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Free Agent Closer Talking to Cubs About Reunion

By
Aldo Soto
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Apr 17, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher David Robertson (37) reacts in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs are actively looking to add one or multiple(?) high-leverage relievers and the latest name to publicly surface is 39-year-old David Robertson.

According to Chicago baseball insider Bruce Levine, Robertson has been in talks with the Cubs about a reunion. Back in 2022, Robertson signed a one-year deal on the North Side following his first season back from Tommy John surgery. The long-time reliever has had a resurgence in the past three seasons and as he prepares to enter his age-40 season in 2025, Robertson could be returning to the Cubs.

Robertson missed almost all of the 2019 season, did not return in 2020 and was limited to 12 innings with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021, when the reliever was fully recovered from Tommy John surgery. The Cubs signed him to a deal worth $3.5 million in guaranteed money and $1.5 million in incentives.

After recording a 2.23 ERA and 14 saves with the Cubs in 36 appearances Robertson was traded to the Phillies for pitching prospect Ben Brown. Robertson finished the year with a 2.40 ERA in 63.2 innings between his time in Chicago and Philadelphia. Since then, the righty has pitched for the New York Mets, Miami Marlins and spent last season with the Texas Rangers.

Despite his age, Robertson has been one of the most consistent relievers in the game during the past three years.

David Robertson 2022-24
2022: 63.2 IP, 2.40 ERA, 30.7 K%, 13.3 BB%, 1.16 WHIP
2023: 65.1 IP, 3.03 ERA, 29.0 K%, 9.3 BB%, 1.19 WHIP
2024: 72 IP, 3.00 ERA, 33.4 K%, 9.1 BB%, 1.11 WHIP

Those 2024 numbers were elite, 99 strikeouts ranked sixth most among all relievers and Robertson’s 33.4 K% was actually well ahead of Tanner Scott’s 28.6 K%.

Meanwhile, the Cubs are also engaged in trade talks with the Houston Astros for veteran reliever Ryan Pressly. The 36-year-old has a no-trade clause and it appears as though the right-hander is mulling over the decision to accept Chicago as his new home for the 2025 season.

The Cubs aren’t the only team interested in the Astros’ relief pitcher, but according to Jon Heyman, they might be the team he ultimately chooses based on his preferences.

So, I guess the question is whether the Cubs are considering acquiring both Pressly and Robertson or one of the two.

As much as I like the idea of adding Robertson because of his recent track record, I also recognize that he may end up being bad in 2025 and those chances only get higher as he enters his 40s. Same goes with Pressly, who despite having a great career, has concerning red flags following an OK 2024 season that saw a decreased strikeout rate and dropped velocity.

We’ll see what direction the Cubs go as the team attempts to solidify the bullpen following an atrocious couple months from high-leverage relievers in 2024 that led to them missing the playoffs.

White Sox Division Rival Reportedly Interested Dylan Cease 

By
Mitchell Kaminski
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Feb 19, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Dylan Cease (84) looks on during a Spring Training workout at Camelback Ranch Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

For the second time in as many years, Dylan Cease’s name has popped up in trade rumors. According to Dan Hayes of The Athletic, the Minnesota Twins are among the teams interested in acquiring Dylan Cease. 

After falling four games shy of a playoff spot last season, the Twins’ interest in Cease is not surprising. Last season, their starting rotation ranked 12th in the MLB with 62 quality starts. While this was above the MLB average, it still wasn’t good enough to propel them to a division title. Their current rotation includes Pablo López, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Simeon Woods Richardson, and Chris Paddack. Paddack has been plagued with elbow issues, making Cease a significant upgrade for the rotation. 

The former White Sox right-hander was dealt to the Padres last March for right-handed prospects Drew Thorpe and Jairo Iriarte,  outfield prospect Samuel Zavala and 29-year-old reliever Steven Wilson. Cease had a solid season in San Diego, posting a 3.47 ERA with a 29.4 percent strikeout rate and a no-hitter. Those numbers were good enough for him to finish fourth in the Cy Young Voting. 

He is owed $13.75 million this year, making him a great value given the current starting pitching market. Cease has made 32-plus starts in each of the last four seasons with his 716 innings being the seventh most in the MLB during that stretch. His 17.2 wins above replacement is also the sixth-highest in the majors. 

Much of that success came in a White Sox uniform. In five seasons on the South Side Cease owned a career 11.8 WAR and 3.83 ERA. He finished runner-up in the 2022 Cy Young voting after posting a 2.20 ERA and a career-high 227 strikeouts. He also ranked inside the MLB’s top ten in strikeouts during his final three seasons in Chicago.  

Because of this, having him return to 35th and Shields in a Twins uniform would be a tough pill to swallow for White Sox fans.

Are the Cubs Being Used Again in Free Agent Rumors?

By
Aldo Soto
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Aug 11, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) runs out the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the Boston Red Sox during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

So, at this point I think it’s fair to say that two things can be true. For starters, the Cubs are interested in free agent third baseman Alex Bregman. However, as the rumors ramp up surrounding the top remaining free agent it seems like Scott Boras is using the Cubs for leverage in talks with other teams.

