When the Chicago Cubs traded for right fielder Kyle Tucker prior to the 2025 season, there was some significant rumbling from fans and media about one of the key pieces in that deal with the Houston Astros—Cam Smith.

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Smith was the Cubs’ first round draft pick in 2024 and was considered by many as a “sure thing” major league impact player. Brought in as a third baseman, there was also belief that his skill and talent set could eventually put him in the outfield as well.

After going to Houston, alongside third baseman Isaac Paredes and pitcher Hayden Wesneski, the Astros did just that. He broke spring training with the big league team and became their every day right fielder.

The vibe was generally favorable for the young talent, who settled into his new position and played remarkably well from a defensive standpoint. Offensively, he was a bit up and down, but he offered enough glimpses of next-level production to keep him in the lineup. On the year, Smith hit .236 with 9 home runs and 51 RBIs.

Cam Smith has fallen apart

More News: How the Chicago Cubs can get everything they need in just one big trade

This season, however, things have gone all the way sideways for the 23-year-old.

Smith has struggled mightily over the course of the entire year so far. As of this writing, he’s slashing a weak .197/.293/.312 with a .605 OPS.

The defense is still there, but posting a 77 wRC+ is not good and neither is a strikeout rate that has now climbed to about 28%.

This extended bad run has some in Houston even talking about sending Smith back down to Triple-A where he can work on some of the finer details of his offensive game.

Drew Koch of Houston Astros blog Climbing Tal’s Hill recently made the case for a tactical demotion:

“Sending Smith back to the minors could be the best case scenario for the young Astros outfielder. It’s worth remembering that he has never even played a minor league game since joining the Astros organization during the 2024-25 offseason. His tireless work during spring training last year earned Smith a spot on the Astros Opening Day roster, and he’s never been sent down.

Moreover, Smith only spent 32 games (and 134 plate appearances) in the Chicago Cubs minor-league system before he was traded to Houston. To put that number in perspective, we’re not even two months into the 2026 season, and Smith has already surpassed those numbers.”

Cubs fans breathe a sigh of relief

For the Cubs fans seeing this, there has to be at least a bit of a sigh of relief that we didn’t get fleeced in the Astros deal, which definitely had its ups and downs as Tucker languished through a frustratingly long second-half-of-season slump that, ultimately, he never broke out of.

Smith is only 23, though, so there’s still plenty of time for the Cubs to rue the day they dealt him.

Meanwhile, by the way, another one-time Cubs top prospect traded away, Owen Caissie, is also failing spectacularly after being sent to the Miami Marlins.

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Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark missed Wednesday’s game against the Portland Fire. The team disclosed her back injury less than two hours before the game. Her sudden absence surprised fans because the team did not list her on the injury report until the last moment.

The decision reflects the franchise’s prioritization of Clark’s long-term health over immediate availability. According to Fever head coach Stephanie White, Clark woke up on Tuesday with back stiffness. White said the injury forced the Fever All-Star to miss team practice that day for treatment. The coach expects her recovery to be short-term.

Clark has spoken about her lingering back issues this season. After Indiana’s season-opening loss to the Dallas Wings, she said her back tends to get “out of line pretty quickly.” During the game, the 6-foot guard left the court twice for back adjustments before returning to finish the contest.

Caitlin Clark’s Uncrustable moment on bench delights Fever fans during game

Despite being sidelined, Clark still drew attention on Wednesday for her off-court behavior during the game. In a video posted on X, the 24-year-old star guard was seen happily eating an Uncrustable sandwich on the bench. Fans were delighted to see it and wasted no time reacting.

Caitlin just eating uncrustables lmfaooooo pic.twitter.com/ReBcQ3J0En

— correlation (@nosyone4) May 21, 2026

“OMG she’s lowkey the greatest uncrustable eater of all time,” a fan commented.

“She’s so relatable,” another wrote.

“My goat, I had one today too,” a supporter said.

“Uncrustable stock about to spike,” a user noted.

“Lmao I love that she just acknowledges that she’s eating an uncrustable. There’s no denying it lol,” a fan wrote.

“This is awesome! It cracked me up!” another added.

Clark had not missed a game this season before this injury setback. She led her team in their first four games, averaging 24.3 points, 9,0 assists and 5.0 rebounds.

However, even without Clark, the Fever crushed the Fire 90-73 on Wednesday. Aliyah Boston led the team with 24 points. Kelsey Mitchell added 21 points to help secure the team’s third win of the season.

Based on White’s statement, Clark could be back on Friday, when the Fever host the Golden State Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. 

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The Chicago Cubs depleted their farm systems over the offseason after they acquired right-hander Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins. This was a season after the Cubs traded prospect, infielder/outfielder Cam Smith, to the Houston Astros for outfielder Kyle Tucker.

Still having some prospects to deal at this season’s trade deadline (Aug. 3), the Cubs will have to be strategic with how they use these prospects. Given the depletion of the farm system, the Cubs’ minor league ranking took a hit, dropping four spots.

The Chicago Cubs’ farm system ranking drops due to a lack of high-quality prospects

According to Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report, the Cubs, a little over a quarter of the way through the season, have the 25th-best farm system in Major League Baseball. Before the season, the Cubs ranked 21st.

More News: What has been missing from Alex Bregman so far?

Reuter ranked each prospect on a “Tier system” from one to four, with Tier 1 being the best. For the Cubs, they currently have no Tier 1 or 2-level prospects, with infielder Pedro Ramirez the highest-ranked (Tier 3).

The rest, outfielders: Josiah Hartshorn, Ethan Conrad and Kane Kepley, along with shortstop Jefferson Rojas, and right-hander Jaxon Wiggins are Tier 4 prospects.

The highlight of Reuter’s rankings for the Cubs is outfielder Josiah Hartshorn, who was a sixth-round draft pick of the Cubs last season.

“The Cubs gave Hartshorn a $2 million signing bonus last year, a record-setting payday for a sixth-round pick and the equivalent of second-round money,” wrote Reuter. “He was sent straight to Single-A for his pro debut, where he is hitting .269/.425/.454 with 13 extra-base hits and more walks (33) than strikeouts (25) in 36 games.”

An outfielder who can play first base, Hartshorn is an interesting player for the future of the Cubs. Left fielder Ian Happ and right fielder Seiya Suzuki are both pending free agents and could be on other teams in the next few seasons.

Having depth in the organization, like Hartshorn, who could be a quality big leaguer one day, will help the Cubs if their current stars leave.

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The Chicago Bears have not exactly had a banner offseason, as they have lost some key pieces and have failed to address some pretty clear needs.

The Bears didn’t add an edge rusher, they didn’t pick up any notable wide receivers and they have also done a pretty poor job of repairing the secondary, which lost Nahshon Wright to free agency over $5 million and has a couple of huge question marks in Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson at cornerback.

Yes, Chicago selected safety Dillon Thieneman in the first round of the NFL Draft and then circled back around to nab Malik Muhammad in Round 4, but the Bears’ refusal to bring in any established veterans at cornerback is now coming back to bite them.

Not only is Chicago incredibly shaky at corner, but nickelback Kyler Gordon is now nursing a soft tissue injury that has kept him out of Bears organized team activities.

Considering Gordon played in just three games last season, his absence should not come as much of a surprise, and it makes Chicago’s offseason negligence look even worse.

The Kyler Gordon news is awful for the Chicago Bears

The Bears don’t have much depth in their secondary as it is. Coby Bryant was a nice free-agent pickup at safety, but when you look at the cornerback position and the nickel slot, Chicago doesn’t have many answers.

Terell Smith getting healthy after missing all of 2025 is nice, so perhaps he could step in if Gordon misses any time, but then the Bears are relying on a player in Smith who is coming off of a torn patellar tendon. How effective will he be?

Really, this boils down to Chicago letting Wright go for such a cheap contract after a Pro Bowl seasons. Having him back in the fold would have given the team so much more flexibility in its defensive backfield, but instead, the Bears decided to save that money.

Chicago’s offseason strategy was certainly strange, especially considering it won 11 games and captured the NFC North division title last year. You would have thought the Bears would be dedicated to patching up any holes that existed, but instead, they made them worse and also created some new ones.

There is still plenty of time between now and Week 1, but there is no doubt that Chicago’s questionable decisions this spring are rearing their ugly heads now.

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The Chicago Cubs have a number of issues to deal with as they languish through a 2-9 record over their last eleven games and find themselves in second place in the NL Central Division after being swept by the Milwaukee Brewers at home.

More News: Battered Chicago Cubs pitching may force call-up of last man standing

A battered and strained pitching staff is a problem, of course. Pete Crow-Armstrong’s mental disengagement is another problem. Then, there’s just the general doldrums of the offense, which cannot seem to get runners on base—and, when they do, they leave them stranded.

But nobody has been as consistently “off” with the bat as Dansby Swanson.

Dansby Swanson is flatlining

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On the season, the 32-year-old shortstop is hitting an ugly .291 with an OPS of .653. In May, though, his numbers have been especially feeble as he’s slashing .156/.206/.234 through May 21. His 4 home runs and 27 RBIs projects to about 14 homers and 90 ribbies over the full 162-game season, which would be excellent, but things aren’t trending that way. In the month of May, he’s only hit one home run with 4 RBIs so far.

Robert Murray, MLB Insider for Fansided, recently rubbed salt in an open Dansby wound by pointing out just how much money the Cubs still owe the veteran on his 7-year contract:

Breakdown of Dansby Swanson’s seven-year, $177 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, per source:

Signing bonus: $7 million.
2023: $13 million.
2024: $25 million.
2025: $27 million.
2026: $27 million.
2027: $27 million.
2028: $26 million.
2029: $25 million.

The practical question when it comes to Swanson, though, centers around what to do about his struggles.

What to do about the Swanson funk?

Trading him is not an option since his contract is so fat relative to his offensive stats being so thin. It would also be morally disastrous to have him be a $25-$26 million bench reserve.

It could be possible to switch Nico Hoerner to shortstop and then have Matt Shaw or Pedro Ramirez take up second base. That would require some big-time roster reconfiguration and, again, a realization from the Cubs that they’re paying an average AAV of $26 million for a bench-riding defensive replacement.

At this point, and probably for the remainder of his contract, the Cubs pretty much have to play him and just hope for the best. Thankfully, his defense is still top notch and there’s still a chance that this deep funk he’s currently in is just another, albeit longer than normal, slump for a notoriously streaky hitter.

Swanson garnered headlines this past offseason for adapting a new and more instinctual approach to the plate in hopes of providing more consistent offensive output. It may be time to stop that and go back to what was working only marginally well, at times.

The post Chicago Cubs: What to do about Dansby Swanson? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs keep taking hits, even though they’re not currently getting hits at the plate. Most of those hits have come against their pitching staff.

More News: How the Chicago Cubs can get everything they need in just one big trade

The latest blow to Cubs pitching was suffered Wednesday when Edward Cabrera was taken out of his start at the very beginning of the fourth inning with a blister issue.

The Cubs have been noncommittal when it comes to placing the hard-throwing righty on the IL and Cabrera has basically said that he’s not expecting any lost time. But the team has also hinted that the blister issue may be something Cabrera has been dealing with for a bit. So, as painful as it may be to but him on the shelf—along with Cade Horton, Matthew Boyd, and Justin Steele—a stint on the IL might be the most prudent choice right now, at least for a short ten-day period.

Cubs pitching reserves are depleted

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The problem is that the Cubs have torn through their emergency stockpile of arms at the Triple-A level due to all of the injuries and the recently demoted Javier Assad may need more time to stretch out before being brought back as a full-time starter.

So, actually, Jordan Wicks may be the last man standing when it comes to Cubs pitching reserves.

The bad news is that Wicks started the year injured and struggled his way through rehab outings. The good news is that he’s suddenly become lights-out in Iowa.

Jordan Wicks has turned things around

In his last two starts, he’s allowed just one earned run in 11 innings pitched. This past Thursday, he threw an especially brilliant gem in shutting out the Memphis Redbirds over 5 innings with just one hit allowed.

“I think he’s really talented,” Hoyer said in a recent interview with 104.3 The Score in Chicago, when asked about Wicks. “Yeah, he’s had some ups and downs and some injuries. Obviously, he had the injury in spring training, so he wasn’t really a part of spring training at all for us. And he had some struggles in his early rehab, but threw well in his last time out. He needs to help us. He’s a talented pitcher.”

The 26-year-old 2021 first round draft pick has shown flashes of excellence throughout his young career, even in his three cups of coffee in the majors. He hasn’t, however, been able to deliver consistently over the long haul.

The truth is that even if Cabrera doesn’t miss any starts with his blister, the Cubs may soon have to call Wicks into major league duty. With more than two months to go before the trade deadline, there’s nobody else they can count on as rotation reinforcement.

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The Indiana Fever picked up their third win of the season on Wednesday as they hosted the WNBA expansion team, the Portland Fire, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. They dominated the visiting squad, winning 90-73. The hosts never let Portland lead throughout the game, with their biggest lead coming in at 26 points.

On top of that, they did all that without their star guard, Caitlin Clark. The 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year was a late inclusion in the injury list because of a back injury.

Without Clark, Indiana was led by Aliyah Boston, who just came back after being sidelined by a lower leg injury. The Fever center-forward had 24 points, grabbed three rebounds and dished out three assists. She also contributed defensively with two steals and one block.

Is punishment coming for the Indiana Fever after Caitlin Clark’s late injury report?

Clark has been leading the Fever in their first four games. The third-year guard is averaging 24.3 points, 9.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and a block and a steal each. 

Unfortunately, she was added late to the injury list just before their game against the Fire. Fever head coach Stephanie White also said that she didn’t practice the day before their game.

As per WNBA rules, teams must report any injuries, illnesses, or other medical conditions by 5:00 p.m. the day before a game.

Online sports personality Rachel Demita even said that NBA teams would be “fined into oblivion” if they reported injuries like this.

An NBA team would be fined into oblivion if they reported injuries like this..

— Rachel A DeMita (@RADeMita) May 20, 2026

More than a few fans believe that the Fever should be punished for this mishap. 

“At this point I wanna see heavy fines and suspensions. This is ridiculous. Imagine being that fan traveling from afar, this happens every home game,” a user said.

“No wonder attendance sucks this year. No one knows when she will play,” a comment mentioned.

“I have to question what rules, procedures or standards the WNBA has with teams reporting on player status and injuries.  This is utterly unprofessional and unethical,” said another.

“I have a feeling that they’re going to get fined. Curious what the dollar amount will be,” a viewer shared.

“I have to question what rules, procedures or standards the WNBA has with teams reporting on player status and injuries.  This is utterly unprofessional and unethical,” a fan exclaimed.

“Don’t they have team doctors than can speak up and represent the team? They’re saying ‘I’m not a doctor!’ is total BS.😡” another angrily shared.

Despite the dominant win, the Fever are on the hot seat because of their decision on Clark. 

The post Fever bracing for WNBA punishment after Caitlin Clark move appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs’ injury list continues to grow. Infielder/outfielder Matt Shaw is the latest to land on the injured list with mid-back tightness.

According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, the Cubs are calling up their No. 2 prospect in the system, infielder Pedro Ramirez. Ramirez has been playing in Triple-A Iowa this season and has performed well enough to receive a call-up. In 43 games in Iowa, Ramirez was hitting .312 with a .942 OPS and nine home runs,

Signed to a minor league contract in 2021, Ramirez showcased his skills in spring training to deserve a call-up out of the gates. In 15 games during spring training, the 22-year-old hit .367 with a 1.065 OPS and two home runs.

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Ramirez’s stint with the Cubs won’t likely be long unless he absolutely goes off at the plate. Once Shaw returns, Ramirez will likely find his way back down to Iowa until another injury happens or until September.

The Chicago Cubs will need Pedro Ramirez and others to step up in Matt Shaw’s absence

After putting together a solid April, where he hit .323 with a .938 OPS, Shaw has cooled off in May, hitting .045 with a .170 OPS. The Cubs have used Shaw as their Swiss Army Knife this season, with the 24-year-old playing six out of the nine positions in the field as well as designated hitter (nine games).

The position that Shaw has played the most this season is right field, making 12 starts (14 games), with the bulk of his playing time coming when Seiya Suzuki was on the injured list. With Shaw down, the Cubs are down their best utility player and don’t have another player on the roster who can move around the diamond like Shaw did.

Ramirez is a primary infielder, playing mostly third base (25 games) and second base (15 games) this season, with one game played in left field.

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The Chicago Bulls absolutely need to add a big man this offseason, and preferably one that can protect the rim.

The Bulls ranked toward the bottom of the NBA in defense this past year, and much of that had to do with them not having anyone to anchor the back end. With Chicago having plenty of cap space and a couple of first-round picks this summer, it absolutely must rectify that problem.

But while many are focused on the Bulls owning the No. 4 overall selection in the NBA Draft (and understandably so), they also could potentially swing a trade or two to bolster their roster. Given how much new top executive Bryson Graham values length and defense, the path for Chicago seems obvious.

The Bulls will surely be scouring the market for a defensive-minded center in the coming months, and where they find it is anyone’s guess.

In the meantime, Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale has identified an intriguing — but risky — trade option for Chicago: Dallas Mavericks big man Dereck Lively II.

Chicago Bulls could trade for Dereck Lively II

Lively has spent the first three years of his career with the Dallas Mavericks, but due to his checkered medical history, the Mavericks may be looking to move on.

“Finding a higher-upside swing in the middle should also be among Chicago’s long-term aims. Dereck Lively II would be an excellent flier,” Favale wrote. “The Dallas Mavericks may not be actively looking to move him, but his injury history could foist him into distressed-asset territory. Especially with his extension eligibility looming.”

The 22-year-old played in just seven games this past season, starting the year with a knee injury and then ending up sidelined for the entire campaign as a result of foot surgery. Since entering the league as a No. 12 overall pick in June 2023, Lively has appeared in a grand total of 98 contests.

Lively’s track record is obviously concerning, especially for a player headed toward restricted free agency after next season. When healthy, though, there is no question that he is an impactful player.

The Duke product — who stands 7-foot-1 — has logged 1.5 blocks over 22.9 minutes per game for his career, good for an average of 2.3 blocks per 36 minutes. He is also a fine rebounder, having registered 11 boards per 36 minutes to go along with a total rebound percentage of 16.6 percent.

Lively would absolutely represent a nice get for the Bulls, but again, his injury history should give Chicago pause.

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The Chicago White Sox have had one of the better farm systems over the past few seasons. The prospects who have risen through the White Sox minor league system are showcasing their talents at the major league level this season.

With former prospects like shortstop Colson Montgomery (.223 batting average and a .814 OPS) and right-hander Grant Taylor (1.78 ERA in 19 games, four starts) doing well, others in the organization will slowly follow in their footsteps.

Still having a plethora of prospects waiting to make their debut, like outfielder Braden Montgomery, the White Sox farm system took a massive leap in Bleacher Report’s rankings.

The Chicago White Sox have a top 10 farm system nearly a quarter of the way through the 2026 season

According to Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report, the White Sox, a little over a quarter of the way through the season, have the sixth-best farm system in Major League Baseball. Before the season, the White Sox ranked 18th.

Reuter ranked each prospect on a “Tier system” from one to four, with Tier 1 being the best. For the White Sox, they currently have two Tier 1-level prospects, shortstop Caleb Bonemer and left-hander Noah Schultz. The lone prospect representing Tier 2 is Montgomery, who was promoted to Triple-A on May 5.

Left-hander Hagen Smith and shortstop Billy Carlson are in Tier 3, with two players, infielder/outfielder Sam Antonacci and right-hander Tanner McDougal, rounding things out in Tier 4. McDougal will miss the rest of the season due to Tommy John surgery.

According to Reuter, second baseman/third baseman Colby Shelton, who was not ranked, was his “prospect snapshot.”

“Few prospects are off to a better start this season than Shelton, who is hitting .310/.425/.599 with 15 doubles, eight home runs and 34 RBI in 39 games between High-A and Double-A,” wrote Reuter. “He was a sixth-round pick out of the University of Florida last year, and he was not even ranked among the top 30 prospects in the White Sox system when the season started, according to Baseball America.”

Schultz and Antonacci are already contributing at the big league level. Montgomery is likely the next White Sox prospect to make their debut. At 20, and playing at High-A, Bonemer is still a long way from making the big league roster. However, he is currently swinging a hot bat in Winston-Salem. In 40 game, Bonemer is hitting .255 with a 1.003 OPS and 14 home runs.

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The Chicago Blackhawks have a lot of money to play with this offseason, and they are also stocked with assets they can use in potential trades.

Basically, this will be a pivotal summer for the Blackhawks, who have missed the playoffs six years in a row (their longest drought since 1952) and are starving for success.

The good news is that Chicago has shown improvement the last couple of years and has one of the NHL’s top rising stars in Connor Bedard, so there is absolutely hope for the future. The Blackhawks just need to make the right moves.

Chicago has been connected to a plethora of potential options in both free agency and on the trade market, so there should be no shortage of possible acquisitions at Kyle Davidson’s fingertips in the coming weeks and months.

But Tab Bamford of Bleacher Nation just linked the Blackhawks to one compelling name in particular: Buffalo Sabres wing Zach Benson, a player Bamford himself compared to Chicago fan favorite Andrew Shaw.

Chicago Blackhawks linked to Zach Benson

The Blackhawks would have to sign Benson to an offer sheet and then hope that the Sabres don’t match, but with Buffalo hard up for cash, Chicago might have a chance to poach the exciting 21-year-old.

“The Sabres, like the Stars, don’t have a lot of cap space to play with this summer. And Benson emerged as one of the stars for Buffalo in these playoffs. They also have to make a decision on Alex Tuch, so a significant offer sheet here could force their hand on Tuch. Again, not a big player here (5-10, 177) but plays the Andrew Shaw-type game Blackhawks fans love,” Bamford wrote.

If the Sabres do ultimately decide to re-sign Tuch, it could certainly open the door for the Blackhawks to swoop in and steal Benson, who totaled 13 goals and 30 assists during the 2025-26 regular season and managed five scores and four assists in 13 playoff games.

Benson was originally selected by Buffalo with the 13th overall pick of the 2023 NHL Draft and posted 11 goals and 19 dimes during his rookie campaign. He followed that up with 10 scores and 18 assists in Year 2.

Shaw, of course, helped Chicago win a pair of Stanley Cup championships in 2012-13 and 2014-15, playing a pivotal role in both runs and establishing himself as a Blackhawks legend along the way.

If Chicago were to acquire Benson and he were anything like Shaw, expect Chicago fans to fall in love fast.

The post Blackhawks could poach this rising star compared to Andrew Shaw appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson was not happy with the first impressions made by cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon.

The Bears have invested heavily in the two players in recent years, but only combined to play in 10 total games last season. Johnson dealt with a core muscle injury, and Gordon dealt with several soft-tissue injuries.

In March, Ben Johnson suggested the coaching staff had a hard time developing a relationship with Gordon and Jaylon, and wanted to see the two on the field at practice this spring.

“We’re starting over completely this spring,” Johnson said about his relationship with Gordon and Johnson.

Per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Gordon is dealing with yet another soft tissue injury.

After signing a three-year $40 million contract extension last offseason, Gordon played in three games and started one last season amid his groin and calf injuries.

It looks like he could miss even more time during voluntary OTAs next week.

More News: Bears HC Ben Johnson: Starter’s future is in doubt

Chicago Bears: Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon out of OTAs

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Jaylon has been absent during the early phases of OTAs.

On Thursday, defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator Al Harris told Adam Hoge of CHGO Sports that he didn’t want to talk about Jaylon Johnson, who hadn’t been at Halas Hall this spring.

“Let me do this. We’re going to talk about the guys that’s just been out there,” Harris said. “To respect Jaylon and the organization, we’re just going to talk about the guys that’s been out there.”

Both Gordon and Jaylon are set to have a pivotal year in 2026. Ben Johnson sent the two a warning early in the offseason, and it’s unclear if the two have received the message.

With that being said, the Bears are in the voluntary part of OTAs in May. The two could come back to practice during the mandatory portion in June. But for a Bears team that’s relying on the secondary to be good enough to help the pass rush, the early developments on Jaylon and Gordon are a curse for concern.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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Prior to the start of the 2026 MLB season, Chicago Cubs centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong was named one of the best and brightest young stars in the league. After all, before turning 24 this year, he had already won a Gold Glove, was named a National League All-Star, and posted a 30-30 season.

The thing, though, about players as young and talented as Crow-Armstrong is that their talent is not fully recognized and oftentimes is overshadowed by mistakes and immaturity.

Unfortunately for both the Cubs and their centerfielder, it is a situation they currently find themselves in.

Chicago Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong needs to mature

Early this year, the main concern with PCA was the fact that he is struggling at the plate. However, the fact of the matter is that his struggles offensively date back to last year, when he hit .216/.255/.357 after the All-Star break. Through 50 games this season, he his hitting .229/.302/.357.

