	7:40 pmBRTV	American Family Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $28.80
Sep 9, 2026	@ Milwaukee	7:40 pmBRTV	American Family Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $31.20
Sep 11, 2026	vs Pittsburgh	2:20 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $30.00
Sep 12, 2026	vs Pittsburgh	2:20 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $40.80
Sep 13, 2026	vs Pittsburgh	2:20 pm	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $46.80
Sep 14, 2026	vs Atlanta	7:40 pmBRVN	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $22.80
Sep 15, 2026	vs Atlanta	7:40 pmBRVN	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $24.00
Sep 16, 2026	vs Atlanta	7:40 pmBRVN	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $21.34
Sep 18, 2026	@ Cincinnati	6:40 pmRDTV	Great American Ball Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $23.50
Sep 19, 2026	@ Cincinnati	6:40 pmRDTV	Great American Ball Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $24.74
Sep 20, 2026	@ Cincinnati	1:40 pmRDTV	Great American Ball Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $24.74
Sep 22, 2026	vs Miami	7:40 pmMATV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $18.00
Sep 23, 2026	vs Miami	7:40 pmMATV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $18.00
Sep 24, 2026	vs Miami	2:20 pmMATV	Wrigley Field	—	—	Tickets Starting at $26.88
Sep 25, 2026	@ Boston	7:10 pm	Fenway Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $90.00
Sep 26, 2026	@ Boston	7:15 pmFOX	Fenway Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $117.60
Sep 27, 2026	@ Boston	3:05 pm	Fenway Park	—	—	Tickets Starting at $80.40

The Chicago Cubs are in first place in the NL Central, are tied for the second-best record in the National League, and have the best run differential in baseball.

The Cubs finished the 2024 season with a record of 83-78 and missed out on the postseason. Chicago entered the offseason looking to upgrade its roster while also shedding money from the payroll.

In free agency, Chicago signed starting pitcher Matthew Boyd, catcher Carson Kelly, and longtime MLB veteran Justin Turner. The Cubs didn’t make any flashy signings in free agency, but it was active in the trade market.

Chicago made a big trade, acquiring three-time All-Star Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros for Isaac Paredes, Hayden Weneski and Cam Smith. The Cubs also made trades for starting pitcher Colin Rea and relievers Ryan Pressly and Ryan Brasier to add to their pitching staff.

The Cubs also traded former NL MVP Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees in exchange for Cody Poteet and cash considerations. The Cubs made the trade to create salary relief on the payroll, but Chicago designated Poteet for assignment, so they essentially traded Bellinger for nothing.

>GET DEALS ON CHICAGO CUBS TICKETS NOW!

What initially appeared to be a head-scratching move has turned out to be an excellent one, as it allowed Pete Crow-Armstrong to become the everyday centerfielder. At 23 years old, Crow-Armstrong appears to be a superstar in the making and profiles as one of the best five-tool players in baseball.

Chicago’s offense is one of the best in baseball, led by Crow-Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, Seiya Suzuki and Dansby Swanson.

The Cubs have the second-most hits, RBIs, and runs scored, and they’re in the top three in slugging percentage. Chicago is also in the top five for batting average and home runs, and it’s in the top 10 for on-base percentage and avoiding striking out.

Despite how impressive Chicago’s offense has been, its pitching has not matched the same production.

Chicago is just outside the top 10 for walks and hits per inning pitched (WHIP), and is in the top half of the league for ERA. But the Cubs are in the bottom half of the league for batting average allowed, home runs allowed, and hits allowed.

The Cubs are also in the bottom five for strikeouts.

Injuries have plagued Chicago’s pitching this season. Starting pitcher Justin Steele will miss the remainder of the season, Javier Assad will be sidelined until August or September, and Shota Imanaga has missed time this season as well.

While the Cubs are destined to play baseball this October, if the team wants to make a run to the World Series, it will likely have to look to acquire starting pitching at this year’s trade deadline in hopes of getting more consistent arms.

