North Side Territory: A Chicago Cubs Podcast

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 discountStart your FOX One 3-day Free trial today at FOXOne.comSee 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 discountSee 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 returnsUse 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 discountSee 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 discountSee 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 VIPUse 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 discountSee 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 10/31/2026Go to Quince.com/foul for free shipping on your order and 365-day returnsSee 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 discountSee how K12 Powered Schools can help unlock your child’s full potential.  Enroll online today at K12.com/foulSee 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 discountSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In DFA’ing one of the most respected players in their clubhouse, the Cubs put sentiment aside and focused on bottom-line production in the heat of a pennant race. On the Taillon decision, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney offer behind-the-scenes reporting and reactions from the locker room. With a different roster crunch looming, who are the Cubs counting on to get healthy, and what does that mean for the trade deadline? Plus thoughts on the young players who could be on the move as Jed Hoyer’s front office searches for more pitching.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 discountSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here are the names you need to know. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the anticipated sellers and the teams on the fence that could impact the Cubs’ plans. Focused entirely on the pitching staff, Jed Hoyer’s front office will be very active before the Aug. 3 deadline. Listen to find out the pitchers who could be on the move to Wrigley Field.See how K12 Powered Schools can help unlock your child’s full potential.  Enroll online today at K12.com/foulGet 20% off your first order of $125 or more at MackWeldon.com with promo code FOULSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.