However, over the span of the last few days, Crow-Armstrong’s maturity has been called into question. He got into a verbal altercation with a Chicago White Sox fan on Sunday, and was filmed yelling obscenities at her. Crow-Armstrong was fined for it.

This incident caused many to go back and highlight all the times he lost his cool on the field, most notably how he sometimes will slam his bat on the ground after making an out.

In the series following the incident with the White Sox fan, Crow-Armstrong made two dumb fielding errors. For a Gold Glove defender, the mistakes were inexcusable, but also were an indication of a true both he and the Cubs need to realize.

His mind is not right.

It is not uncommon for Major League players to go through prolonged slumps. That being said, how they react to them says a lot about what kind of player they are. Right now, Crow-Armstrong is showing he is not a mentally strong player. If he cannot mature and get his mind right, he could be in danger of making Chicago’s $115 million contract with him an absolute waste.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs’ Seiya Suzuki draws intense criticism in latest MLB power rankings
• Cubs’ emergency trade proposal lands pitcher who leads MLB in 2 categories
• Cubs’ biggest regret of 2026 off-season revealed

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Bears have certainly had an interesting offseason, and while they have certainly been active, many would question whether or not they actually improved.

That is especially true on the offensive side of the ball, where the Bears lost a couple of key wide receivers in D.J. Moore (who was traded to the Buffalo Bills) and Olamide Zacchaeus. Yes, they signed Kalif Raymond and selected Zavion Thomas in the third round of the NFL Draft, but the former had just 289 yards last season, and the latter was likely a reach.

So could Chicago try and add another wide out before training camp?

There are some intriguing options available in free agency, such as Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen and Deebo Samuel, but the Bears don’t appear to be interested in any of them right now (although a reunion with Allen would be fantastic).

Could Chicago consider a potential trade? And could the Bears do something as unthinkable as acquire San Francisco 49ers wide out Brandon Aiyuk?

Would the Chicago Bears consider a Brandon Aiyuk trade?

While Aiyuk is still technically a member of the 49ers, it would be beyond shocking if he ever suited up for them again.

The 28-year-old tore his ACL midway through 2024 and then proceeded to sit out the entire 2025 campaign simply because he did not want to play for San Francisco, this even though he signed a four-year, $120 million extension heading into 2024.

The 49ers are trying to trade him, and the cost would probably be as minimal as a late Day 3 pick. Would it be worth the risk for Chicago? Patrick Holloway of Niners Nation explained Aiyuk’s contract situation earlier in the offseason, and it doesn’t sound too bad.

“If traded, a team would be on the hook for Aiyuk’s 2026 salary—an estimated $1.2 million base that is not guaranteed—before factoring in $750,000 per-game roster bonuses,” Holloway wrote. “If Aiyuk plays every game, those bonuses alone push his earnings to around $15 million. His salary rockets in 2027 and 2028 to estimated amounts of $27.2 million and $29.1 million, respectively. Sure, a team could take him for one year and cut him, but it’s still a large amount of money for a player who hasn’t seen the field since 2024.”

Essentially, none of Aiyuk’s money beyond 2026 is guaranteed, and even next season, he won’t be making a ton of money.

The Bears could really use a top-flight receiver to put alongside Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, and when healthy, Aiyuk is obviously a force. But he also hasn’t played in a year-and-a-half, and he basically quit on the 49ers.

The idea of Aiyuk is tempting. After all, he hauled in 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns during his last healthy season in 2023. But there is probably too much fluff involved for Chicago to take that much interest in a trade. If he gets released, however, that completely changes things.

The post Bears wouldn’t dare consider this hazardous trade, would they? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs are mired in an absolutely miserable slump, having lost nine of their last 11 games to fall down to third place in the NL Central.

Oddly enough, this recent skid came on the heels of two 10-game winning streaks, so it has certainly been a strange season for the Cubs thus far.

All hope is not lost, though. Not by any stretch. Chicago is still a solid 29-21 heading into its three-game series with the Houston Astros beginning on Friday, and all it really needs is the right moves between now and the trade deadline to bolster its playoff chances and World Series hopes.

Because the Cubs’ starting rotation has been absolutely decimated by injuries, Chicago is expected to pursue at least one starting pitcher before Aug. 3, and luckily for Jed Hoyer, there should be plenty of them available.

On that note, Ryan O’Rourke of Cubbies Crib has linked the Cubs to a wild trade with the Boston Red Sox featuring Matt Shaw as the centerpiece.

Chicago Cubs connected to wild Matt Shaw trade

The Red Sox have quite a few pitchers that may interest Chicago, and while veteran Sonny Gray is the most obvious candidate, O’Rourke shockingly mentioned youngsters Connelly Early and Payton Tolle as potential targets for the Cubs.

“Infield help appears to, once again, be something they could use, and that’s where Shaw could come in,” O’Rourke wrote. “The fit isn’t quite as obvious as it once was, but it’s still worth checking to see how willing [Craig] Breslow would be to do a challenge trade. In a perfect world, Shaw would be the centerpiece for a deal involving one of Connelly Early or Payton Tolle, giving the Cubs a controllable, high-end young arm they can continue working with for years to come.”

Now, it should be noted that O’Rourke qualified his statement by saying a Tolle trade would be unlikely, but he thinks Boston would be more willing to move one of its young hurler than one might expect because of the amount of pitching talent the Red Sox have within their organization.

Early would be a more likely piece for Boston to trade, although he was ranked as the 52nd-best prospect in baseball by Baseball America heading into 2026 and has pitched to the tune of a 3.33 ERA and 1.185 WHIP thus far. So would the Sox really move him at this point?

Shaw seems like an obvious trade candidate for Chicago given that there really isn’t room for him in the infield, and the Red Sox have expressed interest in him in the past. But I’m not so sure Boston would include either of its top two young pitchers in such a deal.

The post Chicago Cubs linked to wild Matt Shaw trade with Red Sox appeared first on ChiCitySports.

A week ago, the Chicago Cubs were at the top of the National League Central Division. Now, they have lost four series in a row and sit 1.5 games out of first place. Their two 10-game win streaks earlier this season now seem like a distant memory. Losing two out of three to the Chicago White Sox and being swept at home by the Milwaukee Brewers have the team floundering.

Of course, it is only May and a lot can change between now and the end of the season. That being said, Chicago is not trending in the right direction and, unless something changes, they could see their fierce rivals take the division once again.

The Chicago Cubs must catch the Milwaukee Brewers again

Chicago has had the unfortunate luck in seeing multiple starting pitchers go down with injuries. For weeks now, many have wondered when the Cubs will finally make a move or two in an effort to boost their beleaguered rotation.

Until they do, MLB.com believes they will be stuck looking up at Milwaukee in the standings:

“The Cubs and the Brewers look like the class of this division, yet again. The issue with the Cubs has been their rotation, which has been absolutely ravaged by injuries and was hit with another one on Wednesday, when Edward Cabrera had to leave his start early with a blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand. The Cubs have the 19th-best starter ERA in the Majors, and some of that is boosted by pitchers no longer available…

“You don’t want to be a prisoner of the moment here, but that three-game sweep at Wrigley didn’t look like an outlier; it looked like the future of this division. Again.”

If the Cubs cannot get their pitching figured out, they are going to have their hands full retaking the NL Central from the Brewers, who have won it in each of the past three years.

Chicago also needs to see their multiple offensive stars break out of their slumps. Indeed, when they are clicking offensively, they are among the best teams in baseball.

But, right now, they look like the exact opposite.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs’ Seiya Suzuki draws intense criticism in latest MLB power rankings
• Cubs’ emergency trade proposal lands pitcher who leads MLB in 2 categories
• Cubs’ biggest regret of 2026 off-season revealed

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Bulls have some improvements they can make during the 2026 NBA Draft. They are one of the teams with two picks in the first round, so they can make some big moves during the draft. Chicago can use these picks to add some significant size to the rotation, and EVP Bryson Graham can do that in his first draft with the franchise. Let’s take a closer look at one outlet’s mock draft and discuss who they can wind up selecting when they are officially on the clock.

The Chicago Bulls add Caleb Wilson with the fourth pick

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report created a first-round NBA mock draft and had the Bulls add two frontcourt players. With the fourth pick, Buckley had the Bulls select power forward Caleb Wilson from the North Carolina Tar Heels. Below is what he wrote about the selection:

“For parts of mock draft season, it felt like Wilson had a tier to himself behind the Dybantsa-Peterson-Boozer trio and ahead of the rest. At this point, it’s clear that Wilson has expanded that elite group into a Big Four. As The Athletic’s Josh Robbins and David Aldridge relayed, several executives and scouts said ‘they can envision Wilson developing into the best player in the draft.’ It still feels like Wilson will wind up in the same No. 4 spot he’s been mocked at for a while, if only because his shooting and creation limitations are clearer to see than the other prospects. The Bulls would be thrilled if Wilson does, though, since he feels tailor-made for the type of team Chicago’s new front office wants to put together.”

Wilson had a strong freshman season for the Tar Heels. The 6’10 forward averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.5 steals on 57.8/25.9/71.3 shooting splits. Chicago still has Patrick Williams, Jalen Smith, and Noa Essengue on the depth chart, so the power forward spot is deep. However, when you get the chance to add a talent like Wilson, you certainly do that. They could move off one of the other power forwards on the roster, but there is room to develop Wilson’s game, like his perimeter shooting and ball-handling skills. It will be interesting to see how the first three picks shape up, as the Bulls will likely get whichever one of the Big Four is still available.

The Chicago Bulls add a center at the end of the lottery

The Bulls are one of the teams with multiple picks in the first round of this year’s draft. They also hold the 15th pick via the Portland Trail Blazers. With the final pick in the lottery, the Bulls select freshman center Hannes Steinbach out of the Washington Huskies. Below is the scouting report that Buckley gives:

“Steinbach was another winner at the NBA Draft Combine. He passed the eye test as an NBA-caliber center measuring 6’10” without shoes (with a 7’2″ wingspan), and showing added bulk at 248 pounds. The Bulls happen to have a glaring void at center, and if they filled it with Steinbach, they’d be getting perhaps the draft’s best rebounder and one of its best post scorers. Steinbach has also flashed enough competence from three to believe he can serve in a stretch-big capacity and make it easier to fit puzzle pieces around him. That should be hugely appealing to a franchise in such an early stage of a top-to-bottom reset.”

Steinbach actually led the NCAA in rebounding in the 2025-26 season. He averaged 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals while posting a 57.7/34.0/75.9 shooting split. He was ble to showcase his abilities in the Big Ten Tournament, averaging 13.5 rebounds and 17.5 points, but the Huskies failed to reach the NCAA Tournament. With the lack of big games to see Steinbach play, it makes it a bit more of a gamble to take him in the lottery. However, he stepped up in Big Ten action, so it’s not like he is playing inferior competition. This would certainly add some incredible size and talent at the five spot to guard players like Joel Embiid, Victor Wembanyama, and Giannis Antetokounmpo going forward.

The post Chicago Bulls add size in Bleacher Report’s latest 2026 NBA mock draft appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Many Chicago Cubs hitters have been mired in a rough slump for nearly two weeks. The heat has primarily been on the likes of Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Dansby Swanson, and Pete Crow-Armstrong. While not slumping as those guys have, Alex Bregman is among those who want to up their game.

Bregman, to his credit, is hitting a respectable .286/.318/.381 over this 2-8 stretch the Cubs are on. So, it might seem weird to discuss one of the better-hitting Cubs within the topic of slumping. With that said, there are some deeper numbers to look at regarding Bregman.

What has been missing from Bregman so far

Referencing Bregman’s last 10 games to start, the average looks very good, but there is a common theme between this stretch and his overall season numbers. The lack of slug.

On the season, he is slashing .249/.332/.350 with a .682 OPS, four homers, and a 96 wRC+. The slug being well under .400, resulting in a sub-.700 OPS is what really sticks out. He has just two XBH over his last 10 games and 11 XBH on the year. His groundball rate is at 44%, which is just under nine points higher than his career 35.7% groundball rate, and that obviously has an impact on the results of balls in play.

The average is not amazing, but it’s not bad by today’s standards, and the OBP is very solid. Even the wRC+ being around average does not make Bregman’s overall first 49 as a Cub look that bad. But he was paid the big five-year contract to be a catalyst for this team, and he will be held to much higher standards.

Reasons not to be as hard on Bregman’s start

It’s worth noting that some of the underlying numbers suggest Bregman has been swinging a bit better than what the slash says.

His expected slug (xSLG) per Baseball Savant is .398, which is in the 47th percentile. Is that elite? No, but being around that .400 mark would be more palatable. It’s also worth noting his xBA is .256 (58th percentile), with his hard hit rate (64th percentile), and squared up percentage (95th percentile) all being better than average. He’s still elite at whiff rate (83rd percentile) and chase rate (92nd percentile), while above average in walk rate (68th percentile), which is reflected in his low strikeout rate (17.5%) and .332 OBP.

Hopefully, Bregman can put up some more productive numbers this summer. He is no stranger to starting the season slow. His lowest OPS months over his career have been March/April and May. The Cubs will need to see that sooner rather than later. Ideally after 162 he has a slug in the .440-.480 range and an OPS around .780-.820.

The post What has been missing from Alex Bregman so far? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson built their friendship at the University of Michigan. Both players arrived at the university as part of the Wolverines’ 2022 recruiting class. The two eventually lived as roommates and became key players on opposite sides of the ball.

Loveland developed into an elite tight end, while Johnson emerged as a shutdown cornerback. The two athletes pushed each other in daily practices and matchups. This intense routine strengthened their on- and off-the-field brotherhood.

During their sophomore seasons in 2023, both Loveland and Johnson helped lead the Wolverines to an undefeated 15-0 record and a College Football Playoff National Championship. Both players earned first-team All-Big Ten recognition for their standout performances. Johnson also received first-team All-American honors.

Chicago Bears’ Colston Loveland reacts to Will Johnson’s post

The public caught a glimpse of their bond recently after Johnson shared some photos on Instagram showing him and his teammates at practice. Loveland quickly appeared in the comments section and left a brief but supportive message for his former teammate.

“Two2smoooove,” the Bears star wrote.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @willjohnson

Loveland and Johnson played for the Wolverines for three seasons. They entered the NFL in 2025 following their successful collegiate runs. The Bears selected Loveland 10th overall in the first round. The Cardinals, on the other hand, picked Johnson 47th overall in the second round.

Despite the distance and playing for different franchises now, they maintain their strong connection. They remain close friends and continue to celebrate each other’s achievements. Both Loveland and Johnson have referred to each other as brothers in interviews.

The two athletes have yet to meet on the field as NFL players. Similar to 2025, the Bears and Cardinals will also not face off in the 2026 regular season. 

The post Chicago Bears star Colston Loveland comments on Arizona Cardinals CB appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Indiana Fever ruffled some feathers on Wednesday after they announced that Caitlin Clark would not play against the Portland Fire due to a back injury.

This was Clark’s first missed game of the new WNBA season. What made the whole situation look bad was the fact that the Fever did not disclose the two-time All-Star’s injury prior to the game. This is despite head coach Stephanie White revealing before the Fire game that Clark sat out practice on Wednesday due to the same back issue.

Fans were not at all pleased with how the Fever handled Clark’s latest injury. So much so that supporters were demanding that the WNBA punish the organization for this latest issue. Per league rules, teams are required to report any injuries by 5:00 p.m. on the day before each game.

Indiana Fever receive warning for Caitlin Clark injury situation

The good news for the Fever is that they are not being fined for their mishandling of Clark’s injury status. Instead, Fever reporter Chloe Peterson of the Indianapolis Star reports that the WNBA has issued a warning to the team.

“NEW: The Indiana Fever have received a warning for failure to report Caitlin Clark’s injury status leading up to Wednesday’s game, league sources tell me,” Peterson reported on X.

It is worth noting that this back issue appears to be a lingering injury for Clark. In their first game of the season against the New York Liberty, the 24-year-old left twice. Both Clark and the Fever downplayed the issue, stating that the 6-foot guard just needed her back adjusted mid-game.

Indiana still secured a win against Portland despite Clark’s absence, 90-73. As of writing, it is unclear at this point if Clark will suit up for the Fever’s matchup against the Golden State Valkyries on Friday.

The post Fever’s Caitlin Clark injury saga draws punishment decision from WNBA appeared first on ChiCitySports.

It turns out Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson didn’t just come out of left field to renew focus on the city keeping the Chicago Bears.

Per Justin Laurence of Crain’s Chicago Business, the Bears and Chicago’s top attorneys had “several” meetings in April and May about staying in the city. Chicago claims the discussions were about the Bears building the new project on the lakefront.

“Bears confirm “meetings” (plural), but say they’re confidential and primarily about the team’s lease at Soldier Field. IL lawmakers caught in the middle,” Laurence posted on X.

The meetings happened at the same time the Bears have been urging the Illinois House and Senate to pass and amend a megaprojects bill that would help the team build at the site in Arlington Heights.

Senator Bill Cunningham told Laurence that the news that the Bears were in discussions with Chicago has “eroded the progress” the team had made in getting Chicago politicians to support the project at Arlington Heights.

The Bears told Cunningham they had one meeting with the city, though the team didn’t disclose that fact with other lawmakers.

“The first disclosure of the meeting was when Johnson visited Springfield 2 weeks ago,” Laurence posted. “The Bears confirmed at least one meeting to Cunningham at the time, but other legislators told him the Bears denied meeting with the city at all.”

More News: ‘Wrench’ thrown into Arlington Heights hope via Illinois Senate

The Chicago Bears flip-flop again

More News: While NFL whips Bears, league helped out Packers big-time

Per a statement from the Bears on Thursday via Adam Hoge of CHGO Bears, the team flipped-flopped on the issue once again, saying Chicago was out of the picture.

“The Chicago Bears have exhausted every opportunity to stay in Chicago, which was our initial goal,” the statement reads. “There is not a viable site in the city. As a result, the only sites under consideration are in Arlington Heights and Hammond.”

Local lawmakers in Illinois are still waiting on traffic studies to be completed for the Arlington Heights project. At this point, the Bears will be lucky to have an answer for the NFL about where they plan to build by late summer.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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After an injury-riddled 2025 season, Caitlin Clark is back in full form this year for the Indiana Fever. The 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year had a great offseason to recover and get her legs back under her.

Clark led Team USA to an undefeated run at the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifier in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She led the games in assists en route to being crowned the tournament MVP.

Even after playing in just 13 games the prior season, she still led USA Basketball to a 5-0 record. This was a welcome sight for WNBA fans, as they have missed seeing the high-scoring guard on a basketball floor.

Fans outraged over WNBA decision involving Caitlin Clark

Clark has been on fire for Indiana to start the 2026 WNBA season. In four games, she is averaging 24.3 points, 9.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 1.0 steals. The third-year guard is leading the Fever in points and assists. Even the NBA acknowledged Clark’s hot start this season.

Because of this, many fans expected Clark to be selected as the Eastern Conference Player of the Week. However, the league chose New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart for this award.

New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart and Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson have been named the WNBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for Week 1 of the 2026 season. pic.twitter.com/x7mjsOB9Cx

— WNBA Communications (@WNBAComms) May 19, 2026

This caused debate as Clark had a better statistical week than the veteran. Stewart averaged 23.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks a game last week for the Liberty.

“And she did 20p 10 assist back to back .. no one has done ever!!! And set the record in career for 12 times in 57 games. The discrimination for CC is definitely happening,” a fan said.

“They don’t reward empty stats Vs bad teams, Stewart was wayyyy more efficient and she played both sides of the ball and didn’t turn it over 6x a game. All Caitlin Clark’s fans forget about the defensive side of the ball,” answered a user.

“You forgot that the most important stat in the W is rebounds 🙄” a comment mentioned.

“To be fair, Stewie had two 20-10 games, a 30-10 game and leads the W in assists. 🤣” a fan wrote.

“Surely the liberty won more games right? Thats why?” wrote a user.

“Now compare their shooting percentages and turnovers,” another declared.

Despite Clark’s impressive start, the Fever are still 2-2 to start the season. This might have affected the voting. Nevertheless, it’s still early in the season, and Indiana still has time to figure it out.

Clark sat out Wednesday’s game against the Portland Fire due to a back injury. The Fever secured a win despite Clark’s absence to improve to 3-2 on the season.

The post WNBA’s decision against Caitlin Clark sparks intense debate among fans appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson noted his frustration with two members of the secondary during his first season with the team.

The Bears invested heavily in cornerback Jaylon Johnson in 2024, giving him a four-year $76 million contract. He played in seven games and started in six for the Bears in 2025, with a muscle core injury.

Kyler Gordon signed a three-year $40 million contract extension in 2025. He played in three games and started one last season amid groin and calf injuries.

Per video posted by Adam Hoge of CHGO Bears, defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator Al Harris suggested Johnson was not present during the early phases of OTAs this spring.

“Let me do this. We’re going to talk about the guys that’s just been out there,” Harris said. “To respect Jaylon and the organization, we’re just going to talk about the guys that’s been out there.”

Johnson has missed voluntary OTAs in years prior, but has shown up to practice. Still, it’s a questionable decision by Johnson to miss workouts this spring for a few reasons.

More News: Bears HC Ben Johnson: Starter’s future is in doubt

Chicago Bears HC wanted new start with Jaylon Johnson

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In March, Johnson said it was challenging to form relationships with Johnson and Gordon because they missed so much time with injury last year. He wants both players to stay healthy and remain on the field.

“We’re starting over completely this spring,” Johnson said about his relationship with Gordon and Johnson.

Johnson didn’t improve that relationship by not showing up to Halas Hall early this spring.

It’s Johnson’s right not to work out during the voluntary portion of OTAs.

However, the cornerback has complained in offseasons before that he was tired of playing for an organization that lost games.

Now that he’s getting paid the big bucks on a Bears team that won the NFC North and nearly made the NFC Championship Game last season, Johnson chose to put off working with his teammates this offseason.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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On Thursday, the Chicago Bears announced a couple of important roster moves before the team begins OTAs next week.

The Bears signed former Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts running back Salvon Ahmed on Wednesday. He’ll compete for a spot with D’Andre Swift, Kyle Mongai, Roschon Johnson, Brittain Brown and Coleman Bennet.

Per the Bears, the team signed safety Anthony Johnson Jr., a former seventh-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2023. He appeared in 12 games for Green Bay in 2023, and started four games. He appeared in nine games for the New York Giants in 2024, mostly used as a special teams player. He was on the reserve/PUP list for the 2025 campaign.

More News: Bears move on from 2025 draft pick after disaster in front office

Chicago Bears sign former Green Bay Packers draft pick

More News: Bears urged to sign All-Pro to fix biggest weakness

Johnson’s recorded 29 tackles, one interception, and four passes defensed during his time in the league. After losing Kevin Byard III Jaquan Brisker CJ Gardner-Johnson and Jonathan Owens this offseason, the Bears needed to add help at safety.

Chicago signed Coby Bryant in free agency and drafted Dillon Thieneman in the first round. Johnson will give the team extra depth at the position this offseason with the added ability to help on special teams.

To make room for the signings, the Bears used an international exemption on punter Tory Taylor (Australia) and released running back Deion Hankins. Hankins joined the Bears out of UTSA in 2025, but has not recorded any stats during his time with the team.

The Bears are able to carry 90 players for OTAs during OTAs in May and June. They’ll start with 90 players in training camp, but will cut the roster to 53 players before the start of the season.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Indiana Fever picked up their second win of the season after defeating the Seattle Storm at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday, 89-78. Caitlin Clark led the way for her squad, scoring a game-high 21 points along with 10 assists and two blocks.

Seattle, on the other hand, was led by eight-year veteran Natisha Hiedeman. She scored a team-high 19 points and had two rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal.

Unfortunately for Hiedeman and her squad, they failed to get any sort of run going throughout the game. Clark and the Fever dominated them, leading by 20 at one point.

The Storm dropped to 14th in the standings with a 1-3 record, while Indiana improved to 2-2.

Natasha Hiedeman comments on Caitlin Clark’s actions

Clark went to work against Seattle during their game. She was efficient for the Fever, shooting 50% on both the three and the field. The 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year was also 100% on her free throws. 

On top of that, Indiana’s star guard also highlighted her defensive prowess. In one sequence, Hiedeman drove to the lane, and Clark stripped the ball away, resulting in a block.

This led to a hilarious gesture as Clark put on a smug face after the block. She then did the famed Dikembe Mutombo finger wag before laughing it out with Hiedeman.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Overtime WBB (@overtimewbb)

In the highlight video posted on Instagram, Hiedeman left a hilarious comment about the defensive sequence.

The Seattle guard said, “The president play too much 😭🤣”

This shows great camaraderie, and there is clearly nothing but love between the two players. Playful banter now and then is great for the players and for the WNBA.