Chicago Cubs Schedule & Tickets

• July 28: at Milwaukee Brewers
• July 29: at Milwaukee Brewers
• July 30: at Milwaukee Brewers
• August 1: vs. Baltimore Orioles
• August 2: vs. Baltimore Orioles
• August 3: vs. Baltimore Orioles
• August 4: vs. Cincinnati Reds
• August 5: vs. Cincinnati Reds
• August 6: vs. Cincinnati Reds
• August 8: at St. Louis Cardinals
• August 9: at St. Louis Cardinals
• August 10: at St. Louis Cardinals
• August 12: at Toronto Blue Jays
• August 13: at Toronto Blue Jays
• August 14: at Toronto Blue Jays
• August 15: vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
• August 16: vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
• August 17: vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
• August 18: vs. Milwaukee Brewers
• August 18: vs. Milwaukee Brewers
• August 19: vs. Milwaukee Brewers
• August 20: vs. Milwaukee Brewers
• August 21: vs. Milwaukee Brewers
• August 22: at Los Angeles Angels
• August 23: at Los Angeles Angels
• August 24: at Los Angeles Angels
• August 26: at San Francisco Giants
• August 27: at San Francisco Giants
• August 28: at San Francisco Giants
• August 29: at Colorado Rockies
• August 30: at Colorado Rockies
• August 31: at Colorado Rockies
• September 1: vs. Atlanta Braves
• September 2: vs. Atlanta Braves
• September 3: vs. Atlanta Braves
• September 5: vs. Washington Nationals
• September 6: vs. Washington Nationals
• September 7: vs. Washington Nationals
• September 8: at Atlanta Braves
• September 9: at Atlanta Braves
• September 10: at Atlanta Braves
• September 12: vs. Tampa Bay Rays
• September 13: vs. Tampa Bay Rays
• September 14: vs. Tampa Bay Rays
• September 15: at Pittsburgh Pirates
• September 16: at Pittsburgh Pirates
• September 17: at Pittsburgh Pirates
• September 18: at Cincinnati Reds
• September 19: at Cincinnati Reds
• September 20: at Cincinnati Reds
• September 21: at Cincinnati Reds
• September 23: vs. New York Mets
• September 24: vs. New York Mets
• September 25: vs. New York Mets
• September 26: vs. St. Louis Cardinals
• September 27: vs. St. Louis Cardinals
• September 28: vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Chicago Cubs Odds

The Cubs have fantastic odds to make the postseason at -900. Its odds of making the World Series are +650, and its odds of winning the World Series are +1300.

The publisher receives a commission for links in this story. 

Chicago Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker has been at the center of possible extension talks following his hot start to the 2025 season, which sees him tied for second in the MLB in hits.

Tucker is going to be one of the most sought-after players in free agency, especially after Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed to a 14-year, $500 million extension.

Contracts of that magnitude always affect the rest of the market. Tucker appears to be the beneficiary of Guerrero’s massive payday.

The Cubs traded for Tucker in the offseason, sending All-Star Isaac Paredes and top prospect Cam Smith to the Houston Astros. With such a haul, there’s pressure on the Cubs to extend Tucker and not make him a single-year rental.

A new deal for Tucker would likely be the largest contract in Cubs history, and while he might not make Guerrero’s $500 million, a contract in that range seems likely for the star.

All signs point to the 28-year-old becoming the face of the franchise for years to come. However, the Cubs have shown hesitancy to spend top dollar in the past.

Despite being one of the largest markets in baseball, the Cubs entered this season at 12th in payroll.

If the Cubs hope to keep their MVP-caliber player for years to come, they’ll have to spend more money than anyone would be comfortable with.

After firing David Ross, the Chicago Cubs have found their next manager in Craig Counsell. 

Counsell has signed a deal worth $40 million over the next five years, which makes it the highest salary for any MLB manager. 

Jed Hoyer, the president of the Cubs organization, issued a statement on the hiring.

“Today we made the difficult decision to dismiss David Ross as our Major League Manager. On behalf of the Cubs organization, we express our deep gratitude for David’s contributions to our club, both on and off the field. First as a player and then as a manager, David continually showcased his ability to lead. David’s legacy will be felt in Chicago for generations and his impact to our organization will stack up with the legends that came before him. Going forward, our Major League team will be managed by Craig Counsell. We look forward to welcoming Craig at Wrigley Field early next week,” Hoyer said.

During his nine seasons with the Brewers, Counsell led the team to five playoff appearances. He also won three division titles with the Brewers. Despite this success, the Brewers only won a single postseason series under his reign when they swept the Colorado Rockies in the 2018 Division Series. 

