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Duane Pesice Duane writes the Cub Tracks and Baseball history unpacked features and occasional articles. He also writes horror and science fiction, has eleven books to his credit, and has had more than 200 short stories published.
We cover the coverage like PCA covers center field.
Keegan Thompson won’t be back, several sources say. El Jaguar had sports hernia surgery and is expected to be able to play in the spring.. The various options for Shōta Imanaga and Kyle Tucker are surely being explored, as are the possibilities of extending a few of the other players.
The 2026 team will have some new faces. Which faces? We do not know yet. Developments, you know.
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- Tony Andracki and Andy Martinez (Marquee Sports Network*): Evaluating whether 2025 Cubs season, playoff run was a success. “Yes…with an asterisk.”
- Zoe Grossman (Marquee Sports Network*): Cade Horton injury update: How Cubs rookie’s offseason might play out. “Horton is no stranger to navigating an offseason after injury.”
- Andy Martinez (Marquee Sports Network*): Jed Hoyer, Cubs have interesting Shota Imanaga contract conundrum this winter. “A few months ago, this was a no-brainer.”
- Sahadev Sharma (The Athletic {$}): As playoffs show importance of pitching depth, Cubs will continue search for more arms. “… finding more depth is a near obsession for front offices across the game.”
- Thomas Domol (North Side Baseball*): Michael Busch’s October legacy is just getting started. “… the Cubs’ first baseman left fans wanting to see more in October. And he’s already given us a lot.“
- Patrick Mooney(The Athletic {$}): After making the big trade, do the Cubs even know what Kyle Tucker wants as a free agent? “When we were at our best, Kyle was at his best,” Hoyer said.
- Andrew Seligman (AP*): Kyle Tucker’s decision looms large as Cubs look toward future after making playoffs. Imanaga, too.
- Evan Altman (Cubs Insider*): Signing Alex Bregman may top list of Cubs’ options to replace Kyle Tucker’s production. “… all signs point to the club moving in a different direction.”
- Andy Martinez (Marquee Sports Network*): Cubs outfielder Kevin Alcántara to undergo offseason core surgery. “Alcántara is an interesting player for the Cubs next year.“ Maddie Lee has more* {$}.
- Matthew Trueblood (North Side Baseball*): How much extra money will young Cubs stars make based on new MLB rules and playoff shares? “How will that affect their futures with the team?”
- Jesse Borek (MLB.com*): After TJ, former two-way player Mathis leads Cubs crop in Arizona Fall League. “… those first steps of development can often be the most important.”
- Paul Sullivan (Chicago Tribune* {$}): 12 things we missed while giving our undivided attention to the Chicago Cubs playoff run. “… Jed Hoyer brought his best sports coat out of the closet again.”
Food for thought:
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