As for Hiedeman, she’s been in the league long enough to understand that players come in and take the WNBA by storm. Clark has been this type of player, helping boost the league’s popularity ever since she came.

The post Storm player addresses Caitlin Clark’s gesture against her during WNBA game appeared first on ChiCitySports.

When the Chicago Cubs signed outfielder Seiya Suzuki prior to the 2022 season, they believed they were getting a great slugger coming over from Japan. After all, he hit .315/.414/.570 in nine seasons in Japan, consistently hitting between 25 and 35 home runs a season.

In the fifth year of his $85 million contract, though, Suzuki has a career slash line of .269/.369/.455. Last season, 2024, was the first and only time, thus far, he hit over 30 home runs and drove in 100 or more runs.

This season, Suzuki missed the start of the year due to an injury in the World Baseball Classic. And while he has been hitting home runs and hitting near his MLB career average, he is not doing so when the team needs him to the most.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki is not producing with runners in scoring position

The Cubs have hit a rough patch in the 2026 season. They have lost five games in a row and were just swept at home at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers.

As a result, Chicago fell from fourth to seventh in ESPN’s weekly power rankings on Thursday, and Suzuki was called out specifically for his inability to produce with runners in scoring position:

“If you think there is some rhyme or reason to hitting with runners in scoring position, look no further than Seiya Suzuki to dispel that notion. With the bases empty, he’s hitting .298 this season. That drops to .140 with runners in scoring position.

“The gap between those numbers is one of the largest among all NL hitters and is frustrating to Cubs fans, considering he’s a good hitter who gets reduced to weak outs when RBIs are available to him. But there’s no accounting for it. Just one year ago, Suzuki hit .309 with RISP. In 2024, it was .256. The Cubs are hoping a good run — of driving in runs — is coming.”

Overall this year, Suzuki is hitting .269/.369/.455 with seven home runs and 18 RBI in 36 games played.

As mentioned, Suzuki is in the midst of the final year of his contract with Chicago. If he cannot start producing when they need him to the most, it may very well be his last season in a Cubs uniform.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs expected to complete massive MLB trade deadline move
• Ian Happ’s comments draw backlash from frustrated Cubs fans
• Cubs urged to acquire intriguing pitcher amid free-fall

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago White Sox have taken many (if not most) in the baseball world by surprise this season. Through the first 49 games of the year, Chicago is 25-24 and in second place in the American League Central Division. Of course, their performance thus far in 2026 has been a shock because of how bad the White Sox have been over the past several years.

Coming into the season, they had lost 100 or more games in each of the past three years. This included an all-time worst record of 41-121 in 2024.

The 2026 White Sox, though, are the product of much retooling and rebuilding. Prospects long promised have finally reached the Majors, and while there are still growing pains, for the first time in a while, there is real hope.

However, there is also dead wood.

The Chicago White Sox need to make a difficult Andrew Benintendi decision

ESPN released their weekly MLB power rankings on Thursday, and the White Sox jumped from 23rd to 14th. However, their ranking also came with a warning that their continuing to put Andrew Benintendi in the lineup could doom what has been a promising season:

“The longer the White Sox hang in the playoff race, the more they might have an Andrew Benintendi problem. The 31-year-old has looked old beyond his years, with 14th percentile bat speed, per Statcast, and a spike in strikeout rate. The defense and baserunning metrics that once provided a solid floor for his value have also cratered, and at some point, his role as a fifth outfielder/DH against righties becomes an obvious upgrade opportunity for general manager Chris Getz.

“The complication: Benintendi still has another season and a half to go on the five-year, $75 million contract he signed before the 2023 season. Can the White Sox accept that this is a sunk cost when the time comes? The answer might have real ramifications on the AL playoff race when it comes to the overachieving White Sox.”

In seven Major League seasons before signing with Chicago, Benintendi hit .279/.351/.431 and averaged 15 home runs, 83 RBI, and 15 stolen bases per 162 games.

The year before the White Sox inked him to the deal, he hit .304/.373/.399 with five home runs and 51 RBI.

Since signing with the Chicago, though, Benintendi is hitting just .244/.307/.390. While he has a pair of 20-home run seasons, he is not hitting or producing enough for the team.

This year, he is slashing .239/.288/.380 with three home runs and 21 RBI. Benintendi has also struck out 45 times in 45 games, and has walked just 11 times.

Needless to say, Chicago needs more out of him or they must find a way to replace in their lineup, even if that means eating the rest of his contract.

More Chicago White Sox news from ChiCity Sports

• White Sox reason for Munetaka Murakami blunder revealed
• White Sox reconstruct lineup in aftermath of Miguel Vargas x-rays
• Recent White Sox ranking reveals how badly team misses Kyle Teel

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs are in quite the tailspin right now, having lost nine of their last 11 games after being swept by the Milwaukee Brewers.

Suddenly, the team that put together a pair of 10-game winning streaks earlier this season is now in third place in the NL Central, and with a starting rotation that has been absolutely ravaged by injuries, there doesn’t appear to be any clear-cut solutions in sight.

The Cubs will have to make at least one move for a starting pitcher between now and the MLB trade deadline, and with Edward Cabrera now dealing with a blister, things have gotten even more urgent for Chicago on that front.

While there should be some impactful arms available before Aug. 3, the Cubs may need to swing a trade for a pitcher now, and Zachary Rotman of FanSided has proposed a deal that would land Chicago a rather unexciting option: Colorado Rockies right-hander Michael Lorenzen.

Chicago Cubs linked to trade for Michael Lorenzen

Lorenzen will not be anyone’s favorite answer at the moment. Through 11 appearances and 10 starts this season, he owns a 7.03 ERA and has allowed more hits (76) and earned runs (38) than any other pitcher in baseball.

The 34-year-old lays claim to a gruesome 1.911 WHIP, and he has already surrendered nine home runs.

But Rotman’s proposal has the Cubs sending outfield prospect Brett Bateman to the Rockies in exchange for Lorenzen, arguing that the righty’s alarming numbers have a whole to do with the thin air at Coors Field and that he might perform better in Chicago.

“Obviously, this kind of deal wouldn’t get anyone excited, but we need to be realistic: The Twins’ Joe Ryan isn’t going anywhere in May. While it might not seem ideal to acquire a pitcher with a 7.03 ERA on the year, that one statistic doesn’t tell the whole story. There are reasons to believe Lorenzen can be fine enough for a desperate Cubs team,” Rotman wrote.

To Rotman’s point, Lorenzen owns a lifetime 4.22 ERA and 1.341 WHIP since entering the big leagues in 2015, and while neither number is particularly impressive, it certainly looks a heck of a lot better than Lorenzen’s output in 2026.

Plus, Lorenzen owns a 4.26 ERA and 1.421 WHIP in six road outings (five starts) this season, which are much more in line with his career averages.

So perhaps trading a 24-year-old prospect with a career .702 OPS in the minors for a veteran hurler like Lorenzen wouldn’t be the worst idea.

The post Cubs ’emergency’ trade proposal lands pitcher who leads MLB in two categories appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs are in danger of entering a serious free fall. They were just swept, at home no less, by the Milwaukee Brewers and now sit 1.5 games back of first place in the National League Central Division. Entering the series, the Cubs had won 15 consecutive games at Wrigley Field.

Now they are on a five-game losing streak. Aside from their two 10-game winning streaks this season, Chicago has a record of 9-21.

Indeed, much has gone wrong for the Cubs since the calendar turned to May. Several off-season decisions, for one reason or another, simply are not panning out.

The Chicago Cubs may regret signing Phil Maton the most

It is, of course, only May. However, the earliness of the schedule does not change the fact that some of the decisions Chicago made this off-season do not seem like good ideas in hindsight.

Among these was giving Phil Maton a two-year $14.5 million contract, a move Bleacher Report called the Cubs’ most regrettable decision of the off-season:

“Chicago decided this past offseason to sign another reliever who had logged the largest chunk of his innings pitched with Houston, bringing in Phil Maton on a two-year, $14.5M deal.

“It is not going well.

“Maton has an 8.78 ERA, and it wasn’t just an implosion or two. He has been tagged for multiple earned runs in six of his 15 appearances.

“What’s bizarre, though, is that he was almost untouchable in each of the three times he entered a game protecting either a one-run or two-run lead, yet to blow a save in 2026. Maybe the nonsensical solution is to only use him in save situations?”

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs expected to complete massive MLB trade deadline move
• Ian Happ’s comments draw backlash from frustrated Cubs fans
• Cubs urged to acquire intriguing pitcher amid free-fall

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Blackhawks are absolutely loaded with NHL Draft capital over these next couple of years. They own the No. 4 overall selection and three second-round picks this summer, and next offseason, the Blackhawks will lay claim to three first-rounders.

For now, though, most Chicago fans are focused on the fourth overall pick next month, which could potentially net the team Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg.

Considerable buzz has connected the Blackhawks to Stenberg, who would fill a massive hole for the team. Chicago is in dire need of another wing alongside of Connor Bedard, and while the Blackhawks have been linked to several big-name wings both in free agency and on the trade market, securing Stenberg would still be a massive win.

But will Chicago actually have the chance to select Stenberg?

Well, there are conflicting rumors as to whether or not the 18-year-old will be available for Jeff Blashill’s squad.

Chicago Blackhawks land tough update on Ivar Stenberg

Again, we don’t know for sure exactly what is going to happen until draft night, so we should probably take all of these reports with a grain of salt.

But the WCJrankings X account seems pretty certain that Stenberg will come off the board before the Blackhawks pick at No. 4.

“To Blackhawks fans: Ivar Stenberg won’t be available at 4th overall, I’m 99% sure of this based off what I’ve heard,” the account wrote in an X post. “I have no idea where these rumors are coming from that he’ll drop to 4, but it just seems like engagement bait to me.”

The Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks are the three teams picking ahead of Chicago. The Maple Leafs are pretty much guaranteed to take winger Gavin McKenna, whereas most feel the Sharks will pick a defenseman (like Chase Reid). The Canucks, however, could be a problem for the Blackhawks.

Will Vancouver nab Caleb Malhotra? Or it will snatch Stenberg right from under Chicago’s nose?

While many mock drafts do, in fact, have Stenberg slipping to the Blackhawks, it is absolutely within reason that he could go earlier, and if we are being honest, it’s no sure thing that San Jose will select a defenseman. What if the Sharks decide to go best player available and think Stenberg fits the possible?

We’ll see what happen, but Chicago fans will definitely be sweating between now and June 26.

The post Chicago Blackhawks fans will be crushed over latest NHL Draft rumor appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs fell to 29-21 on the season with their 5-0 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday night. After leading the National League Central Division for most of the last month, the Cubs are now in third place and have seen the Brewers rise back up to the top. What is more, Chicago was just swept at home by Milwaukee after entering the series with a 15-game home win streak.

Also Read: It may be time for the Chicago Cubs to sit Pete Crow-Armstrong

Centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, fresh off a frustrating series against the Chicago White Sox that saw him go viral on social media for all the wrong reasons, did himself no favors in this series either.

Pete Crow-Armstrong admits he is doing the Chicago Cubs no favors

At the beginning of Chicago’s series against the Brewers, it was announced the Crow-Armstrong was being fined an undisclosed amount for his vulgar exchange with a White Sox fan on Sunday. In the second game of the series, the 2025 Gold Glove winner dropped a pop fly.

And in the series finale, PCA allowed a single to roll under his glove and all the way to the ivy, which led to three Brewers runs and set the tone for what was a dismal night for the entire team.

After the sweep was complete, the Cubs outfielder addressed the media, and admitted that he is not in the right spot mentally:

“Yesterday and today are genuinely laughable. One thing I can fall back on is, it’s never a lack of focus but [instead] trying too hard and trying to make up for the lack of production that I have given this team and this city.

“Anything physically usually starts mentally. I think that’s what I’m showing everyone right now. That can’t happen. That kind of stuff just can’t happen.”

Crow-Armstrong went just 1-11 in the Brewers series and struck out 11 times. He is now hitting just .225/.302/.357 with five home runs, 20 RBI, and 12 stolen bases. He has also struck out 54 times in 50 games played.

Clearly, PCA is going through it right now. As much as it is important for guys to be able to hit their ways out of slumps, it is also true that a day off (or two) can do wonders in terms of a mental reset.

That is what Crow-Armstrong needs right now, but it doesn’t sound like manager Craig Counsell is going to give it to him.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs expected to complete massive MLB trade deadline move
• Ian Happ’s comments draw backlash from frustrated Cubs fans
• Cubs urged to acquire intriguing pitcher amid free-fall

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Bulls should be one of the more active teams in the NBA this offseason, as they own a wealth of cap space and possess two first-round draft picks, including the No. 4 overall selection.

The Bulls have posted just one winning campaign over the last decade, so it’s high time that Chicago emerges from the depths and re-establishes itself as a legitimate Eastern Conference contender. Of course, that will be easier said than done, and it might require things to get a bit ugly first.

New top executive Bryson Graham surely wants to put his fingerprints on the roster, which means he will want to accumulate as much draft capital as possible moving forward. That’s why Josh Giddey has been labeled a trade candidate, and it’s why the Bulls might also consider moves you wouldn’t initially expect.

Morris Bankston of Pippen Ain’t Easy, for example, has pitched the idea of Chicago re-acquiring Zach LaVine in a trade with the Sacramento Kings, and while that may sound insane on the surface, it actually makes sense when you hear Bankston’s rationale.

Could the Chicago Bulls bring Zach LaVine back?

Bankston envisions a scenario in which the Bulls could land LaVine from the Kings while also netting draft capital in return.

“Presuming LaVine exercises the $48.9 million player option in the final year of his contract, originally signed with the Chicago Bulls, there is an opportunity for the Bulls to engage the Kings in a trade negotiation to return LaVine to the Bulls, provided, of course, the deal also attaches draft capital to LaVine,” Bankston wrote.

The only issue I have here is that Sacramento may not be so willing to attach a draft pick to LaVine with just one year remaining on his contract (and again, that’s assuming LaVine exercises his option, which he almost certainly will). The Kings could instead just allow that money to come off the books at the end of the season and keep their draft capital intact.

However, Bankston thinks the Bulls could sweeten the pot by throwing Giddey into the deal, which would give Sacramento a young, relatively affordable player to build with moving forward. He then thinks Chicago could flip LaVine for more assets at next year’s trade deadline.

“Fast forwarding to the 2027 NBA trade deadline, perhaps a Bulls return is a modest asset, whether it is a young player or a second-round pick for an expiring LaVine that can juice a playoff roster’s offensive punch,” Bankston added.

Is it an interesting proposition? Sure. Is it incredibly realistic? Probably not. But I like what Bankston is thinking.

The post Bulls linked to unthinkable trade that just might make perfect sense appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Last year, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams had an embarrassment of riches at his disposal, and it played a pivotal role in Williams having a very impressive sophomore campaign.

Things will be a bit more challenging for the former No. 1 overall pick heading into 2026, however.

The Bears subtracted a couple of key weapons in wide receivers D.J. Moore and Olamide Zacchaeus this offseason, the latter of whom in particular developed a pretty strong rapport with Williams dating all the way back to last year’s preseason.

Chicago didn’t really replace either of them, either. At least not adequately. The Bears signed Kalif Raymond in free agency and selected Zavion Thomas in the third round of the NFL Draft, and in the case of Thomas, many felt it was a reach.

Beyond Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, Chicago’s wide receiver room is pretty bare, unless a surprising candidate can have a breakout season in 2026.

Chicago Bears, Caleb Williams could get breakout year from one WR

Anthony Miller of Bear Goggles On recently published a piece in which he predicted four Bears players who could have breakout campaigns next year, and Jahdae Walker — who went undrafted last spring — made the list.

“Walker was a great story last year as an undrafted free agent, as he made the 53-man roster. Then he had that game-tying touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in the second regular season meeting that changed his future. He now might be the future WR3 on the Bears and has a chance to be great after two touchdowns in the last few weeks of last year,” Miller wrote.

There is no question Walker is a terrific story, and he certainly flashed talent in 2025. But the fact that a former UDFA who caught just six passes all over last season could end up being Chicago’s No. 3 receiver is definitely concerning.

The Bears do have a host of tight ends in Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet and rookie Sam Roush, so that should help compensate for Chicago’s lack of proven talent at wide receiver, but let’s not kid ourselves: the wide receiver room is still a major source of contention.

For some reason, the Bears haven’t taken their receiving corps all that seriously this offseason. Odunze and Burden also both dealt with injuries in 2025, and there really isn’t any insurance behind them going into 2026.

You do have to wonder just how comfortable Williams feels given the current situation.

The post Chicago Bears’ WR prediction is frightening news for Caleb Williams appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami has already established himself as one of the MLB’s most dangerous hitters two months into his big-league career.

Murakami is slashing .244/.382/.552 with 17 home runs and 33 RBI over 212 plate appearances this season, and while he has struck out 69 times, he has mitigated that with his prodigious power and terrific walk rate.

It’s still early, and pitchers still need some time to learn the Japanese slugger, but it’s looking more and more like the rest of the league missed on Murakami. And that may include the White Sox themselves, as they only signed the 26-year-old to a two-year, $34 million contract.

Chicago could always try and sign Murakami to an extension, but that will certainly prove easier said than done with how much interest he is almost surely to draw once he hits the free-agent market two winters from now (barring a major collapse at the plate, of course).

So, what was the reason for the White Sox’s short-term deal? Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller thinks he knows the answer.

Chicago White Sox’s Munetaka Murakami flub is easily explainable

In a piece where Miller listed one offseason regret for each major-league team, not signing Murakami to a longer-team pact was his choice for Chicago.

Miller certainly isn’t the first person to pose such a question for the South Siders, but his justification was entirely understandable, if not incredibly likely.

“Chicago would’ve had to pay a larger posting fee for a longer commitment to a slugger whose swing maybe wasn’t going to translate to Major League Baseball, while Murakami maybe didn’t want to ink a long-term deal with a franchise that had suffered 324 losses over the past three seasons,” Miller wrote.

Let’s be real here: the White Sox were far from the only ballclub that had reservations about Murakami. In fact, they obviously had less doubt than the other 29 teams considering they were the ones that actually signed him, so it’s hard to fault Chicago too much here.

Do the Sox now wish they took more advantage of the opportunity? Probably. Inking Murakami to something like a four-year deal would have been preferable given his current level of production, but again, the jury is still out on the lefty masher.

If Murakami continues to destroy baseballs, then yes; this will end up being a pretty big gaffe by the White Sox.

The post White Sox’s reason for Munetaka Murakami blunder revealed appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs are absolutely reeling right now, as they were just swept by the Milwaukee Brewers and have lost nine of their last 11 games. A litany of problems are affecting the team at the moment, but starting pitching seems to be their most significant bugaboo.

Considering the Cubs’ rotation has been absolutely ravaged by injuries over the first couple of months of the season, that should not come as too much of a surprise, but they need to find answers, and fast.

The good news for Chicago is that there should be a handful of impactful starters available between now and the MLB trade deadline, so the Cubs will certainly have chances to add at least one hurler to their pitching staff.

The question is, who will Chicago acquire? And how much will it have to give up?

Well, the Cubs already snatched one Miami Marlins pitcher over the winter, landing Edward Cabrera in a trade that sent Owen Caissie to South Beach. Could they revisit the Marlins well again? Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer thinks so.

Chicago Cubs predicted to trade for Sandy Alcantara

In a piece where Rymer ran down some fresh trade deadline predictions, he projected Alcantara to be dealt to Chicago.

The Cubs expressed interest in Alcantara last summer, but Miami opted to hold on to him. That was probably a wise move on the part of the Marlins, considering that Alcantara struggled mightily during the first half of 2025 in his first year back from Tommy John surgery and didn’t quite possess the value he has now.

And while he former unanimous NL Cy Young award winner hasn’t completely regained his old form, he is at least back to being really good, owning a 3.53 ERA over his first 10 starts of the season.

Alcantara is earning $17.3 million this season and has a $21 million club option for next year, so if Chicago did acquire the right-hander, it wouldn’t necessarily have to lose him for nothing during the offseason, either.

Of course, the Marlins are sure to ask for a substantial package in return for Alcantara, and while the Cubs still do have an impressive crop of prospects in their farm system, you do have to wonder just how many more of them they would comfortably trade.

But if Chicago wants to contend for a World Series this year, it may not have a choice.

The post Cubs expected to complete this one massive MLB trade deadline move appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are still one of the teams without a head coach after Billy Donovan’s departure. There are some intriguing options that the front office can go after, but there is now a surprising option available. There is a new face available to the Bulls’ coaching search, but there will be some intriguing conversations regarding him. Let’s take a look at who the newest coaching option is and why the Bulls’ front office should seriously consider hiring him.

Jason Kidd makes a lot of sense to become the next Chicago Bulls coach

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Tuesday evening that the Dallas Mavericks and coach Jason Kidd have mutually parted ways. Kidd is owed more than $40 million over the next four years by the Mavericks. This means that if Kidd wants to stick it to the Mavericks front office, he could potentially become a coach next season and still have that money coming in. Of course, that all depends on the language of the contract, but it appears that Kidd wants to continue his coaching career following his departure in Dallas. Chicago could be a great landing spot for him.

He has a first-time general manager in Bryson Graham, so there is an ability to get some power in the front office. The Bulls also have a young roster with significant cap space, meaning he can shape the roster however he wants. Chicago has other coaching candidates like Tiago Splitter, Wes Unseld, and Sean Sweeney, but having Kidd as a potential hire is certainly intriguing. Kidd is known as a player-coach and has helped rebuild processes to improve. He holds a 388-395 (.496) career record in 10 seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, and Dallas Mavericks. This includes five trips to the playoffs and an NBA Finals appearance.

Having Kidd as the head coach would allow players to want to play for him. He has coached big-name players before with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, and Kyrie Irving. Chicago is a destination, and they have cap space, getting players to buy into the future. Having the Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer on the bench is certainly a way to replace Billy Donovan. It will be interesting if the Bulls approach this and if Kidd is even interested in coaching next season.

The post New available coach could be a perfect fit for the Chicago Bulls appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark is leading her team in points and assists in their first four games of the season. 

Head Coach Stephanie White finally has her star guard back after an injury-riddled 2025 season for Clark. The two-time All-Star dealt with multiple soft tissue injuries throughout the campaign. Ultimately, it was a groin injury that forced the Fever to shut her down for the majority of the season. 

Despite playing in only 13 games last year, the Fever still finished with a 24-20 record. On top of that, White also led the team to the 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup title.

With Indiana at full force to start the season, the expectations are high for them this year.

Caitlin Clark and Stephanie White are the leaders of the Indiana Fever

Coach White now has a good problem on her hands as her squad is complete and healthy. All that is left is to find the right mix to lead her players to victory. There is no denying that Clark is one of the offensive focal points of the Fever. The third-year guard is currently averaging her career high in points, albeit still early in the season. 

However, White is the type of coach who preaches group effort and resilience. Because of this, some Fever fans feel that she is not utilizing Clark to the best of her abilities.

Online sports personality, Jamie Lardis, shared her thoughts about White’s coaching for the Fever and Clark. 

“Steph White isn’t a bad coach at all,” Lardis wrote. “I just think it’s hard to fully run the offense she wants with dynamic player like Caitlin Clark. Last season, when Caitlin was hurt, you could really see how good of a coach White is. But with a player like Caitlin, you almost need a Steve Kerr type offense that’s built around movement, freedom, and pace.

The strong take garnered mixed reactions from fans. As of writing, the post has amassed more than 200,000 views on X as the great debate on Clark’s fit alongside White continues to divide fans. 

“A good coach would make that adjustment. A bad one wouldn’t. If she doesn’t have the knowledge, bring in assistants who do, so you can learn,” a fan said.

“SW isn’t a bad coach.  She’s just not the coach for a unique player. It’s a lot easier to coach ‘normal’ players and teams.  It’s a lot harder to coach unique talent,” a comment read.

“The fact that she’s not a dynamic coach who adapts to her players’ talents, and instead expects everyone to adapt to her system without evolving, is exactly what makes her a bad coach for this team,” a fan reacted.

“Steph White took a team full of hardship contracts to the brink of the Finals against the eventual champions. When CC’s involved, this so-called dynamic player, the team struggles.

“The real issue is CC is extremely one dimensional, and that doesn’t win in the WNBA,” a user commented.

“The issue is Cc fans won’t let her coach. When CC is on hitting 3s, it’s good,  it when she is not tos bad for that team between her TOs and her attitude to refs. She is a great coach. But the CC fans just want her to give CC the ball and everyone else out of the way, that’s not team ball,” posted another.

“I mean she technically does just have to work on it more. [Aliyah Boston] is like draymond and Kelsey (Mitchell) is the Klay. They already integrated AB being the point forward now they just gotta become more fluent and efficient,” a post mentioned.