After Counsell’s contract ended in 2023, many teams pursued his contract, including the Mets, Brewers and the Guardians.

Counsell’s decision has sent shockwaves across the MLB world, as he joins the Brewers’ NL Central rivals.

He spent the past 17 years with the organization not only as a manager but as a player and an executive as well.

Chicago Cubs ace pitcher Marcus Stroman has a cartilage rib fracture and could miss the rest of the 2023 season. Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer confirmed the news Wednesday and did not set a return date for Stroman.

“It’s an unusual injury for a pitcher,” Hoyer said. “We found out on Sunday he was having some issues. We didn’t know if it was muscular, we didn’t know if it was skeletal. We didn’t know if it was indigestion. We didn’t know what it was.”

Stroman has not pitched since July 31 and delivered three straight poor starts before taking time off due to discomfort. His ERA in mid-July was 2.88 but ballooned to 3.85 in the span of two weeks. Manager David Ross, well aware of Stroman’s ability when healthy, remained somewhat hopeful about his chances to return later this season.

“We have to wait and see,” Ross said. “I know he’ll try to work his way back and help us out.”

Stroman, a former member of the Blue Jays and Mets, was acquired by Chicago in free agency ahead of the 2022 season. He performed moderately well in his first season with the team but improved dramatically this year and appeared in the All-Star Game. The Cubs have improved along with him and currently hold the last Wild Card spot.

Recovery time for rib cartilage fractures differs depending on the severity of the case, with some taking six weeks to heal and others taking more than 12. Based on the uncertainty in the Cubs’ front office, it’s possible that Stroman could miss the remainder of the season, though a firmer timetable is sure to come as more is known about the injury.

While Stroman is recovering, righthanded pitcher Javier Assad will take his place in the starting rotation. He has already proven capable in his brief time as a starter, going more than six innings in his last two starts.

Veteran MLB catcher Robinson Chirinos announced his retirement on Twitter Wednesday after 11 seasons in the league. The Venezuelan catcher spent most of his career with the Texas Rangers but played for six teams between 2011 and 2022.

“With a happy, yet heavy heart, I am announcing my retirement from professional baseball,” Chirinos said. “After much contemplation and reflection, I have decided to close this chapter of my life. It has not been an easy decision, but I feel that it is the right one for me as I have given my heart and soul to this sport over so many years.”

Born in Venezuela, Chirinos signed a contract with the Chicago Cubs in 2000 at the age of 16. He spent more than a decade in Chicago’s farm system until he was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2011. He made his MLB debut with the team but did not make the 2012 roster because of a concussion. He was later traded to the Texas Rangers where he played from 2013 to 2018 and again in 2020.

Over the course of his career, Chirinos batted .226 with 95 career homers, but these numbers are deflated by unsuccessful stints with the Mets, Cubs and Orioles later in his career. In his prime, he was a dependable bat for the Rangers and later the Houston Astros, hitting 17 home runs for the latter team in 2019 at age 35. He also caught Justin Verlander’s third career no-hitter that season.

In 2017 and 2023, Chirinos got to represent Venezuela at the World Baseball Classic. He thanked his nation’s baseball team, as well as all the MLB organizations he played for, in his sendoff message.

“Baseball has been more than just a game to me,” Chirinos said. “It has been my passion, my love, and my identity for as long as I can remember. From little league to the major leagues, I have spent my life pursuing my dream of becoming a professional baseball player.”

Michael Conforto is picking up some interest among a few ball clubs after sitting out the entire 2022 season.

A total of three teams are in on the 31-year-old outfielder, reports Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

This includes the Miami Marlins, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros.

While it’s unclear if there is a favorite to sign him, none of these teams have dramatically high payrolls.

The Astros have the highest at nearly $142 million.

Conforto is seeking a short-term deal with an opt-out, reports New York Mets beat writer Anthony DiComo.

In the shortened 2020 year, Conforto had arguably the best season of his career at the plate.

In 54 games, he hit .322/.412/.515 (batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage).

Then he followed that up the next year with a disappointing .232/.344/.384.

To make matters worse, he failed to sign with a team in free agency during 2022, as he was forced to miss all of 2022 after undergoing shoulder surgery.

But now his agent Scott Boras claims Conforto is “back to full health.”

Conforto will hope that whoever he wins up signing with that he will book a similar performance in 2020.

That could allow him to opt out next year and lead to him scoring a bigger long-term deal with the same or another ball club.

But in the meantime, his next contract could be worth two years at the north of $20 million, which could make sense for a budget team.

In terms of the best fit, the Astros are the top option if he’s looking to win a championship, which could help boost Conforto’s brand if he’s a major part of it.

But either the Cubs or Marlins would be the better alternatives if he’s looking to maximize his playing time.

We’ll see which team winds up pulling the trigger for Conforto but his next deal could be a bargain for a team if he returns to his 2020 form.

The Chicago Cubs are looking to make a big splash this free agency and potentially sign one of the biggest short stops available.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports that the ball club has been in contact with the following four names:

• Carlos Correa
• Trea Turner
• Xander Bogaerts
• Dansby Swanson

Of the four, Correa and Turner are the two biggest names.

Correa, who just opted out of his three-year $105 million contract, hit .364/.412/.603 (batting average, on-base, slugging) in 2022.

The stat line for Turner and Swanson last season was .298/.343/.466 and .277/.329/.447 respectively.

For Correa, The Athletic is projecting an eight-year $260 million contract.

Turner is forecasted to get eight years at $296 million, while Swanson is estimated at seven years for $168 million.

The Cubs interest in a short stop comes after it traded away Javier Baez at the trade deadline last season.

In 2022, Nico Hoerner played shortstop for the cubs, where he hit .281/.327/.410.

But clearly, the Cubs are looking for an upgrade at the position.

Currently, the Cubs have the 14th highest payroll in the MLB, allocating roughly $91.5 million toward its players, according to Spotrac.

Also, Cubs catcher Willson Contreras is now a free agent.

The organization is not expected to re-sign him, according to MLB insider Bob Nightengale.

“He’s gone, for sure,” he previously said on NBC’s Sports Sunday.

“They couldn’t get what they wanted to trade down the line, which may scare him a little bit – the fact that nobody was willing to offer any amount to something better than a draft pick the Cubs would get. So he’ll walk and we’ll see where he ends up.”

Jason Heyward, Kyle Hendricks and potentially Marcus Stroman (player option) are scheduled to be free agents after the 2023 season.

The Cubs in 2022 finished with a 74-88 record and third in the NL Central in 2022.

Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras and outfielder Ian Happ hugged in the dugout following the Cubs’ 4-2 victory over the Pirates Tuesday afternoon. With both players appearing in discussions ahead of the trade deadline on Aug. 2, it is likely the last game the two will share as teammates at Wrigley Field.

In the midst of another season in which the team is not contending for a spot in the playoffs, players like Contreras and Happ represent valuable trade chips for the Cubs as they attempt to rebuild. Contreras, one of the best catchers in the league, is almost certain to leave the team, as the New York Mets and Houston Astros lead a long line of teams interested in the three-time All-Star.

Contreras signed his first minor league contract in 2009 at the age of 16 and worked his way through the Cubs organization to become one of the defining faces of baseball. In 2016, his rookie season, the team won its first World Series in 108 years. Now, Contreras is poised to help another team realize that dream. In an interview after the game, he admitted that the idea was bittersweet but that he was nevertheless prepared and excited.

“Getting traded to a team that is competing is good,” Contreras said. “If the Cubs get a good package for me to make this team better, they’re going to do it. And I’ll be more than happy to help a different team to make it to the World Series.”

Happ is not as likely to get traded as Contreras, but with reports suggesting that multiple teams are interested in the 2022 All-Star, he also considered it important to enjoy the Cubs’ final home stand before the trade deadline.

“It was two really beautiful days at Wrigley Field that I tried to appreciate just as much, if not more, than any other time I get to step out there,” Happ said.

For six seasons, Happ has been a solid contributor for the Cubs, but his 2022 season has been his most effective. In 95 games, the outfielder has batted .282 with nine home runs and 46 RBIs. If he is traded, he will provide a dependable bat to any number of teams looking to make a run in the postseason.

Trades in any sport often reduce players to commodities as teams look for ways to balance quick returns and long-term goals given their present situations. It’s ultimately a business. Chicago’s need to rebuild does not take the bond between longtime teammates like Contreras and Happ into account. But their embrace in what could be their final games at Wrigley Field represents the human element of the sport, as well as the meaning behind their careers as Cubs.