Either way, the silver lining for the Fever is that the season is still young. They still have a lot of time to figure it out.

The post The great Caitlin Clark-Stephanie White debate rages on appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Before the Chicago Cubs were swept by the Milwaukee Brewers 5-0 on Wednesday, outfielder Ian Happ’s comments caused a backlash amongst the Cubs fans, who were already feeling frustrated and angry as the Brewers continued to outclass the Cubs this series.

Happ, the longest-tenured player on the Chicago Cubs, spoke with the “Rahimi, Harris and Grote” show on 104.3 The Score on Tuesday. He was asked if it was too early to worry about the standings. He said he is not worried about the standings right now.

"1,000%, it is way too early."

Cubs LF Ian Happ isn't focused on the standings at this point of the season. pic.twitter.com/VsTz91Dddv

— 104.3 The Score (@thescorechicago) May 19, 2026

Then, after the Cubs dropped Game 2 of the series 5-2, he stoked the fire further among the frustrated fans with this post-game comment.

"If you would have told us this was going to be our record at this point in the season, I think everyone would have signed up for it. Move on from here and attack tomorrow."

Ian Happ and the Cubs are ready to reset and take care of business tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/Hrr6AosfJo

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) May 20, 2026

The wrong message at the wrong time from the wrong player

To be fair, Happ has a point. The season is long and far from over. They cannot be too emotional. The players do not watch the standings every game like the fans do. Having two 10-game winning streaks has given them some breathing room in a tough NL Central division.

Happ probably did not mean to spark a firestorm with his comments. In a vacuum, maybe it’s a veteran in him trying to keep things in perspective. After all, he is the longest‑tenured Cub. He has seen his share of ups and downs and overcome them, both as a player and as a team. He deserves the benefit of the doubt while he is battling through his hitting slump.

But after another lifeless offensive performance by the team, the Cubs are now 1.5 games behind the Brewers. They continue to thrive under manager Pat Murphy, who owns both Craig Counsell and the Cubs while poking fun at them. The Brewers are currently a far superior organization to the Cubs in every facet despite the lack of resources. At this rate, they will win the NL Central again easily, dusting the rest of the division.

As for Happ, he went 0-for-4 Wednesday night, striking out twice. He has now struck out 21 times in his last 36 at-bats. Until he and the Cubs start producing again, his comments will be perceived as the embodiment of the entire Cubs organization.

The post Ian Happ’s comments ignite backlash from frustrated Cubs fans appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears added some depth at running back on Wednesday, boosting the position before OTAs start next week.

The Bears have a solid one-two punch with D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. Swift ran for 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He added 299 receiving yards and a touchdown in the passing game. Monangai added 783 yards and five touchdowns in his rookie year.

But the room could use some competition for Roschon Johnson, Brittain Brown, Deion Hankins, and Coleman Bennett.

Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Bears signed running back Salvon Ahmed, coming off an ankle injury in 2025.

“Sources: The Bears are signing former Dolphins and Colts RB Salvon Ahmed,“ Schultz posted on X. “Ahmed suffered a serious and gruesome ankle injury on a hip-drop tackle during practice last year and has worked hard to get back. He now gets this opportunity in Chicago.”

More News: Bears urged to sign All-Pro to fix biggest weakness

Chicago Bears adding Salvon Ahmed

More News: Bears move on from 2025 draft pick after disaster in front office

Ahmed, a five-foot-11, 197-pound athlete from Kirkland, Washington, played three seasons with the Washington Huskies before joining the San Francisco 49ers in 2020 as an undrafted free agent. He’s spent time with the Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, and Indianapolis Colts.

Ahmed has played in 38 games and started four games. He’s rushed for 593 yards and five touchdowns in his career. He’s added 274 yards and one touchdown in the passing game.

His best season came in 2020, when he rushed for 319 yards and three touchdowns.

In 2023, Ahmed rushed for 61 yards and one touchdown on 22 carries.

Ahmed will get another chance to play in the NFL during his time with the Bears. He faces an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster in training camp.

In addition to running back, the Bears have been scouting potential help at the cornerback position before next week.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

The post Chicago Bears sign former Dolphins running back appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have been able to develop a lot of quality talent through their farm system. It has been one of the top farm systems in all of baseball, which helps the Cubs tremendously. Having prospects exceed expectations early in the 2026 season is great, but Chicago has a pair doing so. Let’s take a closer look at who it is and what they have been doing thus far to get this recognition.

The Chicago Cubs see Pedro Ramirez breaking out this season

MLB’s Sam Dykstra created an All-Breakout Prospect Team, highlighting the minor leaguers who are stepping up. Dykstra mentions that in order to be eligible, a player couldn’t have been a Top 100 prospect entering the 2026 season or any other year. One of the Cubs prospects that Dykstra highlighted was third baseman Pedro Ramirez. Below is what he wrote about the highly-touted prospect:

“Another switch-hitter, Ramirez entered the year with a hit-over-power profile, and to be clear, his hit tool has remained strong in his first promotion to Triple-A Iowa. He’s batting .312 with just a 16.3 percent K rate through 43 games this season, and his 92.4 percent in-zone contact rate is among the best in Triple-A. But he’s also hitting the ball relatively hard and is doing so in the air, leading to him setting a new career high with his ninth homer as early as May 15. That more well-rounded offensive profile has pushed Ramirez into the Top 100 for the first time.”

Ramirez is not only the second-ranked prospect for the Cubs, but he is also the 86th-ranked prospect in MLB. His .942 OPS this year has showcased how talented he can be at the plate as well. Ramirez has played games at second base, third base, and left field, so he has position versatility. Still at just 22-years-old, there is time for him to develop as a prospect before making his MLB debut. It will be intriguing to see if he can continue his hot start to the season.

Chicago Cubs outfield prospect Josiah Hartshorn has been showcasing his talent

The Cubs continued to find elite prospects who are stepping up at the quarter mark of the season. Outfielder Josiah Hartshorn, the team’s eighth-ranked prospect, has showcased the ability to breakout. He has overcame the injury bug in high school to produce in his first season in the Cubs’ system. Below is what Dykstra wrote about the young prospect:

“Elbow and back injuries limited Hartshorn’s time as a California high schooler, and he went to the Cubs in the sixth round last July. When healthy in school, he stood out most of his raw power, yet early on in 2026, it’s been the discipline that’s shined most. His 1.3 BB/K rate is tied for the best among 67 full-season qualifiers aged 19 or younger in the Minors, while his 20.1 percent walk rate and .428 OBP for Single-A Myrtle Beach each rank third. Hartshorn’s swing rate is on the low side, but his well-rounded resume makes him a more interesting prospect in his first full season.”

Hartshorn has been hitting at an outstanding level with a .867 OPS with five homers, 23 RBI, and four stolen bases. Similar to Ramirez, he has played multiople positions. He has played 65.0 innings at first base, 35.0 innings at center field, and 176.0 innings at right field thus far. With the ability to play multiple positions and hit at an outstanding level, it should not be long until he gets promoted. Of course, he is still young, so Chicago may take their time and let the 2025 sixth-rounder get some more seasoning at Single-A.

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The Chicago Bears actually have a bit of an issue at cornerback heading into the 2026 NFL campaign, and it’s an area some feel they didn’t properly address this offseason.

The Bears lost Nahshon Wright to free agency and were expected by some to cut Jaylon Johnson, but they opted to hang on to the oft-injured Pro Bowler. They didn’t sign any notable replacements on the open market and waited until the fourth round of the NFL Draft to finally nab a cornerback, selecting former Texas star Malik Muhammad.

While Muhammad is viewed by many as a potential sleeper, Chicago’s cornerback room is not exactly in the best shape going into next season.

Johnson is rarely fully healthy, Tyrique Stevenson has labored and the Bears have no proven depth behind them.

Ryan Heckman of Bear Goggles On touched on Chicago’s secondary issues in a recent piece, and he made a pretty scary point.

Chicago Bears CB room will suffer if Malik Muhammad doesn’t produce

Stevenson is hitting free agency after next season, and barring a tremendous showing from the 25-year-old in 2026, he will almost certainly be gone.

That puts even more pressure on Muhammad to produce, and Heckman says the Bears will be in an awful lot of trouble at the cornerback position if he doesn’t show out in Year 1.

“If the Bears do not feel like Malik Muhammad can take over the starting role in Year 2, then they are in quite the predicament,” Heckman wrote. “Chicago already let Nahshon Wright go, and Terell Smith has proven to be a solid backup, but isn’t a starting-quality corner. It’s truly Muhammad or bust, right now.”

While this is obviously great news for Muhammad, who has a brilliant opportunity in front of him, it’s also a pretty scary situation for a Bears team that is knocking on the door in the NFC.

Chicago won 11 games, captured the NFC North division title and nailed down its first playoff win since January 2011 last season. Ben Johnson’s squad is clearly headed in the right direction, but if the Bears continue to neglect the cornerback position, it could ultimately derail their future.

We’ll see if Muhammad can step up during his rookie campaign.

The post Bears’ scary predicament will get even worse if this one thing doesn’t happen appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have certainly seen better days over the last couple of weeks, as they have lost eight of their last 10 games to fall into third place in the NL Central division.

The Cubs will wrap up a three-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday night, and toward the end of the month, they will have four games on the road against the Pittsburgh Pirates followed by three games in Missouri versus the St. Louis Cardinals.

It’s a pretty brutal stretch for Chicago, which put together a pair of 10-game winning streaks earlier in the season only to watch things completely unravel of late.

A big reason for the Cubs’ recent demise has been poor pitching, which should not come as much of a surprise that their starting rotation has been absolutely decimated by injuries, not to mention the fact that Edward Cabrera has fallen off a cliff. The bullpen has been less than stellar, as well.

Chicago is expected to add pitching help by the trade deadline, but it may want to stop the bleeding now.

Chicago Cubs urged to sign Matt Bowman

The Minnesota Twins just released veteran reliever Matt Bowman, who did not even get a chance to pitch for the team’s big-league club this season due to 40-man issues.

While he isn’t exactly the most exciting option, Jordan Campbell of Cubbies Crib feels that the Cubs should give Bowman a chance.

“More or less, the Cubs front office should continue adding names to the mix until the bullpen is stabilized,” Campbell wrote. “There certainly will be trade talks for bullpen help later this summer, but signing Bowman is the type of move the Cubs have executed brilliantly in past years. A trend where they identify the right veteran arm to add to the bullpen early in the season, and it’s the needed step toward the staff stabilizing.”

Bowman last appeared in the majors with the Baltimore Orioles last season, logging a 6.20 ERA over 20 relief appearances. Since entering the bigs with the Cardinals back in 2016, Bowman has pitched to the tune of a 4.38 ERA and 1.301 WHIP, with his best showing coming during his rookie campaign when he posted a 3.46 ERA while allowing 59 hits over 67.2 innings of work.

Again, the 34-year-old is not going to be anyone’s favorite solution, but for a Chicago bullpen that is in desperate need of a boost, he may not represent a bad pickup.

The post Chicago Cubs urged to acquire this intriguing pitcher amid freefall appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago White Sox had a scary moment on Tuesday night amid a comeback 2-1 win over the Seattle Mariners.

Miguel Vargas was hit in the wrist by a 95.1 MPH fastball. The third baseman needed X-rays after the contest to determine the severity of the injury.

Per Brooke Fletcher of CHSN, White Sox manager Will Venable revealed that Vargas’ X-rays came back negative.

Chicago does not intend to start him against the Mariners on Wednesday to close out the series, though he could come off the bench to pinch-hit on Wednesday if the offense needs a spark. The White Sox were planning on giving Vargas a rest day eventually, so Game 3 of the current series will work for that duty.

However, Vargas is dealing with bruising on his right palm.

“Just talked with Miguel,” Fletcher posted on X. “There’s some bruising on that right palm. Thought it was worse in the moment but he said he woke up and felt great. He’s thankful everything came back negative.”

Vargas, 26, has been a key piece of the suddenly-hot offense for Chicago. He’s batting .237 with 11 home runs and 29 RBIs this season.

The White Sox will shake some things up on defense on Wednesday.

Chicago White Sox change the lineup

With Vargas out of the starting lineup, the White Sox plan to turn to Colson Montgomery to start at third base. Center fielder Luisangel Acuna will get the start at shortstop.

Acuna is batting .172 with three RBIs this season, he will head to the bottom of the batting order on Wednesday.

The White Sox enter Wednesday with a chance to win the series over the Mariners. Chicago is two games back from the Cleveland Guardians for first place in the American League Central. The White Sox have a two-game lead over the Texas Rangers for the final wild-card spot and a three-game lead on Seattle.

The White Sox have a chance to put some distance on the Mariners with a win in Game 3 on Wednesday before starting a three-game series on the road against the San Francisco Giants on Friday.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Bulls’ head coach search is rolling on as the NBA moves into the conference finals portion of the schedule. With Chicago revamping the front office and also parting ways with Billy Donovan, it will usher in a new era for the franchise.

So far, Chicago has requested a few interviews with assistant coaches throughout the league but no official interviews have taken place. Once that happens, the process will certainly speed up a bit more. As the NBA Draft is under a month away and then the free agency period opening up after that, ideally the Bulls will have someone in place.

But now on Wednesday, an interesting name has emerged as a candidate.

Jerry Stackhouse is a candidate for Chicago Bulls job

Former North Carolina star and NBA All-Star Jerry Stackhouse is a name to watch in this coaching search. Per Marc Stein of The Stein Line, Stackhouse is a candidate for the Bulls in this coaching search:

“Another name for the Bulls’ coaching search: Jerry Stackhouse, fresh off a stint as a Warriors assistant, has emerged as a candidate in Chicago.”

Another name for the Bulls' coaching search: Jerry Stackhouse, fresh off a stint as a Warriors assistant, has emerged as a candidate in Chicago, sources tell @JakeLFischer and me.

More coaching carousel coverage here: https://t.co/t2les20urH

And here: https://t.co/D3owWXcS0T https://t.co/8cyvifp3KN

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 20, 2026

He joins an already long list of potential candidates that the Bulls are interested in. That list includes some of the top assistants around the league.

For Stackhouse, he’s coached at different levels in the game. There’s a coaching background as he’s been able to learn from some of the best in the game as well.

Stackhouse has experience at the college level serving as Vanderbilt’s head coach. But he also coached at the G-League Level and then the NBA level as an assistant coach over the years. Most recently he was with the Golden State Warriors as an assistant coach but opted to leave to pursue other opportunities.

The post Intriguing candidate emerges for Chicago Bulls head coach job appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs need to make some moves. Losing eight of ten and falling from first place in the NL Central Division is bad. What’s worse, though, is that there doesn’t seem to be any real significant reversal of fortunes on the horizon.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Michael Busch’s unbelievable stat is truly eye-catching

As of right now, there’s some crossing of fingers that the Cubs’ offense snaps out of its collective doldrums. There’s even more intense crossing of fingers when it comes to their pitching.

The team is counting tremendously on Matthew Boyd and Justin Steele returning from injury to carry the starting rotation through the second half of the season. They’re also counting on their other starters to turn recent misfortune into success. In the bullpen, the hope is for sudden and reliable stability from a relief core that has been up and down.

Chicago may have no choice but to keep crossing their fingers when it comes to the offense. There’s just not a lot of flexibility for removal or replacement.

But they can do something about the pitching—and that “something” involves trades.

The ideal trade scenario is one where the Cubs get a front-of-rotation starter, who is not a half-season rental, as well as at least one more stable reliever for the pen.

Their best bet for that might come via a return to the Miami Marlins.

The proposed Cubs-Marlins trade

More News: Chicago Cubs: Red-hot prospect may turn Matt Shaw into trade bait

Cubs president Jed Hoyer has been in contact with the Marlins, talking about deals for the last couple years. Prior to the 2025 season, the two teams were almost in agreement over pitcher Jesus Luzardo. This past offseason, they did pull the trigger on a trade for Marlins starter Edward Cabrera.

This time, the Cubs need to make a serious play for Sandy Alcantara—a trade target that had already, reportedly, been discussed last trade deadline.

And what would that serious play look like?

Well, something this potentially significant has to make sense for both teams and it would involve a good deal of risk as well.

From Chicago’s side, Matt Shaw would be the most prized piece. Along with Shaw, the Cubs would send over first base prospect Jonathon Long (no. 7 Cubs prospect) and toolsy, high-ceiling 19-year-old middle infield prospect Fernando Cruz (no. 29 prospect).

In return, the Marlins would ship over Sandy Alcantara, middle reliever Calvin Faucher, and no. 1 pitching prospect Thomas White.

Does this make sense for both teams?

Why this would make sense for the Cubs:

Chicago would get an instant quality plug-in for the rotation who will be on the team through the 2027 season. The 30-year-old Alcantara has fully come back from Tommy John surgery in 2023 and, while he hasn’t been as lights-out magical as before the repair, he’s currently pretty overall solid with a 3.53 ERA over 10 starts this season. Adding top Triple-A lefty White would give the Cubs organization a much-needed high-end pitching prospect who could be ready for the majors by next season. Faucher, meanwhile, gives the bullpen another option, for this season and beyond, and someone who is an upgrade from some of the emergency call-ups called into service this year.

Why this would make sense for the Marlins:

Matt Shaw is a 24-year-old former first-round draft pick with a big future, who could settle right into third base (or a couple of other spots) and contribute immediately. Long is a well-regarded bat-first prospect who could fit into the needs of a Marlins team that has been looking for their first baseman of the future. Cruz is still in rookie ball, but has impressed scouts with both his bat and glove. MLB.com regards him as having “some of the best all-around tools” in the Cubs’ system.

This would be a painful trade for both sides—and, ultimately, a hard one to put together—but it gives the two teams a chance to instantly add what they currently need. For the Cubs, specifically, it might give them the ammo needed to make the deep postseason run they aspire to.

The post How the Chicago Cubs can get everything they need in just one big trade appeared first on ChiCitySports.

At this point in the 2026 MLB season, the Chicago White Sox have surpassed the expectations many had for them. After three consecutive seasons in which they lost 100+ games, Chicago is currently 25-23 and in second place in the American League Central Division.

Munetaka Murakami, Colson Montgomery, and Miguel Vargas have provided a good power punch offensively, and the Davis Martin has surprisingly emerged as a true ace of the pitching staff.

Yet, there are many reasons why the White Sox are just two games over .500, and the absence of one of their best young players is among them.

The Chicago White Sox are missing Kyle Teel

Recently, The Athletic released their weekly MLB power rankings. While other outlets have the White Sox approaching the top-ten teams in the league, this publication actually had Chicago fall a spot in their rankings from 18th to 19th.

The absence of catcher Kyle Teel was given as a reason why:

“In case you haven’t been paying attention, the 2026 White Sox are good, and dare I say, must-watch TV. Granted, recent history (102 losses in 2025, 121 losses in 2024) hasn’t given anyone a reason to care, but here’s your invite to jump on the bandwagon. The Sox are in firm contention in the AL Central.

“Odds are, they’d probably be leading if they had the services of Teel, who’s been out since March 25 with a hamstring strain that he suffered during the World Baseball Classic. He tweaked his knee on May 16 and will be re-evaluated on Tuesday. As a rookie, he posted 1.9 fWAR in just 78 games, third-most on the team. That type of production is hard to replace, and it’s showing early.”

Last year, Teel hit .273/.375/.411 with eight home runs and 35 RBI in 78 games played. Currently, Edgar Quero is hitting .168/.255/.211 with one home run and 10 RBI while handling the majority of Chicago’s catching duties.

Clearly, Quero is not playing up to standards, and getting Teel back would go a long way to helping Chicago continue their improved play. Unfortunately, he was just placed on the 60-day injured list after suffering a set-back in his recovery.

More Chicago White Sox news from ChiCity Sports

• Unexpected White Sox rookie emerging as legit award contender
• MLB GM’s not completely sold on Munetaka Murakami
• Pete Crow-Armstrong expresses regret over choice of words in confrontation with White Sox fan

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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Going into the season, both the Chicago Cubs and Pete Crow-Armstrong had tremendous expectations placed upon them. Many picked Chicago to win the National League Central Division, and Crow-Armstrong was consistently ranked among the best young stars in the game.

Of course, there were good reasons for these expectations to be set so high. Chicago won 92 games last year while Crow-Armstrong had the first 30-30 season in franchise history since Sammy Sosa.

But while the Cubs have a 29-20 record and are just a half-game back of the division lead, Crow-Armstrong is struggling mightily at the plate. In fact, it may be time for Chicago to give him a couple of days off.

Should the Chicago Cubs bench Pete Crow-Armstrong for a stretch?

Last night, the Cubs fell out of first place by losing to the Milwaukee Brewers by the score of 5-2. Crow-Armstrong had yet another tough night at the plate, but also made an embarrassing error in centerfield on what should have been a routine fly ball.

On the season, Crow-Armstrong is hitting just .229/.307/.363 with five home runs, 20 RBI, and 12 stolen bases.

The Cubs centerfielder has played in all 49 games Chicago has played this year, but is now batting either eighth or ninth in the batting order.

If one looks at his numbers over the past several games, it is evident that Crow-Armstrong is a long ways away from figuring it out. In the last 20 games, he is hitting just .214. In the last 10, .118.

On Wednesday, the Brewers are sending a tough lefty, Kyle Harrison, to the mound. Chicago also will face a left-handed pitcher on Saturday against the Houston Astros (Colton Gordon).

As PCA continues to struggle at the plate, it may not be a bad idea for the Cubs to give him a couple of days off to reset himself mentally. They need him to produce in the long run, and a few days off in May could produce dividends down the road.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Pat Murphy fires yet another shot at Cubs in truly unbearable fashion
• Neither Ian Happ nor Seiya Suzuki are helping the Cubs or themselves
• Cubs star Pete Crow-Amrstrong punished by MLB

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs are 29-20 on the season following their fourth consecutive loss on Tuesday night. After falling to the Milwaukee Brewers by the score of 5-2, the Cubs slipped out of first place in the National League Central Division. They now sit in third place behind the Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals.

As frustrating as the last four games have been, though, the Cubs have had a solid season overall. They have already rattled off two different 10-game winning streaks and appear poised to be competitive in the division all year long.

But as the season goes on, they are going to need to add some starting pitching.

The Chicago Cubs are predicted to be buyers at the MLB trade deadline

Many analysts and experts predicted the Cubs to win the National League Central. It is no surprise to them, therefore, that Chicago is in the thick of the race this season.

Jim Bowden of The Athletic ranked the Cubs’ performance this season as the fourth-best in baseball, but unsurprisingly insists that they need to add starting pitching ahead of the MLB trade deadline:

“I picked the Cubs to win the NL Central, so I’m not surprised they’re playing well. They’ve gotten off to a hot start despite a deluge of injuries, including to two of their best starting pitchers, Cade Horton and Matthew Boyd, and a setback in the rehab of lefty Justin Steele.

“They are making it work because the Cubs are one of the best defensive teams in the game and their lineup top to bottom gives professional at-bats every day and the lineup length is special.

“Trade deadline position: Buyers. Chicago is already making phone calls regarding starting pitching help, and I would expect between now and the trade deadline they land a starter because they have the prospects to make a deal.”

Shota Imanaga had been Chicago’s most reliable pitcher so far this season, but he gave up eight runs against the Brewers in his last start. Ben Brown, too, was hung with the loss against Milwaukee on Tuesday.

With all the injuries their starters have suffered this year, there is no way the Cubs can compete into the fall with the rotation they currently have.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Pat Murphy fires yet another shot at Cubs in truly unbearable fashion
• Neither Ian Happ nor Seiya Suzuki are helping the Cubs or themselves
• Cubs star Pete Crow-Amrstrong punished by MLB

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Bears‘ offense was fantastic last season, but it’s actually a fairly decent-sized question mark heading into the 2026 NFL season.

While there is palpable excitement surrounding Caleb Williams’ third year in the league (and understandably so), one cannot ignore the fact that the Bears subtracted a couple of key wide receivers in D.J. Moore and Olamide Zacchaeus, nor they can they look past the potential problem that exists at left tackle.

Ozzy Trapilo will miss most of 2026 due to a ruptured patellar tendon he suffered in the playoffs, and Braxton Jones — who has a fairly extensive injury history himself — does not exactly inspire a ton of confidence protecting Williams’ blind side.

This is why many expected Chicago to select a left tackle in the NFL Draft, but it opted to go in another direction.

But could the Bears potentially add a veteran tackle before the 2026 campaign begins?

Chicago Bears linked to move for Taylor Decker

Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay thinks bringing in a well-known player to man the left tackle spot is a possibility for Chicago, linking the Bears to former Detroit Lions Pro Bowler Taylor Decker in free agency.

“It’s mildly surprising Decker has yet to sign with a new team, but it would be an absolute shocker if he hasn’t been scooped up by the start of training camp,” Kay wrote. “Decker is a quality starter who can contribute at a serviceable level for a Super Bowl hopeful, making him one of the best possible free-agent targets left standing.”

Decker was previously on a three-year, $60 million contract with the Lions, a deal he signed when Ben Johnson was still Detroit’s offensive coordinator. The Lions then decided to cut Decker with just one year remaining on his deal.

The 32-year-old definitely wasn’t quite as effective in 2025, but he was still respectable, managing a 67.9 overall grade at Pro Football Focus. He is also just two seasons removed from a Pro Bowl appearance.

It definitely couldn’t hurt Chicago to sign Decker on a one-year pact. He would probably comprise a better option than Jones, and he is familiar with Johnson.

Two years ago, Williams was sacked 68 times. The Bears cleaned that up in 2025, but the last thing they need is a regression in the trenches. That’s why bringing in Decker would be a good idea.

The post Bears linked to move for $60 million Pro Bowler to pacify Caleb Williams appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The friendship between Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark has continued to grow both on and off the court. It has become one of the strongest connections within the Indiana Fever locker room.

Their bond solidified after a physical matchup against the Connecticut Sun on June 17. In that game, the veteran guard stepped in to protect Clark during several heated moments.

Cunningham’s actions cemented her reputation as the team’s enforcer, who defends her younger teammates in tense situations. Her physical play and defensive intensity have endeared her to Fever fans.

Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark’s close bond evident postgame 

Cunningham and Clark’s close relationship was on display during a press conference following Sunday’s game against the Seattle Storm. The two-time All-Star spoke about the team’s foul issues and the way the game was being officiated, with Cunningham seated beside her.

“I think for our team, defensively, we need to adjust,” Clark said. “We foul all the time, and Steph’s (White) told us in that locker room, like, they’re fouls. We are fouling, and they’re going to call it.

“So we need to stop fouling, and we foul with five seconds left on the shot clock. We foul when somebody gets in their motion. We got to stop doing that. They’re fouls.”

The star guard also praised the referees for correctly calling fouls, especially during physical play. She said players must adjust to the tighter officiating.

“If we want the same calls, they’re going to call it on us,” Clark noted. “I know they’re going to be calling, and that’s how I’ve been trying to get into my motion a little bit more, when I can feel people get really, really handsy with me, especially on the drives and stuff.” 

“And I think that’s just been a focus for me, not because I know they’re calling foul. I want to get downhill. I want to get my feet in the paint, because I want to set my teammates up, but also it’s nice that they are calling fouls.”

“It does get a little physical sometimes, so I think there’s a fine balance, and players will figure it out,” she continued. “But overall, I think the refs have done a really good job. So I’ve got to give credit to them, too.”

Throughout the interview, Cunningham nodded in agreement with everything her teammate said. As Clark wrapped up her comments, the 6-foot-1 guard smiled and said, “That was really nice.” Cunningham then sealed the moment of unity by giving Clark a high-five.

this was a solid answer from Caitlin Clark on the officiating so far this season, but really i am just sharing this for the Sophie Cunningham content. it’s very good. pic.twitter.com/GUu3Ids63J

— hank 🇰🇷 (@Brian_Haenchen) May 18, 2026

Indiana earned its first home win of the season on Sunday. The team beat the Seattle Storm 89-78 behind strong performances from Clark and Cunningham. Clark finished with 21 points, while Cunningham contributed 17.

The Missouri native began playing alongside Clark after joining the Fever in February 2025 following a major trade from the Phoenix Mercury. 

The post Sophie Cunningham could not agree more with Caitlin Clark’s postgame comments appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago White Sox looked like they were about to fall back to .500 as their offense sputtered for most of the night on Tuesday. However, they fought back in the ninth inning and defeated the Seattle Mariners by the score of 2-1.

Chicago’s comeback win improved their record to 25-23 on the season. They remain just two games back of first place in the American League Central Division and are competing for one of the AL’s wild card spots.

There are, though, 114 games remaining in their season and a lot can happen between now and October. Unfortunately, many are not buying the White Sox as season-long contenders.

MLB analyst predicts the Chicago White Sox will be sellers at the trade deadline

Recently, Jim Bowden of The Athletic ranked the performance of each MLB team so far this season. Since there were few people who thought the White Sox would be any good this year, they earned the 10th spot on his list.

However, he also predicted what each MLB team would do at the deadline, and he wrote that Chicago would be sellers because he does not believe they will be able to maintain this level of play:

“The White Sox season has been highlighted by the offensive production from the trio of Munetaka Murakami, Colson Montgomery and Miguel Vargas. Murakami has been everything the White Sox hoped he’d be from a power and on-base perspective, while Montgomery continues to hit for power and Vargas is off to the best start of his career.

“On the pitching side, Davis Martin leads a rotation that has also been boosted by solid showings from veterans Sean Burke and Erick Fedde.

“Trade deadline position: Sellers. Chicago is making progress but still has a ways to go and won’t be able to stay at .500. Continuing their long-term building is the best play for them this season.”

The problem, of course, is that many of the players that other teams would want from Chicago at the deadline are also players the organization would like to keep around.

Chief among these is slugging first baseman Munetaka Murakami, who leads the American League with 17 home runs. Hopefully Chicago can continue to prove the doubters wrong and be buyers instead of sellers come the deadline.

More Chicago White Sox news from ChiCity Sports

• Unexpected White Sox rookie emerging as legit award contender
• MLB GM’s not completely sold on Munetaka Murakami
• Pete Crow-Armstrong expresses regret over choice of words in confrontation with White Sox fan

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

The post Chicago White Sox receive dire trade deadline prediction from MLB analyst appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Blackhawks definitely need to get Connor Bedard some help this offseason, as he essentially has Tyler Bertuzzi and not a whole lot else assisting him on the wing.

Luckily, the Blackhawks possess a nice amount of cap space heading into the summer, so they can afford to land a top free agent.

Chicago also owns the No. 4 overall pick in the NHL Draft as well as three second-round picks. Plus, it lays claim to three first-rounders in 2027, so if the Blackhawks want to swing a blockbuster trade, they certainly have the goods to do so.

But they might not have to.

There will be plenty of intriguing names available both in unrestricted and restricted free agency, and in terms of the latter, Tab Bamford of Bleacher Nation has floated a very interesting possibility for Chicago: Vegas Golden Knights star Pavel Dorofeyev.

Chicago Blackhawks could steal Pavel Dorofeyev

Dorofeyev is a restricted free agent, meaning the Blackhawks would have to sign him to an offer sheet and then hope the Golden Knights don’t match. But given the sizeable portion of money Chicago has to spend, it’s possible it could outbid Vegas for the winger.

“Dorofeyev, 25, is coming off a second straight 30+ goal season. Here’s the kicker: 20 of his 37 goals came on the power play this past season (13 of 35 the previous year). He’s got decent size (6-1, 194) and is Russian, which would be a nice addition with Ilya Mikheyev moving on and Roman Kantserov coming into the fold,” Bamford wrote.

The former third-round pick finished second in the league in power play goals this past season, which would be a welcome addition to a Chicago team which managed just 40 power play scores during the 2025-26 campaign.

Dorofeyev also racked up 37 goals and 27 assists as a whole, which would make him quite easily the Blackhawks’ second-best offensive threat behind Bedard. On top of that, he is still young and can grow alongside of Bedard moving forward.

It could potentially cost Chicago $10 million or more annually to snatch Dorofeyev on an offer sheet, but considering just how much help the team needs and how much it wants to cultivate Bedard, it might just be worth it.

The post Blackhawks connected to game-changing move for power play expert appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago White Sox are 25-23 on the season following their 2-1 comeback victory over the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night. While many fans were frustrated by the lack of offense for most of the night, White Sox pitchers kept the team in the game by keeping the Mariners limited at the plate.

That was a pleasant surprise for Chicago, who have not had the best luck in regard to their pitching staff this year. Opening Day starter Shane Smith was demoted to the minors earlier this year and is now dealing with an injury. What is more, the rest of the pitching staff, outside of a handful of hurlers, have been inconsistent this year.

With the White Sox suddenly a contender in the American Leauge, the organization is trying to set itself up for future success. Part of that process is solidifying its organizational pitching depth.

Chicago White Sox trade Oliver Dunn for Joe Rock

On Tuesday, it was announced that the White Sox have traded minor league infielder Oliver Dunn to the Tampa Bay Rays for pitcher Joe Rock:

#Rays trade LHP Joe Rock to #WhiteSox for INF Oliver Dunn

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) May 20, 2026

Dunn was hitting .295/.393/.545 with nine home runs, 34 RBI, and nine stolen bases at Triple-A Charlotte. In 55 Major League games with the Milwaukee Brewers, he his a career .206/.260/.291 hitter.

Rock, a left-handed pitcher, appeared in three Major League games for the Rays last year and posted a 2.35 ERA. This year, pitching in Triple-A Durham, he is 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA in 13 appearances.

In six minor league seasons, the 25-year-old southpaw is 20-34 with a 4.75 ERA.

Dunn’s path back to the Majors, of course, was blocked by the presences of Miguel Vargas and Colson Montgomery on the left side of the infield in Chicago.

More Chicago White Sox news from ChiCity Sports

• Unexpected White Sox rookie emerging as legit award contender
• MLB GM’s not completely sold on Munetaka Murakami
• Pete Crow-Armstrong expresses regret over choice of words in confrontation with White Sox fan

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Bulls are entering a pivotal offseason in which they must take advantage of the golden opportunity at their fingertips.

The Bulls have a solid chunk of cap space and also own a pair of first-round draft picks, including the No. 4 overall selection thanks to some luck in the NBA Draft lottery.

Chicago has also been tabbed as a team that could be rather active on the trade market given its flexibility, and it could be only a matter of time before new top executive Bryson Graham decides to move Josh Giddey.

But in terms of players the Bulls could potentially acquire, who is actually on the list? Do they have any specific targets in mind?

Well, Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale ran down a list of three players every NBA team should be pursuing in trades this summer, and for Chicago, he mentioned an intriguing candidate: Portland Trail Blazers big man Yang Hansen.

Chicago Bulls linked to trade for Yang Hansen

Hansen was selected by the Blazers with the 16th overall pick of the NBA Draft last year and performed very well in Summer League, so well, in fact, that many started comparing him to Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic.

That comparison is obviously pretty rich, but it does indicate just how skilled Hansen truly is.

“Good luck convincing the Portland Trail Blazers to give up on the Yang Hansen experiment after just one season,” Favale wrote. “He’s bound to be called Baby Jokic again during Summer League. Yet, between Donovan Clingan’s emergence and Portland’s willingness to play smaller, he’s a good ‘It never hurts to ask’ option.”

Hansen played in 43 games with the Blazers this past season, averaging a meager 2.2 points and 1.5 rebounds over seven minutes per game while shooting 31 percent from the floor. Clearly, he wasn’t very Jokic-like in Year 1, but perhaps he can flourish with a more significant opportunity.

The Bulls can provide that for Hansen given their need for a big man, and if Portland feels that Clingan is obviously the future at center, it might be willing to listen to what Chicago has to offer.

Of course, Hansen’s subpar defense is certainly problematic, and it makes you wonder if the 7-foot-1, 270-pound behemoth will ever be able to establish a legitimate role in the league, regardless of how many times people liken him to Jokic.

The post Bulls connected to fascinating trade for player compared to Nikola Jokic appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears entered the offseason needing help with their pass rush after totaling just 35 sacks in 2025, which ranked near the bottom of the NFL.

Naturally, everyone expected the Bears to make a move for an impactful edge rusher to put alongside of Montez Sweat. A Maxx Crosby trade appeared to be a possibility. That fell through. Chicago then struck out in free agency. To make matters worse, the Bears then didn’t select an edge rusher in the NFL Draft.

What exactly is going on here? Is Chicago really content with its current setup? Or is it just waiting to sign one of the many veterans still remaining on the open market?

Former New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan has long been floated as a possibility, especially given that ex-Saints coach Dennis Allen is serving as Bears defensive coordinator. Names like Jadeveon Clowney and Joey Bosa have been mentioned as potential targets, as well.

But it doesn’t seem like Chicago will be landing any of those players. Not after an update from Allen himself.

Chicago Bears may have shut the door on Cameron Jordan and other pass rushers

When asked about the chances of signing Jordan, Allen — who said he loved his experience with Jordan in New Orleans — made it pretty clear that it probably wasn’t going to happen.

“I don’t know that there’s been a ton of discussion about that,” Allen said. “I think we feel pretty good about where we’re at and what we have. Yet, you never know what opportunities might present themselves at some point down the road.”

So, not only is Jordan not coming to the Windy City, but Allen essentially said that the Bears aren’t interested in signing any edge rushers because they are perfectly happy with their current depth chart at the position.

Considering how many viable pass rushers are still lurking in free agency, this is definitely a frustrating update, and it puts that much more pressure on former fifth-round pick Austin Booker to have a breakout year in 2026.

A big season is possible for Booker if he can just stay healthy, but the fact that Chicago doesn’t even want to add any proven insurance is irritating. That’s especially considering that none of these vets will cost all that much at this stage.

If the Sweat-Booker duo doesn’t produce like the Bears hope, they will almost certainly have to rely on the trade deadline to bolster their pass rush, which is never a good thing.

The post Bears’ latest development at one contentious position will anger fans appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs seem to have a Milwaukee Brewers problem. The Cubs lost the NL Central to the Brewers last season, then fell to them in the NLDS. Now, in 2026, Chicago is losing to Milwaukee yet again.

In spite of multiple 10-game winning streaks amid an extraordinary start to the campaign, the Cubs have now fallen behind the Brewers after two straight losses to them in their three-game series, leaving Chicago searching for answers.

Milwaukee has been pushing all the right buttons, both offensively and with its pitching staff. Meanwhile, the banged-up Cubs just can’t seem to find solutions and have now lost eight of their last 10 games overall.

To make matters worse, Brewers manager Pat Murphy — the two-time defending NL Manager of the Year — has continued to be a complete nuisance. Not just in his ability to outmanage Craig Counsell, but in getting under the skin of Chicago and its fans.

What did he do this time? Well, just look at the comments he made after Milwaukee’s first win of this three-game set.

Pat Murphy shades the Chicago Cubs yet again

Murphy has become pretty well-known for his back-handed remarks and wise cracks, and in the first meeting between his Brewers and the Cubs this year, he decided to take yet another shot at the North Siders.

“We know how these series go,” Murphy told reporters. “They don’t even know most of our guys’ names, you know what I mean? So they’re never going to be intimidated by us, but we’re not looking for that. We’re looking to turn around and play good again.”

In other words, “We know how these series go. We always beat the Cubs even though they disrespect us without knowing who we are.”

In a sense, Murphy might kind of be right. The Brewers are never known for being flashy. They never have a ton of big names (which is also a big reason why they can’t seem to get over the hump in the playoffs, but hey, who’s counting?). But lately, they always seem to beat Chicago.

Entering play on Wednesday, Milwaukee is 28-18 and at the top of the division. The Cubs are 28-19, and while they are just one game back in the loss column, who can’t help but feel the Brewers have seized all of the momentum they’ve needed … again.

The worst part? Milwaukee is doing all of this at Wrigley Field.

The post Pat Murphy fires yet another shot at Cubs in truly unbearable fashion appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Indiana Fever gave their fans a reason to celebrate on Sunday after earning their first home win of the season. The team beat the Seattle Storm 89-78 behind another strong performance from Caitlin Clark. However, one of the game’s most talked-about moments came from Sophie Cunningham.

During the second quarter, Cunningham made a rare defensive play. She quickly moved toward the basket and jumped to block a shot from Seattle center Mackenzie Holmes.

Throughout her eight WNBA seasons, the 29-year-old guard has averaged just 0.2 blocks per game and recorded 48 total blocks. Thus, she celebrated the rare block with intense, enthusiastic energy that made her achievement clear to everyone in the arena.

Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham addresses celebratory block

The Fever posted a clip on X showing Cunningham’s play with the caption, “nice block Soph 😉.”

As expected, not everyone online liked it. Some WNBA fans thought the veteran guard’s celebratory behavior was over-the-top. 

Cunningham, unfazed by the criticism, quickly responded to the pushback. She used humor to silence online critics.

“HAHAHA ‘act like you’ve been there before’….. okay but the last I did this was against my 2 year old niece. LET ME LIVE!!!!” the Fever star wrote on X.

HAHAHA “act like you’ve been there before”….. okay but the last I did this was against my 2 year old niece. LET ME LIVE!!!! https://t.co/Zrbbg06yym

— Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) May 18, 2026

While Cunningham’s block stood out, her overall performance helped Indiana secure the win on Sunday. She recorded 17 points and three rebounds in 25 minutes as Indiana bounced back from a 0-2 start at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

While Cunningham delivered her best game of the season, Clark still led the team in overall production. She finished with 21 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds. These numbers extended Clark’s WNBA record. She became the first player with 12 such career games. Kelsey Mitchell also contributed to the win by chipping in 17 points.

The Fever roster is starting to play better on both ends of the floor. With improved defense and offensive balance, Indiana will aim to secure another win at home against the Portland Fire on Wednesday.

The post Fever star Sophie Cunningham addresses behavior during WNBA game appeared first on ChiCitySports.

That said, his teammate Sam Antonacci has also emerged as one of the league’s top rookies since making his MLB debut on April 15. As noted by Just Baseball, among first-year players during that span, Antonacci ranks second in batting average (.298), on-base percentage (.391), and wRC+ (134), while also placing inside the top five in several other offensive categories. To go along with that, he also has had a 13 game on-base streak.

Sam Antonacci’s ranks among rookies since he debuted on 4/15:

AVG: 2nd (.298)
Runs: T-5th (16)⁰SB: T-4th (3)
OBP: 2nd (.391)
OPS: 3rd (.816)
wRC+: 2nd (134)

Antonacci has made an immediate impact on an up-and-coming White Sox team 🔥 pic.twitter.com/BFieqB3zvd

— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) May 19, 2026

Right now, Antonacci’s performance should place him firmly in the discussion with some of the American Leagues best rookies.

Chicago White Sox outfielder Sam Antonacci emerging as legit Rookie of the Year contender

Right now, Murakami and Kevin McGonigle of the Detroit Tigers appear to be the frontrunners for American League Rookie of the Year, while Parker Messick of the Cleveland Guardians has emerged as a strong contender on the pitching side. However, based on the way he has performed since arriving in the majors, Antonacci may not be far behind that group.

As things currently stand, Antonacci owns a higher OPS than McGonigle, while also leading that rookie group in both batting average and on-base percentage. Although McGonigle and Murakami may still have the edge nationally, Antonacci is quickly building a résumé that deserves to be taken just as seriously in the American League Rookie of the Year conversation.

While there is still a long way to go in the 2026 season, the White Sox suddenly find themselves with not just one, but two rookies making serious noise in the American League. If Antonacci continues producing at this level over a larger sample size, his name may become impossible to ignore in the Rookie of the Year race, giving Chicago yet another promising building block for the future.

The post Unexpected White Sox rookie emerging as legit award contender appeared first on ChiCitySports.

After a 3-6 road trip, the Chicago Cubs returned to Wrigley Field, where they have won 15 straight home games, to face the Milwaukee Brewers in a crucial NL Central race starting on Monday.

The Cubs dropped the opener 9-3, as the Brewers teed off on starter Shota Imanaga. Christian Yelich homered in the 2nd inning, then the Brewers broke the game open in the 4th with a string of sharp singles and a Sal Frelick RBI double. The knockout blow came in the 5th when Jake Bauers launched a three‑run homer, ending Imanaga’s day.

But the story of the night was once again their lifeless offense. The Cubs didn’t record a hit until the 5th inning against Brewers starter Brandon Sproat. Dansby Swanson hit a two‑run homer, and Michael Busch added an RBI double in the same inning, but that was all the scoring they did. The Cubs had a chance to score in the bottom of the first when Sproat walked Nico Hoerner and Michael Busch consecutively with no outs.

However, Alex Bregman, Ian Happ, and Seiya Suzuki all failed to advance the runners. The Cubs have not been able to capitalize on the mistakes made by the opposing pitchers, and that foreshadowed how the rest of the game would go.

Neither Happ nor Suzuki is coming up in the clutch so far for Chicago Cubs

Manager Craig Counsell keeps running out the same middle‑order alignment, but the results are undeniable: the Cubs’ supposed run‑producers aren’t producing. Happ and Suzuki’s numbers with RISP paint a hollowing picture of how neither player has come up clutch so far this season. 

• Ian Happ: .160 AVG / .333 OBP / .300 SLG (38.1% strikeout rate)
• Seiya Suzuki: .125 AVG / .234 OBP / .225 SLG (42.6% strikeout rate)

With both Happ and Suzuki hitting free agency after this season, every missed opportunity, every stranded runner, every bases‑loaded failure chips away at their leverage. Middle‑of‑the‑order bats get paid big bucks. Players who shrink in big moments do not.

As Milwaukee now sits 0.5 games behind the Cubs and has a real shot at sweeping this series, Counsell has to do something. He has been patient — maybe too patient — with the current structure. But at some point, loyalty becomes stubbornness. And the data is screaming for change.

They cannot keep running the same lineup out and expecting different results. Put Happ in the leadoff spot, where his on‑base skills matter more than his power at the moment. Suzuki could be moved down to sixth, which would allow him to reset without the burden of run‑production expectations for the time being.

The Cubs don’t need a perfect lineup. They need one that doesn’t collapse every time runners reach bases.

The post Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki aren’t helping the Chicago Cubs appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are moving in a new direction this offseason, clearing the front office as well as parting ways with head coach Billy Donovan. After hiring Bryson Graham, the Bulls search has now turned to the head coach position.

Chicago’s opening will be an attractive one despite a few years of struggles. They hold the No. 4 and No. 15 picks in the upcoming NBA Draft plus have a healthy cap situation to work with. A big offseason with the right hires and additions could speed up this rebuild which is exactly what the Bulls are hoping for.

As the search goes on, two new names have now popped up as the Bulls have put in requests to a pair of assistants around the league.

Chicago Bulls request interviews with targets

In this process there hasn’t been a whole lot of news regarding targets. But on Tuesday, news broke that the Bulls had requested interviews with two assistants around the league.

Per Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Bulls plan to seek permission to interview for Chicago’s coaching search, per sources: Charlotte assistant Lamar Skeeter, and Atlanta assistant Ryan Schmidt.

Two more candidates that the Bulls plan to seek permission to interview for Chicago’s coaching search, per sources: Charlotte assistant Lamar Skeeter, and Atlanta assistant Ryan Schmidt.

More NBA from @TheSteinLine here: https://t.co/SCERJl2zA9

And, we’re jumping back on the… https://t.co/yNPPXMBE04

— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) May 19, 2026

Fischer is also connecting the Bulls to a few other big targets as well as Bleacher Nation points out:

According to Fischer, current New Orleans Pelicans interim head coach James Borrego and Portland Trail Blazers interim head coach Tiago Splitter are on the list. The Bulls are already set to talk with Borrego, while a Splitter interview is pending a formal request.

Fischer adds current Minnesota Timberwolves lead assistant coach Micah Nori, Oklahoma City Thunder assistant coach Dave Bliss and Bulls assistant coach Wes Unseld Jr. — who served under former head coach Billy Donovan — are expected to be interviewed.

The hope is that the Bulls can get a deal with someone soon ahead of the draft and free agency. From there, they can build their roster the way they envision it.

The post Targets emerge for Chicago Bulls’ head coach job appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Caitlin Clark is back in the WNBA spotlight as she has been on fire this season. The third-year guard is currently averaging 24.3 points, five rebounds and 8.5 assists. She is also averaging one block and one steal in her first four games this year. 

Unfortunately, the Indiana Fever has lost two of its four games despite Clark’s performance. However, they have never lost by more than three points as they have been competitive to start this season.

After missing most of her sophomore year, Clark has come back stronger than ever. Many Fever fans are hoping that their star will lead their squad to the promised land.

Red-hot Caitlin Clark catches the attention of the NBA

While the WNBA just started its 30th season, the NBA is entering the latter stage of its playoffs. The stage has just been set for the Eastern and Western Conference finals. 

The New York Knicks will be facing the Cleveland Cavaliers in the East. For the West, the San Antonio Spurs take on the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Despite that, the NBA still had the time to show love to Indiana’s star.

Clark led the game for Indiana in their win against the visiting Seattle Storm. The 6-foot sharpshooter scored a game-high 21 points, had 10 assists and grabbed seven rebounds. 

The NBA reposted the WNBA’s post highlighting Clark’s dominant outing.

“Another game, another CC takeover 😮‍💨” wrote the NBA.

Another game, another CC takeover 😮‍💨 https://t.co/DpIAUfHNnB

— NBA (@NBA) May 18, 2026

The term “takeover” is accurate, as Clark led the Fever to an 89-78 victory. They also held the lead for most of the game, with the biggest advantage at 20 points.