With only a projected 9.2% chance to make the playoffs, things aren’t looking great for the Chicago Cubs headed into the 2022 season.

> GET DEALS ON CHICAGO CUBS TICKETS HERE!

The club finished last season 29-52 and traded away many of its most beloved players from the 2016 World Series-winning team, namely Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez. As they say, though, that’s why they play the games.

The team has young talent for a potential rebuild that’s not so far-fetched—especially given the division in which they play. In addition, Chicago signed pitchers Wade Miley and Marcus Stroman, some relievers, catcher Yan Gomes, and infielders Jonathan Villar and Andrelton Simmons and Japanese rookie outfielder Seiya Suzuki.

The Cubbies open up their season last week with a three-game set against the Milwaukee Brewers. They’ll then head to Pittsburgh for two and Colorado for four. They’ll open the second half with three games in Philly, and they’ll close the season with four games at home against the Reds and then three in Cincy against those same Reds.

Chicago Cubs schedule

Former MLB pitcher Sergio Mitre is going to jail for a long time—40 to 60 years, to be exact—after he was convicted of raping and murdering his ex-partner’s infant daughter.

Mitre was convicted of femicide of the 22-month-old girl, Ines, after his July 2020 arrest and trial. He was sentenced Wednesday.

The 41-year-old pitched for four different teams in the bigs between 2003 and 2011: the Chicago Cubs, Florida Marlins, New York Yankees, and Milwaukee Brewers. He was on the Yankees’ 2009 World Series-winning team.

Mitre, who also pitched in Japan and Mexico, was previously charged with domestic assault of a different romantic partner in 2019 but avoided prison after paying a 20,000 peso (about $976) fine.

Three-time World Series champion Jon Lester has decided to hang up the spikes after 16 seasons in MLB.

The 38-year-old pitcher—part of two World Series titles in Boston and one with the Chicago Cubs—said wear and tear on his body was the reason for the decision.

“It’s kind of run its course,” he said. “It’s getting harder for me physically. The little things that come up throughout the year turned into bigger things that hinder your performance.

“I’d like to think I’m a halfway decent self-evaluator. I don’t want someone else telling me I can’t do this anymore. I want to be able to hand my jersey over and say, ‘Thank you, it’s been fun.’ That’s probably the biggest deciding factor.”

Lester began his career with the Red Sox in 2006.

“Any time he had the ball, it was a different feeling as a teammate,” said former Boston teammate Dustin Pedroia. “The power, the way he worked, the will to win. He had great stuff, but his best gift was he found a way to win. That’s something you can’t teach, you can’t coach. It’s a special player that has that. There’s not many.”

He wasn’t just dominant on the baseball field, Lester beat lymphoma cancer during that 2006 season and of course returned to notch all his accolades.

Lester finishes his career with a 200-117 record, 3.66 ERA, and 2,488 strikeouts in 2,740 innings. He also made five All-Star teams, tossed a no-hitter in 2008, and won the NLCS MVP 2016 en route to winning the Cubs’ first World Series since 1908.

The Red Sox traded him to the Oakland A’s in the 2014 season, and he declined to return to Boston as a free agent, opting for the Cubbies.

He started 28 games for the Washington Nationals and St. Louis Cardinals in 2021.

“I never wanted fans to leave a game and ask, ‘Was the effort there?’” Lester said. “I think I always gave it.”

On Wednesday evening, Marcus Stroman broke the news himself via Twitter that he signed a three-year, $71 million deal with the Chicago Cubs. Stroman, 30, will make $25 million in 2022, $25 million in 2023 and $21 million in 2024. The deal also included $2 million escalators for 160 innings pitched in 2022 and 2023 and an opt-out after the 2023 season.

During the 2021 season with the New York Mets, Marcus Stroman posted a 3.02 ERA across 179 innings and 33 starts. Throughout his career with both the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Mets, Stroman accumulated a career 3.63 ERA. In 2017, Stroman won a Gold Glove in 2017 and was an All-Star in 2019.

Stroman was one of the top starters available in free agency this past winter. However, the market picked up this past week ahead of baseball’s work stoppage, which will freeze all things baseball until further notice. As a result, many pitchers flew off the free-agent market, especially starters.