Clark has been consistent to start the year for the Fever. She has never scored less than 20 points in her first four games, and she has been a good playmaker as well.

Once Indiana gets into a stride, it should start winning more games. They still have a lot to work on, but the foundation is there for the Fever.

The post Caitlin Clark just caught the NBA’s attention appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Indiana Fever won their first home game of the season on Sunday. They defeated the Seattle Storm, 89-78, in front of a capacity crowd at GainBridge Fieldhouse to improve to 2-2 on the new WNBA season.

The Fever, however, were without three-time All-Star Aliyah Boston, who was forced to sit out due to a lower leg injury. This was the first time Boston missed a game in her four seasons in the league.

Indiana ran into more frontcourt trouble later in the game. Backup center-forward Makayla Timpson exited in the fourth quarter with what appeared to be a facial injury. She was not able to return after heading to the locker room.

Indiana Fever have clean injury report for next game

The Fever are back in action on Wednesday. They host the Portland Fire for another home matchup as Indiana looks to make it two wins in a row.

The Fever announced some good news ahead of Wednesday’s game. They submitted their injury report, and it came back clean. Neither Boston nor Timpson was listed on the report. In fact, the Fever enter the Fire game with no injuries to report.

Status Report for tomorrow’s game vs. Portland:

No injuries. pic.twitter.com/pAlSO5iKuL

— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) May 19, 2026

Head coach Stephanie White will be able to field a full-strength lineup against the Fire. She made some changes to her starting five against the Storm, and it remains to be seen if she will stick with Lexie Hull over Sophie Cunningham. Boston is expected to return as a starter after Myisha Hines-Allen filled in amid the former’s injury.

Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell and Monique Billings are expected to fill the three other spots in the starting five.

Tipoff from Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.

The post Indiana Fever announce good news amid team injury situation appeared first on ChiCitySports.

We are a month away from the 2026 NBA Draft with the Chicago Bulls holding the  No. 4 and No. 15 overall picks. With a new era being started here this offseason, it’s a big chance for the franchise to add two key pieces.

Obviously, the No. 4 overall pick is the more important one. It’s the pick that the Bulls need to hit on in terms of adding a potential superstar. This is considered a top heavy draft with the top four guys having the potential to be stars. For Chicago, they will likely have Cameron Boozer or Caleb Wilson at No. 4 available, with either being a good pick.

The Bulls’ choice will come down to what the Memphis Grizzlies do at pick No. 3. Most mocks have the Bulls taking the former UNC star in Wilson and now, one analyst believes he is the best at a certain skill set.

NBA analyst calls Caleb Wilson the best athlete in this draft

While AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer may have more talent at the moment, the ceiling could be higher for Wilson. His skill set is impressive and the athleticism really stands out when watching him on tape. In Zach Buckley’s latest mock draft for Bleacher Report, he has Wilson going to the Bulls.

He had something interesting to say as well:

Still, this isn’t a by-default mock move. He looks like he was lab-created to fit their new SLAP philosophy, which prioritizes size, length, athleticism and physicality—or many of the strongest aspects of Wilson’s profile.

The post NBA analyst calls potential Chicago Bulls draft pick “best athlete in the draft” appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever picked up their second win of the season on Sunday. The reigning WNBA Commissioner’s Cup champions hosted the Seattle Storm at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. 

The hosts dominated the visitors and held the lead for most of the game, resulting in an 89-78 win. Kelsey Mitchell had 17 points for Indiana. Sophie Cunningham came off the bench and scored 17 points on 55.6% shooting. She also had three rebounds, one block and one steal. 

However, it was Clark who led the way for the Fever, scoring a game-high 21 points along with 10 assists and seven rebounds. Indiana’s star guard also showed her defensive prowess, contributing two blocks in the win. 

Caitlin Clark gets animated after a block during the Indiana Fever win

The Fever are coming off a tough overtime loss against the Washington Mystics. Clark had 32 points, 10 assists, two steals and one block in that game. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough for them to get the win. 

As for Sunday’s game, the Fever came out blazing hot. After they got the early lead, they never looked back. Clark even began trolling the opposing team after getting the block.

When Storm guard Natasha Hiedeman drove to the lane, Clark was there to strip the ball away, resulting in a block.

The 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year then put on a smug face, followed by the Mutombo finger wag. Both players started laughing right after.

Caitlin such a troll 😭😭😭😭😭

“Hell nah” with that fake hard look, then hits the Mutombo finger wag before bursting out laughing lmfaoooo pic.twitter.com/VlAg3zVbri

— correlation (@nosyone4) May 18, 2026

The sequence brought out reactions from fans.

“Can’t stay in character for [expletive] 😂 that finger wag killed me,” a user commented.

“A little fun ain’t never hurt nobody.. she for sure look crazy tho 😂” wrote a fan.

“This is the best 2 hour video I’ve ever seen.” a Fever supporter mentioned.

“CC can’t even stay in character for 2 seconds 😂 That Mutombo wag then the instant giggle is pure gold. She’s such a kid out there, love it 🔥” another declared.

“Love to see her so happy on the court. That’s when you know things are going great,” a comment read.

Indiana currently has a 2-2 record. They have a lot of time to get it together, as it’s still early in the season.

The post Caitlin Clark’s actions during Indiana Fever game turn heads appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Following Sunday’s 9-8 loss to the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong was unapologetic about his vulgar interaction with a fan at Rate Field.

Crow-Armstrong said the fan talked (expletive), so he felt the need to say it back.

It was unclear if the MLB would punish PCA for the interaction with a female White Sox fan.

Per Jesse Rogers of ESPN, the MLB will fine the outfielder for the “incident” on Sunday. It’s not clear how much the league will fine Crow-Armstrong. It does not appear he will be suspended for the outburst.

(Update): Per the Chicago Sun-Times, the MLB fined Crow-Armstrong $5,000.

On Monday, Cubs manager Craig Counsell suggested PCA could have handled the situation better.

“Pete made a mistake with his choice of words,” Counsell said. “He’s aware of that. … It’s the reality of this job. Fan interactions happen. You want to try and keep them positive even when they’re not.”

More News: Chicago Cubs top prospect moved to left field, igniting speculation

The Chicago Cubs knew Pete Crow-Armstrong was in the wrong

Crow-Armstrong sounded more apologetic on Monday.

“Directly or indirectly, I don’t think that any of the women in my life would think I would say those kinds of words regularly,” he said. “I’m just bummed out about the word choice and a bunch of little kids going to social media and seeing that as well… “I saw the cameras in my face, it’s not like I didn’t.

“I’m definitely aware of the fact that it has blown up. … I am intense on the field. In a moment like that, I think I let it get away from me a little bit.”

The intensity from PCA wasn’t the problem. Frankly, what he said the fan wasn’t totally uncalled for. However, he allowed the fan to get into his head, and he finished 0-for-3 at bat in the loss.

It was a learning experience for Crow-Armstrong, and he has plenty of money to pay for the fine after signing a six-year, $115 million deal in March.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Bears believe that an improved secondary can help the defensive line generate a pass rush in the upcoming season.

The Bears added two new starting safeties in Coby Bryant (via free agency) and Dillon Thieneman (first-round pick) this offseason. Chicago added Malik Muhammad in the fourth round to boost the cornerback position.

After losing turnover machine Nahshon Wright in free agency, the Bears are looking for help at cornerback to work alongside Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, two players that head coach Ben Johnson want to see stay healthy this fall.

Per Jordan Schultz, the Bears are set to meet with free agent cornerback Nazeeh Johnson. He recently met with the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles.

“Source: Former Chiefs CB Nazeeh Johnson is visiting the Bears,” Schultz posted on X. “Johnson amassed 66 total tackles and one sack during his time in Kansas City and was a key special teamer as well. He also recently met with NYG and PHI.”

More News: Bears move on from 2025 draft pick after disaster in front office

More News: Bears urged to sign All-Pro to fix biggest weakness

The Kansas City Chiefs selected Johnson in the seventh round of the 2022 draft. He won Super Bowls LVII and LVIII during his time with the Chiefs.

Johnson has a history of injury. he missed the 2023 season due to a torn ACL he suffered in training camp. He didn’t play during the 2025 season until Dec. 24 due to a shoulder injury.

When on the field, Johnson was productive with the Chiefs. He appeared in 29 games and started six for Kansas City. He recorded 66 tackles, one sack, three passes defensed.

Johnson played a key role on the Chiefs special teams in 2024, playing in 40 percent of the Chiefs special teams snaps. He played in 48 percent of the defense’s snaps that year.

The Bears could sign Johnson to add competition with Tyrique Stevenson, Terell Smith, Jaylon Jones and Josh Blackwell during training camp.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs, at 29-19, currently are in first place in the National League Central Division. However, the Milwaukee Brewers, who have won the division in each of the past three years, drew to within half of game of the NL Central lead by beating the Cubs 9-3 on Monday night.

Indeed, it appears that, once again, the Brewers and Cubs are going to be battling out until late September to see which one of them will take the division crown. This was the case last year and the season prior.

While the Cubs are well aware of how good Milwaukee is, it appears that their manager continues to believe the Cubs are underestimating them.

Chicago Cubs fans clap back at Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy

Prior to the start of the season, many national analysts predicted that the Cubs would win the division. However, they also acknowledged that the Brewers have surprised them in the past and very well could do so again.

After Milwaukee defeated Chicago 9-3 on Monday, Brewers manager Pat Murphy said, “They [the Cubs] don’t even know most of our guys names so they’re never going to be intimated by us, but we’re not looking for that.”

This is, of course, nonsensical because Milwaukee and Chicago have been fiercely battling atop the NL Central for the last several seasons. And Cubs fans were having none of it:

God Bro… I get scared every time we play the Brewers

The non feared gimick is CRAZY

— Miles Dobrzynski (@DobzMiles) May 19, 2026

Brewers have legitimate stars and are arguably a better roster than the Cubs especially with all the Cubs injuries. The underdog gimmick for the brewers was never real. They’ve basically dominated this division the past 5-7 years

— Savion (@Savy2Smooth) May 19, 2026

pic.twitter.com/nUavlxDC4y

— J (@hackman_10) May 19, 2026

Elite-level gaslighting. All the repeat top of the division “average joes” need to do is just get past the NLCS and maybe I’ll recognize who Yelich, Miz, Contreras, Turang, & Chourio are.

— Sam Fishman (@sfishman0) May 19, 2026

While it is true that the Brewers flew under the radar for years, the same is not factual in 2026. Sure, the Cubs got a lot of pre-season predictions in their favor, but it was with the stipulation that Milwaukee was very strong as well.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs receive strong trade deadline warning amid star pitcher buzz
• Cubs were given a reality check against the White Sox
• Craig Counsell calls out PCA for vulgar mistake vs White Sox

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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Last year, the Chicago Bears boasted one of the best sets of weapons in the NFL, and it certainly made life easier for quarterback Caleb Williams during his second season.

Heading into 2026, however, the Bears face some pretty serious questions at the skill positions, most notably at wide receiver.

Chicago traded away D.J. Moore and lost Olamide Zacchaeus to free agency this spring, and while it signed Kalif Raymond and selected Zavion Thomas in the third round of the NFL Draft, the Bears lack bona fide receiver talent behind Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III.

The last thing Chicago needs is for Williams to take a step back next season, but if the Bears aren’t careful, that could very well happen.

On the bright side, there are actually surprisingly still some really good wide outs available on the open market, and one of them is a very familiar face: Keenan Allen.

Chicago Bears should reunite with Keenan Allen

Chicago acquired Allen in a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers in March 2024, hoping he would provide a boost to the team’s receiving corps during Williams’ rookie campaign.

Allen wasn’t quite the same six-time Pro Bowler from the past, but he was still productive, catching 70 passes for 744 yards and seven touchdowns. He then signed back with the Chargers last offseason and hauled in 81 receptions for 777 yards and four scores.

Somehow, some way, the 34-year-old is still unsigned. Perhaps he is waiting for the perfect opportunity, and if you remember correctly, after he sent 2024 in the Windy City, he made it clear he wanted to head back out west.

Well, Allen did ultimately re-join Los Angeles in 2025, but with the Chargers having young receivers like Tre Harris, KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Brenen Thompson that they would surely like to prioritize, they may not be all that interested in bringing the former third-round pick back for another go-around.

In that case, the Bears absolutely should jump at the opportunity. Yes, Allen does spend considerable time in the slot, which is where Chicago would prefer to use Burden, but the veteran can also play outside perfectly fine.

The Bears definitely need another established piece in their wide receiver room, so a reunion with Allen should be in the cards. The question is whether or not they can fit him under their cap.

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The Chicago Cubs have hit their first real rough patch of the season, riding an ugly 2-7 record over their last nine games.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Red-hot prospect may turn Matt Shaw into trade bait

And to make matters worse, they are now just one loss away from falling into a second place tie in the NL Central Division. With a loss to the Milwaukee Brewers tonight at Wrigley Field, the Brewers take the division lead and the Cubs fall to a half-game behind.

Right now, things are just ugly across the board.

The starting rotation has begun to falter as the stress and strain of injury finally takes its toll. The new and vastly improved Shota Imanaga got touched up yesterday, giving up eight earned runs in 4.1 innings pitched against the always-difficult Brewers.

The bullpen has also been a source of frustration as inconsistency has plagued the relief corps, making for an uncomfortable ride whenever the call gets made to go to the pen.

The Cubs’ offensive woes

More News: Chicago Cubs need to pull the trigger on one more extension

Even the offense, which was the team’s greatest asset at one point, has been a major letdown recently.

Added on to the massive fails regarding hits with runners in scoring position, some of the team’s biggest bats have grown suddenly ice cold. Pete Crow-Armstrong is 3-for-30 in the last nine games. Seiya Suzuki and Nico Hoerner are 6-for-36 in that same stretch of time. Ian Happ, meanwhile, is 4-for-31 over those last nine. The poor offensive tallies could go on, by the way, as Dansby Swanson and Moises Ballesteros have posted more feeble numbers than those mentioned above.

Michael Busch, however, looks like an absolute offensive titan by comparison.

Michael Busch’s insane on base percentage

Sure, the Cubs first baseman is only 8-for-29 (.276) in the same last nine games, but he’s 6-for-18 in his last five with a home run and 4 RBIs. And over the entire month of May, after a horrid start to the season, he’s hitting .339.

But the biggest eye-catcher when it comes to Busch’s fairly recent run of hitting success is his absolutely insane .493 on base percentage (OBP) this month through seventy-five plate appearances.

Getting on base practically half the time through seventeen games is insane. The stat tracks, though, as the former Los Angeles Dodgers prospect maintained a respectable OBP even through his early-season struggles. On the season, he currently has an OBP of .367 against a batting average of .241 with four home runs and 27 RBIs.

And it’s a good thing that Busch has come around because there is, almost literally, nobody else the Cubs can call on to play first base.

Offseason pickup Tyler Austin is sidelined indefinitely after knee surgery and may not be ready to play until later in the season. Prospect Jonathon Long has been doing well in Triple-A Iowa, but reviews are mixed as to his viability as an everyday first baseman. Beyond that, Chicago’s options for Busch replacements are almost non-existent, with emergency subs Matt Shaw, Miguel Amaya, Ian Happ, and Moises Ballesteros in the far background.

For now, though, Busch is doing his thing. The rest of the team will have to wake up and join him.

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Raven Johnson has regularly contributed to the Indiana Fever’s rotation this season. The rookie guard consistently receives playing time despite coming off the bench. She adds depth to the team at the guard spots as she can play both positions.

The franchise drafted the 23-year-old at No. 10 this year. She enjoyed a successful collegiate career with the South Carolina Gamecocks, winning the national championship twice. Last season, Johnson was also named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and a Coaches’ All-American.

She earned Fever head coach Stephanie White’s trust in the preseason. Johnson impressed during the tune-up games and secured her spot in the rotation. The 5-foot-8 guard will play a key role this campaign as Indiana aims to contend for a championship.

Indiana Fever: Caitlin Clark reacts to Raven Johnson’s pregame outfit

Johnson has also started to make a name for herself as one of the more fashionable players in the WNBA. On Saturday, she posted three photos and a short clip on Instagram. It featured her showing off her pregame outfit from the previous day’s game against the Washington Mystics. 

Johnson kept it simple with a baby blue spaghetti-strap top, blue jeans and multicolored sneakers. The guard completed her look with a pink Louis Vuitton handbag.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Raven Johnson 🌟 (@hollywood_raven)

Caitlin Clark dropped a two-word reaction in the comments section.

“Slay child,” Clark wrote.

The reaction showed the support that the third-year guard has been giving her rookie teammate. They competed against each other in college, but Clark now mentors her at the pro level.

Johnson has demonstrated that she can impact both ends of the floor. Learning from Clark, Sophie Cunningham and Kelsey Mitchell will only accelerate her development and turn her into an even better player. Her role will be crucial as providing quality minutes off the bench will help her veteran teammates stay fresher for the playoffs.

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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is holding on to an outdated idea that the Chicago Bears can remain in the city.

The Bears are still in conversations with Chicago about a new stadium project, but the NFL Stadium Committee told the team last month that only the sites at Arlington Heights or Hammond, Indiana, were viable options at this point. The NFL was urging the Bears to make a decision with haste.

On Monday, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said that while he wanted the Bears to remain in Chicago, Johnson didn’t have an actionable plan to keep the team.

“He (Johnson) has come up with no plan at all about how the Bears would end up in the city of Chicago,” Pritzker said. “So, that’s problematic. I’d love them to be in the city, but we are three years in now, and he still has no plan.”

More News: ‘Wrench’ thrown into Arlington Heights hope via Illinois Senate

Chicago Bears: A feud growing

More News: While NFL whips Bears, league helped out Packers big-time

Per Mary Ann Ahern of NBC Chicago, Johnson called Pritzker out of touch because of his status as a billionaire.

“The feud continues,” she posted on X. (Johnson) says (Pritzker’s) billionaire status puts him out of touch as the two disagree over efforts to build a Chicago Bears stadium in Arlington Heights.”

Last week, Johnson argued the state should not incentivize the Bears to build a private stadium.

“There’s no good reason to incentivize the Bears to leave the top tourist destination in Illinois or to gift them property tax reprieve when they already don’t pay property taxes on a publicly owned stadium,” Johnson wrote on his X account last week. “The Bears belong in downtown Chicago.”

While Johnson is calling out Pritzker, it remains to be seen what Chicago’s plan would be to keep the Bears. Pritzker isn’t doing a great job at keeping the Bears from leaving the state either, as the Senate has yet to add amendments and pass a megaprojects bill that passed the House in April.

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Entering play on Monday, Chicago Cubs left-handed starter Shota Imanaga was 4-3 with a 2.32 ERA. Indeed, as starting pitcher after starting pitcher went down with injury, Imanaga was a stabilizing force in Chicago’s rotation. Still, many worried that he could not do it alone and have urged the Cubs to add more starting pitching.

Their loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday night was an indicator as to why. Imanaga gave up eight runs in 4.1 innings and saw his ERA balloon to 3.38. Of course, this is not a terrible ERA at all; but his implosion against Chicago’s primary division rival highlights the concerns that many have regarding the Cubs.

Chicago Cubs starter Shota Imanaga predicted to be named Second Team All MLB

On Tuesday, MLB analysts released their first predictions for the All MLB teams. Despite his poor outing against the Brewers, they still believe Imanaga should earn a spot on the Second Tea, All MLB:

“Imanaga was hit hard by the Brewers on Monday at Wrigley Field, giving up eight runs over 4 1/3 innings. But he pitched at least six innings and yielded two or fewer runs in six of his previous seven outings.”

Looking at the larger picture, Imanaga has been everything the Cubs have needed and more since they signed him to a one-year qualifying offer worth $22 million.

His future with the Cubs, though, will depend on how he performs for the rest of the season. If he can stay healthy and avoid anymore poor outings such as the one he had on Monday, he will likely be retain by Chicago. Prior to his loss against the Brewers, Imanaga was widely considered to be a NL All-Star and Cy Young candidate.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs receive strong trade deadline warning amid star pitcher buzz
• Cubs were given a reality check against the White Sox
• Craig Counsell calls out PCA for vulgar mistake vs White Sox

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago White Sox are 24-23, which is a much better record than virtually anyone thought they would have at this point in the season. Currently, they are just two games out of first place in the American League Central Division. What is more, they have a real shot of making the postseason as a Wild Card team if they cannot win the central.

Of course, arguably the biggest star on Chicago’s roster right now is Munetaka Murakami. During the off-season, the White Sox were able to sign him to a two-year $34 million contract. Many MLB teams chose not to pursue the Japanese star because of high strikeout totals throughout his career in his home nation.

But despite his early success, those teams are not yet willing to admit they were wrong about him.

MLB GM’s not ready to admit they were wrong about Chicago White Sox star Munetaka Murakami

When Murakami first announced his intention to sign with a Major League Baseball team, leaving his professional career in Japan, many expected that he would receive a $100 million contract. After all, he once hit 56 home runs in a season and consistently hit between 30-40 on an annual basis.

But he also struck out a great deal. As it would turn out, his high strikeout totals in Japan scared MLB general managers away.

As of this writing, Murakami is currently hitting .242/.379/.564 with 17 home runs (which leads the American League) and 32 RBI. He has walked 37 times and struck out 66 times in 47 games played.

According to MLB insider Jayson Stark, his strikeouts are still giving opposing general managers pause:

“Maybe I’m just refusing to be wrong,” groused an exec from one team that dug in on Murakami heavily this offseason. “I don’t know. Maybe I can admit in, like, a month or a year that I was just an idiot — and I was wrong. I thought he was going to strike out too much. And I didn’t think he was going to hit.”

“I think he has more power than I thought he had,” the exec said. “Not that I didn’t think he had power. But he has tremendous power. …

“So I just think it’s jury out. That’s all I want to go with: Jury’s out. I’m not ready to say this is all going to collapse. I’m just saying I don’t know. It might. But he also might hit 52 homers and shut us all up.”

Murakami is currently on a four-game hitting streak and has raised his batting average up from around .220 to over .240. If he can hover around .240-.250 all year (yes, batting average has become overrated by many) while still drawing a high number of walks and hitting home runs at an absurd rate, perhaps these general manager will admit they missed the boat.

Of course, that kind of production would only benefit the White Sox as well.

More Chicago White Sox news from ChiCity Sports

• Pete Crow-Armstrong expresses regret over word choice in altercation with White Sox fan
• White Sox get Colson Montgomery warning that should make them think twice
• Kyle Teel suffers setback ahead of 2026 White Sox debut

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs are 29-19 and still in first place in the National League Central Division. While they have put together two separate 10-game winning streaks this year, Chicago has lost three games in a row and is in danger of falling out of first place if they lose to the Milwaukee Brewers again on Tuesday.

Still, the Cubs have impressed overall after overcoming a slow start to the season. As many experts predicted them to win the NL Central before the season, their key contributors have been getting national love all season long.

This trend continued on Tuesday when the first All MLB Team poll was released.

Chicago Cubs star Nico Hoerner predicted to be Second Team All MLB

Ever since before the season began, Cubs fans have debated Brewers fans over which second baseman is better: Nico Hoerner in Chicago or Brice Turang in Milwaukee. Based on the All-MLB poll, national analysts seem to be leaning towards Turang as he was predicted to be named First Team All-MLB at the position. They did, however, have Hoerner listed as their pick for Second Team:

“Turang continues to level up his game. After boosting his OPS from .665 in 2024 to .794 in ’25, Turang has an .874 OPS and a .403 on-base percentage (second in the NL). A strong defender just two years removed from a 50-steal season, Turang has the capability to do just about anything on the field. There’s a reason he has emerged as a superstar whom Judge recently called ‘one of my favorite players to watch in the game right now.’

“Hoerner accrued a career-high 6.2 bWAR during an excellent 2025 with the Cubs, batting .297 with 29 steals and Gold Glove defense at the keystone. He’s off to a strong start in ’26 amid Chicago’s early surge, offering speed, plus fielding and a high batting average. Hoerner is also on pace for 13 homers, which would be a career high.”

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs receive strong trade deadline warning amid star pitcher buzz
• Cubs were given a reality check against the White Sox
• Craig Counsell calls out PCA for vulgar mistake vs White Sox

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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With a new era in Chicago Bulls basketball, the franchise has the flexibility to build the roster how they want. There’s really no “untouchable” players outside of Matas Buzelis who is expected to be a key building block for the future.

The Bulls hold pick No. 4 and No. 15 in the first round which gives them the chance to add two young players. And at No. 4, they could land a potential superstar. But the big offseason storyline for the Bulls could be what they do in free agency.

Chicago hasn’t been super active over the past few seasons in terms of going out and spending a ton of money. They did give Josh Giddey a big deal last offseason but outside of that, there just hasn’t been much of an opportunity. That should change, however.

The Bulls will have a good amount of cap space to spend this offseason. With needs, they can address some of them by spending that money and adding key pieces. While the free agency period is still a few weeks away, the Bulls are already being linked to a key free agent who can help on the perimeter.

Chicago Bulls linked to Austin Reaves

The Athletic’s Dan Woike and Sam Amick wrote on Austin Reaves’ upcoming free agency. He listed a few teams that could be interested in Reaves, including the Bulls:

“While team and league sources believe that the Lakers and Reaves will eventually land on a contract that makes sense, the door for Reaves to walk is open should he get a big offer elsewhere,” Woike and Amick wrote last Tuesday.

“Rival executives predicted Reaves could command $40 million a season due to a combination of his play, his age, and, perhaps most importantly, a free-agent class completely devoid of players as productive as him in their prime.”

“At present, the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets, who both have needs at the guard position, are the only teams with the sort of salary-cap space available to meet that sort of financial mark. Other teams that are known to have some interest in Reaves — like Utah and Atlanta, per league sources — would need to make roster moves to find the necessary space. League sources say winning will be a significant factor in Reaves’ thinking.”

Reaves is coming off another impressive 2025-26 season with the Lakers and will be seeking a big deal. Many believe he could get close to $40 million a year in free agency. If that’s the case, it’s unlikely the Lakers would match that.

But is he a fit for the Bulls?

Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game during the regular season. He shot 49 percent from the field and 36.0 percent from three. At 27-years-old, Reaves is still somewhat young and could be a nice piece to add for the Bulls.

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The Chicago Cubs are staring down a sober reality—they may have no choice but to trade 2023 no. 1 draft pick and current big league super sub Matt Shaw.

More News: Chicago Cubs need to pull the trigger on one more extension

If the team is serious about making a deep postseason run and maybe even a run at a championship, they need to get their pitching situation sorted out quickly.

Their starting rotation is in shambles, hobbled by the season-ending elbow injury of Cade Horton and the current extended IL status of Matthew Boyd and Justin Steele, who both present question marks when it comes to their return. The remaining starters have also begun to falter.

The bullpen, meanwhile, is similarly stressed and strained by injury and inconsistency.

Simply put, the Cubs are NOT making a big splash this postseason with a rotation of Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Edward Cabrera, Colin Rea, Ben Brown and the maybe, possibly return of Boyd and Steele. And they also can’t count on a bullpen that is all questions until they get to the closer.

So, trades are an absolute must. And they have to be big ones for a high-end starter and at least one dependable bullpen arm.

Matt Shaw’s top-shelf value

More News: Chicago Cubs claim another pitcher off waivers, spotlighting roster desperation

The Cubs’ no. 2 prospect Pedro Ramirez has been mentioned consistently as trade bait for such deals. But, realistically, the versatile talent may be just a component of a larger prospect package in a swap. Shaw, on the other hand, is good enough and established enough to go in a one-for-one trade.

The 24-year-old was moved off his third base spot this offseason when Chicago signed Alex Bregman and he’s responded incredibly well to his new super-utility role. So far this season, he’s played at third base, second base, first base, center field, and left field and has accounted well for himself while also swinging a decent bat.

Shaw, because of his age and upward developmental trajectory, would be appealing to teams in full rebuild mode as well as those out of contention who are just looking for a smart tweak.

From the Cubs side, the trade would hurt and it probably wouldn’t make sense unless the pitcher acquired is one with years of team control remaining.

Ramirez may be ‘for real’

But Ramirez looks to be the real deal down in Triple-A Iowa and he could be brought up to the big league roster to play the same utility role Shaw is currently playing. The 22-year-old switch-hitter has spent the bulk of his career at second base and third base, but has recently been getting playing time in left field.

Rich Eberwein of Cubbies Crib is very high on Ramirez and recently posted his thoughts on the prospect:

“Ramirez is putting together a spectacular season at the plate. Through his first 43 games, the 22-year-old has tormented Triple-A pitching this year. He is leading the Iowa Cubs in OPS (.942), RBI’s (40), runs (34), and hits (53). year. Known early in his career as a high-contact hitter with modest power, Ramirez has suddenly found his groove in the air, already launching nine home runs while maintaining an average north of .300.

Ramriez also brings versatility as a switch-hitter, a solid defender at second and third base, and he’s starting to take some reps in the outfield.”

When opportunity comes, a team needs to take it. And 2026 may be the Cubs’ window of opportunity to do something big. Reaching for that opportunity, however, may have a steep price.

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Earlier this year, Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong signed a six-year $115 million contract extension. This deal cemented his spot in Chicago’s lineup for years to come. Unfortunately, he has done little this year to live up to the expectations the contract brought with it.

So far this season, Crow-Armstrong is hitting .229/.308/.366 with five home runs, 20 RBI, and 12 stolen bases. In 48 games, he has 15 walks, 50 strikeouts, and one viral interaction with a rival fan.

On Sunday, the Cubs outfielder was caught on camera yelling obscenities back at a Chicago White Sox fan, who had taunted him by shouting “You suck” at him.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong regrets foul language directed at White Sox fan

After being taunted by the fan, who is a woman, Crow-Armstrong yelled back “You suck my d—, you f—— b—-!”

Prior to Chicago’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday, the Cubs outfielder expressed regret over his choice of words, according to ESPN:

“I regret my choice of words the most and who that affects in my life. Directly or indirectly, I don’t think that any of the women in my life would think I would say those kinds of words regularly. I’m just bummed out about the word choice and a bunch of little kids going to social media and seeing that as well.”

It is rather notable that Crow-Armstrong did not express regret about chirping back at the fan. Rather, he said he was sorry about the words that he used, and how he is now viewed as a result of them.

After a pop-out against Milwaukee on Monday, Crow-Armstrong stopped himself from slamming his bat to the ground, as he often does when he makes an out. Hopefully the blowback from his viral outburst will lead to a mature player on the field.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs receive strong trade deadline warning amid star pitcher buzz
• Cubs were given a reality check against the White Sox
• Craig Counsell calls out PCA for vulgar mistake vs White Sox

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Blackhawks are heading into a critical offseason in which they have the goods to make some significant moves.

Not only are the Blackhawks armed with some hefty cap space, but they also boast some impressive draft capital, owning the No. 4 overall selection as well as three second-round picks. And remember: Chicago also possesses three first-rounders next year.

The Blackhawks have shown improvement each of the last two seasons, going from 52 points to 61 and 72, respectively. But now, it’s time for them to take that next step and get Connor Bedard the wing help he so desperately needs.

Chicago is expected to be a major player in both free agency and on the trade market, so it should not come as a surprise that the club has already been linked to some big names.

Most recently, Bleacher Report’s Lucky Ngamwajasat has named the Blackhawks one of the top contenders to land Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch, who was just eliminated from the playoffs and is now set to enter free agency.

Chicago Blackhawks named among favorites to sign Alex Tuch

Tuch will be one of the best options available on the open market this summer and could command a contract worth $64 million over eight years, but Chicago has the funds to absorb him. Ngamwajasat thinks the Blackhawks will be squarely in the mix, tabbing them as one of the top five landing spots for the 30-year-old.

“It might be finally time for general manager Kyle Davidson to open up the wallet and get Connor Bedard some badly needed help on the wing,” Ngamwajasat wrote. “… Money won’t be an issue for Chicago, which has over $40 million in cap space. The question is, will Davidson be desperate enough to make an offer large enough to lure Tuch?

Tuch scored 31 goals while tallying 33 assists this season and has racked up over 30 scores in three of the last four years. He topped out at 36 goals twice in 2022-23 and 2024-25, and during the former campaign, he also registered a career-high 43 assists.

Outside of Tyler Bertuzzi, Bedard has next to no help, so if the Blackhawks were able to snatch Tuch, it would be a major coup for the talented young center.

If Chicago wants to be taken seriously and wants to keep Bedard happy long term, it should absolutely make a strong push for Tuch this July.

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The Chicago Bulls have some money to spend this offseason, and they also own a pair of first-round draft picks. That includes the No. 4 overall selection thanks to some tremendous luck in the lottery.

Ergo, this is an absolutely pivotal summer for the Bulls, who could expedite their rebuild very quickly with the right moves.

Of course, Chicago also needs to be careful not to overspend on any one particular player in free agency, as it could absolutely destroy its chances of long-term success. The last thing the Bulls want to do is lock themselves into a bad multi-year contract.

Taking that into consideration, there are some players Chicago should definitely avoid on the open market, and Detroit Pistons big man Jalen Duren is one of them, especially after his playoff collapse.

However, Andrew Hanlon of Pippen Ain’t Easy actually feels that the Bulls should roll the dice on Duren.

Chicago Bulls urged to make reckless move for Jalen Duren

On the surface, Duren looks like an enticing acquisition. After all, he averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game on 65 percent shooting during the regular season, and he is still just 22 years old. That’s why Hanlon is campaigning for the University of Memphis product.

“The Bulls, on the other hand, are currently in the business of acquiring and developing young talent. They have the time and patience to let Duren work on his outside shot. To let him master defensive coverages. To become a better player without the pressure of the postseason. He’s come so far in just three seasons; how much more dominant could he be in three more?” Hanlon wrote.

Well, there are a plethora of issues when it comes to Duren.

First of all, his offensive game is very limited. He doesn’t space the floor, he has no post game to speak of and he isn’t a very good passer. Second, he actually isn’t a very good defender, particularly in terms of rim protection. He averaged 0.8 blocks per game this season, which is wild for a player with his size and athleticism.

Finally, Duren just put forth one of the most miserable playoff performances you will ever see for a so-called star player.

The former first-round pick could land a $177 million contract in free agency this offseason, which is something the Bulls should absolutely avoid. Such a deal could handicap Chicago’s long-term flexibility, and Duren simply isn’t worth that much even in a vacuum.

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The Chicago White Sox have been one of the top feel-good stories in baseball this season, and much of that has to do with a surprisingly potent lineup that is currently second in the MLB in home runs.

While Munetaka Murakami has stolen the show with 17 homers, the White Sox have also gotten terrific production from Colson Montgomery (13) and Miguel Vargas (11), giving them a very strong upper half of the batting order.

Chicago’s early arrival on the contending scene could absolutely change things for the club as far as the trade deadline is concerned, as Will Venable’s squad might very well turn into a buyer rather than a seller before Aug. 3.

That being said, the White Sox should still be very cautious with how they proceed here, because they absolutely do not want to ruin this rebuild which clearly has them headed in the right direction.

Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter sent Chicago a pretty stern warning in that regard, advising the Southsiders to avoid trading Montgomery at all costs.

Colson Montgomery should be off limits for Chicago White Sox

Now in his second big-league season, Montgomery is slashing .234/.333/.515 with those 13 long balls to go along with 31 RBI, and that follows a strong showing during his rookie campaign when he slashed .239/.311/.529 with 21 dingers and 55 RBI in 71 games.

Teams will surely be asking about Montgomery in trade discussions, but Reuter feels the White Sox shouldn’t budge.

“With breakout slugger Munetaka Murakami signed for just two years before he can again test the open market and aim for greener pastures, Montgomery is the clear choice for the White Sox,” Reuter wrote. “After slugging 21 homers as a rookie, he has a 139 OPS+ with 13 home runs and 1.7 WAR through his first 45 games in 2026.”

In other words, with Murakami potentially bolting Chicago after 2027, the White Sox must ensure Montgomery is still aboard so they aren’t left with nothing.

Not that Chicago would even really consider moving the 24-year-old shortstop, anyway.

Montgomery is under club control through 2031 and has also shown to be a surprisingly good defender at his position. Remember: when he was in the minor leagues, some felt he was ultimately destined for third base, but he has been very impressive at short.

There is absolutely no reason for the White Sox to entertain the thought of moving Montgomery, but if they were thinking about potentially making a trade for an established star (which probably isn’t going to happen), Montgomery should still be off the table.

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The Chicago Cubs will probably be one of the more active teams in baseball between now and the MLB trade deadline, especially considering how much they need starting pitching.

The Cubs have put together a pair of 10-game winning streaks in 2026, but they have gone into a bit of a tailspin recently, having lost seven of their last nine games. While the beginning of this skid had a lot to do with a slumping offense, the pitching staff has been guilty recently, having allowed 31 runs the last four contests.

Chicago has been absolutely ravaged by injuries in its rotation, so the Cubs are expected to nab a top pitcher (or at least a very good arm) before Aug. 3.

The problem is that Chicago would need to pay quite a cost to do that, and it already moved top prospect Owen Caissie to acquire Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins over the winter. So is there anyone the Cubs absolutely shouldn’t trade this season?

Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter has identified the team’s most “untouchable” trade chip: Moises Ballesteros.

Chicago Cubs warned not to trade Moises Ballesteros

Ballesteros has long been one of Chicago’s top prospects and is in his first full big-league season. He got off to a terrific start in 2026 but is now mired in a miserable slump, causing his numbers to dip significantly.

Regardless, the 22-year-old is still slashing a respectable .250/.308/.463 with six home runs and 20 RBI, and Reuter feels that the catcher’s offensive ceiling should result in him being off limits.

“After handing out extensions to Pete Crow-Armstrong and Nico Hoerner during the offseason, the Cubs offensive core is locked up and the pitching staff does not have a clearly untouchable piece aside from the injured Cade Horton. That leaves Ballesteros, who is making the most of an expanded role this year with a 122 OPS+ and 11 extra-base hits in 120 plate appearance,” Reuter wrote.

The downside to Ballesteros is that he may very well end up being a long-term designated hitter, which is the role in which he has actually found himself for most of this season.

Ballesteros has only started two games behind the plate in 2026, and while moving him to first base down the line is a possibility, he just isn’t a very good defender in general. That certainly limits his value to the Cubs, but it might also make him less valuable on the trade market.

So even if Chicago wanted to comprise a trade package centered around Ballesteros, rival clubs may not be all that interested, especially if they already have a DH.

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The Chicago Bears‘ offense actually took a bit of a hit this offseason, as the Bears subtracted both D.J. Moore and Olamide Zacchaeus from their receiving corps heading into Caleb Williams’ pivotal third NFL season.

Last year, Chicago had a ton of depth in its wide receiver room, leading to Williams having an embarrassment of riches at his disposal. Going into 2026, however, the Bears actually have a bit of a question mark at the position.

Yes, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III are still aboard, but Chicago does not have a proven No. 3 receiver. It signed Kalif Raymond in free agency and selected Zavion Thomas in the third round of the NFL Draft, but with neither player guaranteed much of anything, opportunity exists for the Bears at wide out.

There are actually still some free-agent options available, such as Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen and Tyreek Hill, but Chicago does not seem likely to go in that direction.

So could a surprising name actually end up making an impact for the Bears next fall? Anthony Miller of Bear Goggles On thinks so, tabbing undrafted free-agent signing Omari Kelly as someone who could crack the 53-man roster.

Omari Kelly could be a sleeper for the Chicago Bears

Kelly began his collegiate career at Auburn and spent two seasons there between 2022 and 2023 before transferring to Middle Tennessee State. It was there that Kelly broke out, hauling in 53 receptions for 869 yards and four touchdowns.

The Trussville, Al. native then transferred to Michigan State, where he caught 47 passes for 626 yards and a couple of scores last year. And considering that came in the Big Ten, the numbers look considerably more impressive.

Miller thinks Kelly has a shot in the Windy City.

“Kelly can do it all as a receiver and returner, which is something the Bears are looking to add to the roster,” Miller wrote. “He’s more of a slot receiver with his 6-foot size, but he can make plays and use his speed. The Bears are looking for young receivers to step up between WR3 and WR5, so Kelly could surprise a few people by making the roster.”

Kelly does have experience as a returner from his college days, and he returned a punt for a touchdown in 2024. He is versatile enough where he could make Ben Johnson seriously think about adding him to the squad, and again, the Bears definitely need help at wide receiver.

Considering most teams generally keep six wide receivers, Kelly has a great opportunity in Chicago.

The post Bears’ explosive UDFA weapon tabbed as potential roster shocker appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago White Sox have been one of the top teams in Major League Baseball to begin the season. They have been dealing with injuries as well, but one of their key players has yet to suit up. There has been an update to his status, and it is not great news. Let’s take a closer look at who it is and what this means for the White Sox going forward.

Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel suffers an injury during a rehab assignment

The White Sox have been excited to get catcher Kyle Teel back in the lineup. However, it appears they will have to wait a bit longer until he is able to do so. On Monday, Teel was officially diagnosed with a sprained right lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in his knee. He is expected to require 3-6 weeks of rest and rehabilitation before being able to return to Chicago.

Teel has not been able to have much luck in terms of injuries in 2026. He originally suffered a hamstring strain in the 2026 World Baseball Classic back on March 11. Teel was working through a rehab assignment and looking solid before suffering this injury. However, he tweaked his knee while swinging the bat on Saturday during his fourth rehab game. Teel was looking solid in his rehab outings, going 4-for-15 with a homer and two RBI at Triple-A Charlotte.

Currently, the White Sox have Drew Romo and Edgar Quero on the 26-man roster. However, this injury could potentially leave Teel out until July. Teel played in 78 games last year with the White Sox and posted a .786 OPS with eight homers, 35 RBI, and 38 runs scored. It will be intriguing to see when he is able to get back on the field and in the middle of Chicago’s lineup.

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The Chicago Blackhawks are getting ready for one of their most significant offseasons in recent memory. They have a bevvy of salary cap space and some major draft capital to improve the roster. There are some decisions that general manager Kyle Davidson and his staff need to make, but could they get something for an impending free agent in six weeks? Let’s take a closer look at the rumors swirling around Chicago.

The Chicago Blackhawks could trade away Ilya Mikheyev’s rights

During Monday’s edition of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Sportsnet’s Eliotte Friedman reported that the Blackhawks are making pending unrestricted free agent forward Ilya Mikheyev’s signing rights available via trade. Mikheyev is approaching the end of his four-year deal, which he signed in July 2022.

Mikheyev signed the contract with the Vancouver Canucks, but was dealt to Chicago alongside a second-round pick for a fourth-round selection. He spent the previous two seasons with the Blackhawks and had the best statistical production of his career. In 157 games in Chicago, he has 70 points (38 goals, 32 assists). The 31-year-old right winger can be a good player when on the ice, but is not going to put up major point totals.

There will certainly be a market to acquire Mikheyev this offseason, but having his rights puts that team in a better position to negotiate. Finding the right landing spot is critical for the winger, but an expiring asset is not going to net a big return.

Whatever the Blackhawks would get for this is not going to be much of anything. However, getting an asset of any kind for an expiring contract would be better than letting him just hit unrestricted free agency. It will be intriguing to see what a potential return for Chicago will be for the veteran winger.

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The Indiana Fever played shorthanded on Sunday against the Seattle Storm. Aliyah Boston missed her first WNBA game after she sustained a knee injury versus the Washington Mystics two days earlier.

Myisha Hines-Allen started in her place, and there is no clear timeline for Boston’s return. Boston was expected to be a key contributor this season and came off an All-Star campaign. The center appeared in all 44 regular-season games, averaging 15.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals.

Boston hobbled to the sideline in the third quarter against the Mystics and went to the locker room. The team announced in the fourth period that they had ruled her out for the remainder of the matchup. Indiana head coach Stephanie White labeled her as day-to-day.

Makayla Timpson adds to Indiana Fever’s injury woes

Makayla Timpson and Storm guard Jade Melbourne collided late in the fourth quarter on Sunday. The Fever forward-center was hit on the face and headed to the locker room with a towel covering her mouth. She did not return.

White said during her postgame availability that there’s no update on Timpson’s status, per Fever reporter Chloe Peterson of the Indianapolis Star.

Indiana supporters are now bracing for more potential bad news on Timpson amid Boston’s injury.

“It feels like we can’t get away from injuries smh,” a comment on X read.

The second-year forward finished the game with six points, six rebounds and one assist in 17 minutes. She is a regular in the rotation, averaging 11.0 minutes per game.

The Fever gave Timpson more playing time with Boston sidelined, but they will likely field Myisha Hines-Allen more should Timpson miss time.

Indiana won its second game of the season despite the injuries. Caitlin Clark posted 21 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists, while Kelsey Mitchell and Sophie Cunningham contributed 17 points each.

Timpson’s next chance to play will be on Wednesday when the Fever host the Portland Fire at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The team is expected to provide an update in the coming days about her and Boston’s availability.

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The Cubs ended their nine-game road trip with a thud as they lost to the Chicago White Sox 8-7 in 10 innings on Sunday. The Cubs ended their road trip with a disappointing 3-6 record. They still have a 1.5 game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers, against whom the Cubs play a crucial three-game series starting on Monday at Wrigley Field.

The Cubs finished with a familiar, infuriating storyline: runners in scoring position, opportunities everywhere, and nothing to show for it. The Cubs went 2-for-15 with runners in scoring position and stranded 13 total runners on base over the course of the 10-inning thriller.

Every time the scoring opportunity came up, the Cubs slammed it shut on themselves. This is becoming a disturbing pattern. A team that tightens up when the leverage rises. A lineup that can get on base but can’t deliver the knockout punch. It puts immense pressure on hitting coach Dustin Kelly as to why things have not improved at all.

And when you can’t hit in big spots, you need your pitching to hold. The Cubs didn’t get that either on Sunday.

Starter Colin Rea held a 4-1 lead entering the fourth inning. But he hit Miguel Vargas and surrendered an RBI double to Andrew Benintendi. Then in the fifth, Vargas hit a game-tying, two-run double with two outs, ending Rea’s outing. Rea’s season ERA is now at 4.98 with a 1.43 WHIP over 47 total innings pitched.

After both Jacob Webb and Hoby Milner came in and shut down the White Sox, Counsell pulled Milner and put in Phil Maton with one out in the bottom of the eighth. Maton quickly recorded the second out. But he issued a walk and surrendered a single to put two runners aboard, and Tristan Peters jumped on an 85 mph sweeper and launched a three-run home run to break the 4-4 tie. It was the first major league home run of Peters’ career.

His stats after Sunday’s game paint a hollow picture.

• ERA: 9.49
• Innings pitched: 12.1
• Hits allowed: 16
• Earned Runs: 13
• Walks: 6
• Strikeouts: 16

After tying the game thanks to Michael Conforto’s three-run homer and taking the lead in the top of the tenth, Ryan Rolison was thrust into a high‑leverage spot after closer Daniel Palencia pitched in the ninth. But he gave up a walk-off 2-run home run to catcher Edgar Quero.

It was a brutal ending, but not a surprising one.

The spotlight is now solely on Jed Hoyer

Craig Counsell deserves much scrutiny over how he handled pitchers on Sunday. But to be fair, the man who is responsible, Jed Hoyer, deserves more tough questions and needs to be in the spotlight. Counsell does not have much to work with.

This organization has spent years avoiding building a real pitching infrastructure under his leadership. He continues to patch bullpens together with short‑term journeymen like Maton, Hector Neris, and Ryan Pressley with terrible results. Ironically. All three have pitched with the Houston Astros in the past, which is a disturbing trend.

Maton signed a 2-year, $14.5 million guaranteed contract with a club option for 2028. The Cubs can’t send him down to the minors nor release him and eat the remainder of his contract like they did with Pressley.

Meanwhile, the starting pitching outside of Shota Imanaga, Edward Cabrera, and Ben Brown is not reliable. Both Rea and Taillon are both on borrowed time. Hoyer has prioritized “safer” college bats in the draft, albeit with great success. But it has left the Cubs with no reinforcements available in their farm system anytime soon.

They were given a reality check from the ascending White Sox during the Crosstown Series. They can no longer hide their lack of improvement in both situational hitting and pitching. Unless Hoyer changes his approach, games like this will keep happening.

The post The Cubs were given a reality check against the White Sox appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams joined thousands of fans at Soldier Field on Sunday night to watch Bruno Mars perform. The Grammy-winning superstar brought “The Romantic Tour” to the iconic lakefront stadium on May 16 and 17. 

The two shows, which were both sold out, were among Chicago’s biggest entertainment events this spring. Tens of thousands of fans filled the venue each night to see the 40-year-old pop icon perform live. Mars delivered a setlist featuring hits such as “Just the Way You Are,” “Treasure” and “24K Magic.”

The Chicago stop marked his first stadium tour in more than a decade. The tour itself has already made history. It shattered Live Nation’s record for single-day ticket sales during its initial pre-sale, with 2.1 million tickets sold.

Initially scheduled for 39 dates, the tour was expanded to more than 70 stops across North America. Mars will soon visit other major cities, including Atlanta, Detroit, Miami, Nashville, Tampa and Philadelphia. The historic run began April 10 in Las Vegas and is set to end in Mexico City in December.

Caleb Williams’ one-word reaction to Bruno Mars’ show in Chicago

Following the show, Williams posted a short clip on his Instagram story showing the 16-time Grammy winner singing on stage. The Bears star kept his reaction simple, writing just one word on the video that carried high praise.