In addition to Stroman, Robbie Ray, Kevin Gausman, southpaw Steven Matz, superstar Max Scherzer and Jon Gray are among the starting pitchers that reached deals before the lockout began.

Stroman will be joining a Chicago Cubs team that, back in July, seemed to have been heading towards a rebuild. After trading their superstars Javier Baez, Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo, it was hard to see the Cubs going in any other direction. However, the moves they have made so far this winter, including the signings of Marcus Stroman and the addition of starter Wade Miley off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds, have proven otherwise.

Both Stroman and Miley help the north side of Chicago address their most significant offseason need: starting pitching. These moves and the signings of outfielder Clint Frazier and veteran catcher Yan Gomes give off the sense that the Chicago Cubs are looking to be a competitive ball club in 2022.

Chicago Cubs manager David Ross took advantage of a 17-4 blowout loss to the Milwaukee Brewers to make history on Thursday by allowing utility infielder Andrew Romine to pitch to his brother, veteran backup catcher Austin Romine.

“I knew they would get some time together, him being here and just getting here, but I didn’t know it’d be like that,” Ross said.

Andrew started the game at shortstop before being asked to record the final three outs. It served as his eighth career pitching appearance. It was Ross who went to Austin to let him know that he would be catching for Andrew.

“If you guys could have seen his face light up at that moment,” Ross said in his postgame video conference. “That was kind of the highlight of the day for me.”

“It gave me a little smile,” Andrew said. “Obviously the situation sucks, but that was something that we had a little fun with, given the circumstances.”

The Romine brothers became the first pair of siblings to play in a single game for the Cubs since Rick and Paul Reuschel did it in 1978.

“That was definitely something they can hold on to for a long, long time,” Ross said.

The Romines siblings became the first sibling battery in league history since 1962 when Larry Sherry threw to Norm Sherry as part of the 1962 Los Angeles Dodgers. The Romines became the 16th brother battery in league history.

“It was kind of like throwing the ball around in the backyard and playing Wiffle ball,” Andrew said.

The Chicago Cubs released starting pitcher Jake Arrieta on Thursday following a brutal outing against the Milwaukee Brewers where he gave up eight earned runs—seven in the first inning—and eleven hits in just four innings of action.

Arrieta signed with the Cubs during the offseason in the hopes of duplicating his past success with the organization. In 2015, Arrieta won the National League Cy Young Award, finishing with an exceptional 22-6 record and a 1.77 ERA. He played an integral role in helping the Cubs win their first World Series title since 1908.

After his 2017 campaign, Arrieta signed a three-year $75 million free-agent contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. However, his tenure in the City of Brotherly Love proved subpar, as he posted a 4.36 ERA over three seasons.

Arrieta got off to a promising start to the season, putting up a solid 2.57 ERA in his first five starts. However, the former Cy Young winner has since struggled extensively, as he is now 5-11 with a disastrous 6.88 ERA.

After being released, his professional career is up in the air.

The New York Yankees acquired All-Star Anthony Rizzo from the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, the team announced.

“The New York Yankees today announced that they have acquired INF Anthony Rizzo and cash considerations from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Alexander Vizcaíno and outfielder Kevin Alcántara,” the team said on Twitter.

“All good things come to an end,” Rizzo said about the trade. “To be able to go to another historic franchise like the Yankees, it’s unbelievable. Getting all the calls and texts, how excited they are, how excited I am. My family is all from New Jersey and New York. Emily’s family is up in Connecticut. It’s going to be a really special opportunity for me these next three months. I’m just going to enjoy it all.”

Rizzo wasn’t in the lineup for the Cubs’ series finale against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday. The three-time All-Star is batting .248 with 14 home runs and 40 RBIs in 92 games this season. Rizzo will become a free agent after this season. The first baseman spent over 10 years with Chicago. He helped lead the franchise to its first World Series in over 100 years in 2016.

The acquisition of Rizzo comes after the Yankees acquired All-Star outfielder Joey Gallo from the Texas Rangers. Both All-Stars are left-handed hitters, which the Yankees wanted to add to their predominantly right-handed lineup.

The arrival of the two All-Star hitters will greaten New York’s chances at snagging a Wild Card spot in the American League.