“Legend,” Williams captioned his post. 

The 24-year-old quarterback frequently attends concerts and music festivals during his time away from the field. In April, Williams’ appearance at Coachella caused a stir among Bears fans. It came after he was spotted in a VIP area with reality TV stars Kendall and Kylie Jenner.

Williams hanging out with the Jenner sisters sparked online discussion about the so-called “Kardashian curse.” It is a pop culture myth claiming that athletes or celebrities linked to the Kardashian-Jenner family experience career setbacks.

Fans urged Williams to stay away from the sisters, with many expressing concern about potential distractions ahead of the 2026 season. They said they want to avoid anything that could negatively impact the team, especially their quarterback. 

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Things got a little bit chippy between Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and a Chicago White Sox fan on Sunday at the unfriendly confines on the Southside at Rate Field.

A fan heckled Crow-Armstrong after he missed an opportunity to get out of the fifth inning with a catch at the wall. Instead, he misplaced the ball, allowing the White Sox to tie up the game before eventually winning 9-8 in extra innings.

After the game, PCA said the fan talked (expletive), and he felt the need to “say it back.”

On Monday, Cubs manager Craig Counsell said the choice of words was a mistake for the outfielder.

“Pete made a mistake with his choice of words,” Counsell said, via ESPN. “He’s aware of that. … It’s the reality of this job. Fan interactions happen. You want to try and keep them positive even when they’re not.”

More News: Chicago Cubs top prospect moved to left field, igniting speculation

Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong regretted his words

On Monday, Crow-Armstrong said he regretted his language.

“Directly or indirectly, I don’t think that any of the women in my life would think I would say those kinds of words regularly,” he said. “I’m just bummed out about the word choice and a bunch of little kids going to social media and seeing that as well… “I saw the cameras in my face, it’s not like I didn’t.

“I’m definitely aware of the fact that it has blown up. … I am intense on the field. In a moment like that, I think I let it get away from me a little bit.”

The incident was a learning experience for the 24-year-old budding star. His frustration was understandable after making the mistake. He’s been cold at the plate in recent weeks.

Still, he allowed the White Sox crowd to get in his head, and that’s the bigger story. He needed to collect himself and make the fan base pay at the plate. Instead, he finished 0-for-3 at-bat, as the White Sox won the crosstown series 2-1.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Blackhawks have some moves they need to make this offseason to get into the contending window. After a season where they finished 29-39-14 record and received the fourth pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, there is a chance to significantly improve the roster. There are different ways the Blackhawks can attack this offseason, but what free agent should they target? Let’s take a closer look at who one outlet believes they should go after.

The Chicago Blackhawks can target Mario Ferraro in free agency

The Athletic had their NHL staff create an article highlighting one player each team should target in free agency. For Chicago, they had San Jose Sharks left defenseman Mario Ferraro as the team’s target. Below is what Blackhawks writer Scott Powers wrote about this fit:

“The Blackhawks could use a veteran defenseman to bring some stability to their young group. They probably have a little more flexibility on the left side than the right, so someone such as Ferraro could make sense. From his defensive play to his toughness to his puck-moving ability, he could fit in well with what Chicago already has. The main question is whether the Blackhawks would be willing to sign him to a long-term deal.”

Ferraro has spent his entire career with San Jose. The former second-round pick in 2017 has 114 points (24 goals, 90 assists) in 390 career games. He has been the model of playing every game, only missing eight games over the course of the previous three seasons. Ferraro signed a four-year, $13 million extension with the Sharks following his rookie contract, so it will be intriguing to see how much more than the $3.25 million average annual value he will command on the free agent market.

Chicago has some depth at the left defense position with Alex Vlasic and Wyatt Kaiser, but they could certainly use some veteran leadership at the position. The Blackhawks have the cap space available to make upgrades like Ferraro happen, so it will be intriguing to see how general manager Kyle Davidson and his staff address ways to improve the roster this offseason.

The post The Chicago Blackhawks should target this free agent, per The Athletic appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The first edition of the Crosstown Classic is in the books and it was a thriller. After the Chicago Cubs took game one on Friday, the Chicago White Sox ran away with game two on Saturday.

But it was Sunday that provided the fireworks.

The Cubs jumped out to an early lead before the White Sox rallied to tie it. They took the lead in the eighth inning on a three-run home run before the Cubs answers with a three-run shot of their own in the ninth. The White Sox then won it with a two-run walk off in extra innings. The game had it all including a confrontation between star outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and a White Sox fan.

While that play drew a lot of attention for what happened after it was what Crow-Armstrong said about his opponent after the game that should be the talking point.

Pete Crow-Armstrong ‘appreciates’ how White Sox play

Following the game, Crow-Armstrong talked to reporters at his locker. Despite the defeat, he had nothing put positive things to say about his opponent, including how he appreciates how they play.

“I feel like I can relate to a lot of those guys. I appreciate how a lot of them play,” Crow-Armstrong said. “It’s a good ballclub and they’re playing good baseball. It’s good for the city that they’ve got two good teams going and having a lot of success this year.”

Crow-Armstrong might be hated by White Sox fans, but his quote is right.

Both teams being good is great for the city of Chicago. It makes the rivalry a lot more fun and in this case, the wait for the second edition can’t come soon enough.

While the Cubs were projected to be good this year and a favorite to win their division, the White Sox are a surprise team. They are over .500 and have been one of baseball’s best stories. Can they keep it up? Time will tell but for now, it’s good to enjoy the success.

The post Pete Crow-Armstrong has praise for Chicago White Sox success this season appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Sophie Cunningham struggled early in the season. Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White started her in the first three games, but she did not exactly stuff the stat sheet.

The 6-foot-1 guard registered averages of 7.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. While Cunningham made 50.0% of her shots, she only attempted 2.7 per game, including just two in the season opener against the Dallas Wings. Fans expected her to be a key contributor entering the season after she fully recovered from the knee injury she sustained last year.

Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell have been doing the heavy lifting for Indiana, but they need help. The good news for the team is Monique Billings and Lexie Hull are doing their best to support the backcourt duo.

Indiana Fever: Stephanie White moves Sophie Cunningham to the bench

White switched things up on Sunday. With the Fever at 1-2, she made changes to the starting lineup, inserting Lexie Hull and Myisha Hines-Allen. The veteran guard took Cunningham’s place, while Hines-Allen started for the injured Aliyah Boston.

Indiana posted its starting unit on Instagram ahead of tipoff.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Indiana Fever (@indianafever)

Fans had mixed reactions to White’s decision on Cunningham.

“Not starting Sophie should be criminal…” a fan wrote.

“Yeah Lexie!!!👏🔥🔥,” a reaction read.

“This lineup is not where it’s at,” one user said.

“No Sophie? 😔 Boston is obviously out but their starting 5 were killing it. I love Lexie but I like Sophie’s offense getting them started…..but I’ll be cheering them on regardless,” posted another.

“Yesss yall starting big lex I use to pray for times like this fr,” another fan wrote.

“Fire this coach,” a comment read.

Cunningham delivered her best game of the season. She scored 17 points on 5-for-9 shooting, along with three rebounds. The 29-year-old aggressively attacked her defenders, which resulted in six free-throw attempts that she converted. Hull, on the other hand, played decently, posting nine points, four rebounds and two assists.

White also gave Cunningham 25 minutes of playing time compared to Hull’s 19. It remains to be seen if the head coach will keep the same starting five on Wednesday versus the Portland Fire, as it worked wonders and led to the team’s second win.

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The Chicago Bears only have two viable options for the new stadium project, per the NFL Stadium Council.

The Bears are set to decide between locations at Arlington Heights and Hammond, Indiana. The choice is expected to come sometime this summer.

The team is anxiously awaiting the Illinois Senate to add amendments to and pass a megaprojects bill that passed the House earlier this spring. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson wants to keep the Bears in the city, but Illinois JB Pritzker suggested there is no feasible plan for the team to stay.

But is there a good plan for the Bears to move to Arlington Heights?

Local leaders have their skepticism about the Bears’ infrastructure plans.

Per Chris Placek of the Daily Herald, Jim Schwantz of Palatine, Lara Sanoica of Rolling Meadows, and Tom Dailly of Schaumburg have asked state leaders to be in on discussions regarding infrastructure upgrades to areas around the new stadium in Arlington Heights.

Those leaders are “expressing frustration” that the Bears have not concluded and released a transportation/traffic study the team has been working on. The analysis has not been completed despite the Bears having purchased the property at Arlington Heights in 2023.

More News: ‘Wrench’ thrown into Arlington Heights hope via Illinois Senate

The Chicago Bears haven’t finished their traffic study

More News: While NFL whips Bears, league helped out Packers big-time

The mayors addressed their concerns to Pritzker, Senate President Don Harmon and House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch.

“Our main concern is that state decision makers are relying on the Chicago Bears Football Club to determine what infrastructure needs to be included,” the mayors wrote in a letter dated April 2.

“The team likely will focus on a ‘range ring’ of one mile or less and we believe state leaders must see the larger picture, including improvements needed two to three miles from the stadium site.”

The mayors are understandably worried that the traffic will jam in surrounding cities. If the stadium hosts the Super Bowl and other large market events, supporting infrastructure will be critical for local citizens to go about their daily lives.

It’s curious why the Bears haven’t finished their traffic studies at this point. The team is set to provide an update on their plans at the league meeting in Orlando on Tuesday, but the Bears are lagging behind in the basics for state and local leaders.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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Caleb Williams embraced the City of Chicago since the Bears drafted him at No. 1 in 2024. The quarterback also proved last year that he can lead the Chicago Bears franchise to success with him under center.

The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner guided Chicago to the Divisional Round last year after missing the playoffs in his rookie campaign. He produced strong numbers, completing 377-of-658 passes for 4,560 yards, 32 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 19 games.

The Bears signed key additions this offseason to surround Williams with more talent. They will pursue a deeper playoff run this coming season despite facing the toughest schedule in the NFL. Chicago will also play seven primetime games, giving the team more visibility across the country.

Caleb Williams enjoys dinner with Matas Buzelis, Pete Crow-Armstrong

Williams has been hanging out with Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis. They have formed a close friendship and watched a baseball and soccer games together. Another Chicago athlete joined them for dinner on Saturday.

A photo of Williams, Buzelis and Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong out for dinner is currently making the rounds on social media.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bearsszn (@bearsszn)

Fans dropped some hilarious takes in the comments section.

“It’s time for Caleb to add someone from the White Sox to his crew,” a reaction read.

“This looks like a picture from 2005. Obsessed,” one fan said.

“Squad looking zesty,” posted another.

“Now I understand why these guys wear uniforms,” one user commented.

“so will Matas get replaced in this friend group with whoever the Bulls draft at 4?” one fan reacted.

“Caleb look like he advertising for a stepdad commercial😂😂,” another comment read.

Buzelis and the Bulls are experiencing an extended offseason after failing to make the playoffs. They finished 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 31-51 record. The good news is that the franchise will have the No. 4 pick in the 2026 draft and will get a chance to add a key piece.

Meanwhile, Crow-Armstrong and the Cubs are competing in the middle of their season. They sit at the top of the NL Central with a 29-18 win-loss slate.

The post The funniest reactions to Caleb Williams’ night out with Matas Buzelis, Pete Crow-Armstrong appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Indiana Fever announced its Instagram followers reached 1 million. It was a historic milestone for the team, as no other WNBA franchise had hit that mark before. Indiana’s popularity began to rise after drafting Caitlin Clark first overall in 2024.

After a standout college career with the Iowa Hawkeyes, the 24-year-old guard quickly became one of the WNBA’s biggest attractions. The “Caitlin Clark effect” became noticeable during her 2024 rookie season. Her long-range shooting and playmaking ability helped boost game attendance and television viewership.

Merchandise sales also increased after Clark shattered several rookie records, including most points and most three-pointers made. Her standout debut campaign earned her the WNBA Rookie of the Year honors as she led the team to its first playoff appearance since 2016.

Caitlin Clark reacts to Indiana Fever’s social media milestone

On Saturday, the Fever announced the record-breaking news on Instagram by posting a star-studded graphic with the word “1M.”

“1 MILLY 🎉🥹… first WNBA team to reach 1 million followers on Instagram!” the team added in its caption.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Indiana Fever (@indianafever)

It didn’t take long for Clark to join the comments section. She wasted no time looking ahead to the next goal.

“Road to 2m starts now,” the Fever star wrote, before adding: “Yeah we r like that.”

The “Caitlin Clark effect” continues to show no signs of slowing down as the 2026 season progresses. Every Fever matchup will now be shown on national television and widely covered by the media.

Game highlights and clips are also spreading quickly across social media. Almost every update about the team triggers strong reactions from fans across the league.

With Clark leading the roster and drawing major attention, the Fever continue to grow on and off the court. Indiana is no longer just a local-fanbase basketball team. It has evolved into a defining brand that shapes women’s sports, and the 6-foot guard has been instrumental in that change. 

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The Chicago Cubs clearly need some reinforcements between now and the MLB trade deadline, and their recent slide has been concrete evidence of that.

While the Cubs do have a pair of 10-game winning streaks under their belt this season, they have now lost six of their last eight games as many of their issues are starting to come to a head.

During their series loss to the Chicago White Sox over the weekend, pitching became more and more of a problem for the Cubbies, as we saw them surrender 22 runs to their crosstown rivals during that three-game set.

The Cubs are currently dealing with a plethora of injuries to their starting rotation, and they could afford to add some bullpen help, as well. As a result, you should probably expect Jed Hoyer to be diligently working the phones in the coming weeks and months to try and patch things up.

But while big names like Freddy Peralta, Robbie Ray and Sonny Gray have been floated as the top potential trade targets for Chicago, Jake Misener of Cubbies Crib has shared another possibility that will surely make Cubs fans bristle: San Francisco Giants reliever Caleb Kilian.

Could the Chicago Cubs reunite with Caleb Kilian?

Cubs fans surely remember Kilian from the infamous Kris Bryant deal back in 2021, when Chicago sent its beloved former MVP to the Giants in exchange for Kilian and Alexander Canario.

Neither player is with the Cubs organization any longer, but Misener feels that a reunion could be in the cards. Should it be?

Kilian struggled mightily during his time in Chicago, logging a 9.22 ERA through eight appearances and five starts. He ultimately signed with San Francisco back in December and seems to have found his way in the Bay, having posted a 1.80 ERA while allowing 10 hits and registering 21 strikeouts over 20 innings of work.

That being said, there are still some concerns for the 20-year-old, such as the fact that he has walked 12 batters and owns a rather alarming 4.90 FIP, indicating that he has gotten pretty lucky with his ERA. His .156 BABIP is evidence of that, as well. In fact, FanGraphs has him at a negative-0.2 WAR.

There is certainly a chance — if not a likelihood — that Kilian comes crashing back down to earth, and Misener made sure to note that in his piece. But if he somehow continues at this pace, the Cubs might have no choice but to consider bringing him back in a trade.

The post Cubs linked to stunning trade target that will make fans shudder appeared first on ChiCitySports.

If there is one position group that head coach Ben Johnson has relentlessly prioritized overhauling in his image since arriving last winter as Chicago Bears head coach, it’s at wide receiver.

Despite selecting Rome Odunze with a top-10 pick in 2024, the Bears chose Luther Burden in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. This spring, Johnson, general manager Ryan Poles and the Bears not only traded veteran receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills, but rounded back in the draft to select former LSU standout Zavion Thomas in the third round of last month’s 2026 NFL Draft.

It’s early, but Thomas is already making quite an impression on the Bears’ staff this spring.

Zavion Thomas turning heads among Chicago Bears coaching staff

At LSU, Thomas was a dynamo in the return game while contributing quality snaps on offense, and it’s easy to see why.

During the pre-draft process, Thomas ran the 40-yard dash in a blazing 4.28 seconds during the NFL Combine. With rookie minicamp in the rearview mirror, Bears offensive coordinator Press Taylor says that speed is already translating.

How Thomas fits into a crowded receiving corps, and target hierarchy from quarterback Caleb Williams that also includes ascending tight end Colston Loveland remains to be seen.

However, after catching 41 passes for 488 yards and four touchdowns last season, if Thomas’ speed is as impactful at the NFL level as it was in college, the Bears’ special teams and return game, specifically, could be about to level up significantly this season.

The post ‘Speed’ Chicago Bears rookie making electrifying first impression on coaches appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The vibes are great for the Chicago White Sox right now, as they just beat the Chicago Cubs two out of three courtesy of a walkoff three-run home run by Edgar Quero, of all people.

The White Sox are now two games over .500 for the first time since 2022, and they are proving more and more to be serious challengers in the AL Central. However, if Chicago wants to win the division, it will need to shore up some weak spots.

Like the catcher position, for example.

Yes, Quero did send the Cubs packing on Sunday, but that was his first home of the year, and he is slashing just .176/.264/.220 on the season. He has been a black hole in the White Sox’s lineup, and while Drew Romo does have four long balls since being called up, he is batting a paltry .184.

The hope was that Kyle Teel would re-join the club rather soon, but he just had a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury, complaining of knee soreness.

Chicago White Sox have a major problem despite the good vibes

There is no question Chicago is playing some fantastic baseball. It has won seven of its last eight games thanks to a surprisingly potent lineup that features three players who have already smashed double-figure home runs this season. In fact, the White Sox are second only to the New York Yankees in long balls.

Munetaka Murakami has been a revelation, Colson Montgomery is proving why the Sox made him a first-round pick in 2021 and Miguel Vargas has been mashing. But lineup depth has been a big problem for the Southsiders thus far, and it will continue to be an issue if Teel remains sidelined.

Quero definitely showed promise in 2025, slashing a respectable .268/.333/.356. Sure, the power left plenty to be desired, but the White Sox could live with Quero getting on base at a .333 clip. It’s certainly a heck of a lot better than what we’ve seen from him this year, and he has exhibited no signs of coming out of it (outside of one game against the Cubs).

So what will Chicago do if it turns out Teel will have to miss considerably more time? Will it just live with its current setup? Will it go out and make a trade?

While the team’s trio of boppers is nice, the White Sox probably can’t survive with having three or four reliable hitters (Sam Antonacci has also been really solid) and then a bunch of near-automatic with little to no pop in the rest of the lineup.

Chicago is certainly a fun story right now, but you have to wonder if the bubble will eventually burst.

The post White Sox have a disturbing new problem following thrilling win over Cubs appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have not been known as a free-spending organization. As a matter of fact, up until this past offseason, Cubs ownership has been blasted for being too conservative and frugal with their money as a major market team.

More News: Chicago Cubs claim another pitcher off waivers, spotlighting roster desperation

That impression has changed somewhat in 2026.

Chicago signed free agent third baseman Alex Bregman to a 5-year, $175 million contract in the offseason. They then reached deals with center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and second baseman Nico Hoerner, signing 6-year deals with both for $115 million and $141 million, respectively.

In total, the Cubs have spent $431 million to secure the team’s foundation for the next several years. But there’s at least one more extension that needs to be explored.

Extend Carson Kelly now

More News: Chicago Cubs roster moves: Assad to Iowa, Blach from Iowa, Harvey to 60-Day IL

Catcher Carson Kelly has been an unsung MVP for this team since he came aboard prior to the 2025 season.

The veteran is currently sporting a slash line of .300/.389/.409 with an OPS of .798 and a WAR of 1.0. He’s also been playing his usual stellar game behind the plate and is brilliant at working with pitchers.

Last season, signed to the team on a 2-year, $11.5 million contract, he helped carry the offense early on with a career-best power run and then settled into the role of steadying anchor the rest of the way. The raw numbers—17 home runs, 50 RBIs, .249 average—don’t come close to telling the full story of how much the team has benefited from Kelly.

The soon-to-be 32-year-old could be a free agent after the end of this season as his contract presents a mutual option. From the Cubs’ side of things, it should be a no-brainer to welcome him back. The team’s other catcher Miguel Amaya has been decent—and was designated the co-starter last season—but Kelly is clearly THE Cubs catcher.

Making the extension work

Realistically, he WILL be well into year 32 by the time 2027 starts, so a four or five-year deal wouldn’t work. Sure, Alex Bregman started this 2026 season as a 32-year-old, but catcher is a much more demanding position than third base. Plus, Bregman has a longer body of successful work.

But Kelly deserves years.

Cole Bair of Bleacher Nation recently expressed this same opinion amid concerns over other Cubs heading into their free agent years:

“There’s understandably been a lot of talk about contract extensions this season with PCA and Nico Hoerner signing, and Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki both set to become free agents after this season. May I lobby for the conversation to heat up about an extension for Kelly? Miguel Amaya has been okay, but Kelly is once again making it clear who the majority of the playing time should go to behind the plate. He’ll turn 32 in July, so does a two-year deal with a team option for a third get it done?”

Two years with an option for a third, with a nice raise for his efforts, sounds about right. The Cubs need to make it happen.

The post Chicago Cubs need to pull the trigger on one more extension appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Blackhawks have missed the playoffs six years in a row, representing their longest drought since 1952. But that doesn’t mean it’s all bad for the club.

The Blackhawks are set up pretty well this offseason, owning a fair chunk of cap space as well as a wealth of draft capital. Not only does Chicago boast the No. 4 overall selection in this year’s NHL Draft, but it also lays claim to three second-round picks. Plus, the Blackhawks have three 2027 first-round draft choices in their back pocket, as well.

As a result, Chicago has positioned itself nicely on the trade market. If the Blackhawks want to acquire a star player like Jason Robertson or Matthew Knies to put alongside of Connor Bedard and Tyler Bertuzzi, they certainly have the assets to make it happen.

And if Chicago really wants to, it could also move down from the No. 4 overall pick to further add to its growing stash of draft capital, and that is exactly what Nestor Quixtan of Blackhawk Up suggested in a recent piece.

Chicago Blackhawks linked to huge trade with St. Louis Blues

If the Blackhawks aren’t enamored with whoever is on the board when they are on the clock, they ultimately could choose to sell off the pick and reap a hefty return, and in Quixtan’s example, Chicago would send the fourth overall selection to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for three first-rounders.

“Then, there’s the possibility of another team looking to move up. For example, a team like the St. Louis Blues, that has three first-rounders, could look to weaponize that abundance of picks to move up,” Quixtan wrote. ” The Blackhawks could send St. Louis the fourth pick in exchange for the 11th, 15th, and 31st picks. For St. Louis, the move would allow them to bring in an impact layer to further their rebuild. For Chicago, three additional first-rounders would give the club more opportunities to draft solid prospects to complement the abundance of high-end talent.”

Such a move would also provide the Blackhawks with even more ammunition to use in trades, and they would then still have some draft assets left over because of it.

The question is whether or not Chicago would value three mid-to-late first-round picks over a top-five selection. For a team that is actually trying to consolidate, using all three selections may not be the best move. But again, the idea here is for the Blackhawks to stockpile as many assets as possible to use in potential trades and create flexibility.

If Chicago were able to swing such a deal, it would then possess six draft picks over the first two rounds, which would make the Blackhawks the envy of the league. It’s absolutely something they should consider in the coming weeks.

The post Blackhawks linked to huge NHL Draft trade that would make other teams envious appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears have spent the off-season addressing a variety of needs on their roster. After winning the NFC North with an 11-6 record in 2025, expectations are high in Chicago. Offensively, they are going to continue to rely on the young talent they already have to put points on the board.

Defensively, though, some serious questions remain. Will the reformed secondary be as adept at creating turnovers as last year’s group? With so many new players on the roster at cornerback and safety, it is a valid and understandable question.

A great deal of their success in this depart will rely on the effectiveness of their pass rush, which has been a position that Chicago has not addressed much this off-season.

Chicago Bears named best fit for future Hall of Famer Von Miller

Due to their lack of pass rush success in 2025, there are concerns that this same weakness could lead to struggles in 2026. ESPN suggests that Chicago, therefore, is the best fit for future Hall of Fame pass rusher Von Miller, who remains a free agent:

“The Bears are awaiting the return of edge rushers Dayo Odeying”bo (Achilles) and Shemar Turner (torn ACL), and the team didn’t take an edge rusher in the draft. That could open the door for Miller as a sub-package defender for Chicago.

“At this stage of his career, Miller is best used as a true designated pass rusher. He had a team-high nine sacks for the Commanders last season.”

As mentioned above, Miller had 9.0 sacks as a designated pass rusher for the Washington Commanders last season. He currently has 138.5 career sacks, the most among active NFL players.

He would not be an every down player at this point, but Miller’s experience and leadership could help the Bears defense take the next step. A two-time Super Bowl Champion, he also knows what teams need to do in order to reach the highest level in the game.

The issue, though, is Chicago’s salary cap. They would have to re-work a couple of contracts in order to sign Miller, even for the league minimum (which he may not accept). Still, it would be worth giving him a try.

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For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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