On Friday, national MLB insider Jon Heyman once again brought up the Cubs when discussing the possible landing spots for Bregman.

Not to diminish Heyman’s work, but it’s no secret that he often relays info from Boras. Anyway, the Cubs mention by Heyman was rebuffed by Cubs fans because recently The Athletic’s Cubs’ beat reporters pretty much dismissed the idea of the team seriously pursuing Bregman.

But then a new report came out later on Friday from The Athletic.

Before you get too excited, this wasn’t really anything new.

A couple weeks ago Bruce Levine reported that the Cubs were indeed mulling over the idea of signing Bregman, but the only scenario in which they would consider such a move would be on a short-term deal.

The very next day USA Today’s Bob Nightengale published an article in which Boras said Bregman had no interest agreeing to a short-term deal this offseason.

Via USA Today.

While Alonso may be willing to accept a short-term deal with the ability to opt out after the 2025 season, Bregman is not going down that path. He has no desire to accept a short-term contract, and remains engaged with several teams like the Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox.

So, that brings us to the latest report from The Athletic. Nothing’s really changed. Yes, the Cubs are interested in Bregman, but they will not engage on contract talks that go beyond a short-term agreement. In addition to that, there are doubts that the Cubs would do what it takes to sign Bregman because they’re using the first luxury tax tier as their own hard cap this year.

Via The Athletic.

“While the Cubs are trying to be opportunistic and get creative on a Bregman deal, sources indicated their current budget for baseball operations does not leave much room for the All-Star third baseman. Like the Astros, the Cubs have an ownership group that is reluctant to go over the $241 million luxury-tax threshold.”

So, this seems like a leverage play, no?

Yeah, the Cubs might be interested and Boras is using that info to help drive up offers from other teams that are also pursuing Bregman. He reportedly has at least one long-term deal on the table, but Bregman, who hasn’t signed yet despite spring training beginning in three weeks, is probably looking for more money. Use the Cubs as a bargaining chip, “hey, if you don’t offer more, then I’ll take the Cubs deal.”

Hey, Bregman hasn’t signed yet and maybe other teams also aren’t willing to increase their offers, but I’m still not buying into these Cubs-related rumors.

White Sox Trade Right-Hander To Padres

By
Mitchell Kaminski
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May 2, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Ron Marinaccio (97) delivers a fifth inning pitch against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-USA TODAY Sports

The White Sox have traded right-hander Ron Marinaccio to the San Diego Padres in exchange for cash considerations. 

Marinaccio was designated for assignment by the White Sox after their one-year deal with left-hander Martin Perez became official. This gave the White Sox less than a week to trade him before he was placed on waivers. 

Given that the 29-year-old did not appear in a game for the White Sox last season, the fact they were able to get anything in return is a win for Chris Getz. After getting DFA’d by the Yankees the White Sox claimed him off waivers with a week remaining in the 2024 season. 

Initially, he held onto a roster spot as an option for a White Sox bullpen filled with question marks, Marcinaccio posted a 3.86 ERA in 23.1 innings for the Yankees last season. He has shown that his stuff can generate swings and misses. In 91.1 innings from 2022 and 2023, Marinaccio owned a 29 percent strikeout rate. His strikeout rate fell to 25.3 percent last season but he was able to cut down on the number of free passes allowed, dropping his walk rate from 13.2 percent to 10.1. 

Marinaccio still has one minor league option remaining, which, paired with his gaudy strikeout numbers, was enough to draw interest from the Padres.

Chicago Bears Appear To Have Their Next Offensive Coordinator In Mind

By
Erik Lambert
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declan doyle

Ben Johnson will act as the true offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears despite carrying the title of head coach. That said, he will need somebody to help organize the offense and instruct players on the finer points he may be unable to cover. It worked for Sean Payton and Pete Carmichael. It worked for Frank Smith and Mike McDaniel. Johnson is hoping to find somebody like that. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, it appears the Bears have a line on the person they want for the job.

His name is Declan Doyle. Don’t feel bad if you don’t recognize the name—most people wouldn’t. He’s only been in the NFL for six seasons, all of them working for Payton in New Orleans and Denver. The past two have been as the Broncos’ tight ends coach. He is a graduate of Iowa, where he majored in business and played baseball. There isn’t much to know about him other than that both Payton and Johnson’s mentor, Dan Campbell, both like him a lot.

Chicago Bears are leaning into an interesting trend.

One thing about Payton is he’s always had a sharp eye for future coaching talent. Since becoming a head coach in 2006, several of his assistants have gone on to become either head coaches themselves or successful coordinators elsewhere.

  • Doug Marrone
  • Dennis Allen
  • Ed Orgeron
  • Aaron Glenn
  • Joe Brady
  • Dan Campbell

Plucking from that tree often yields good results. Payton’s decision to bring Doyle with him from New Orleans to Denver indicates that he likes what the young assistant has to offer. Johnson doesn’t need a grizzled veteran to help him with the offense. What he wants is a young guy who is hungry, energetic, and eager to learn. Doyle fits that category. Nothing is set in stone yet. There is still a chance Johnson pivoted to somebody he’s a little more familiar with. Rumors persist the Hank Fraley idea isn’t dead yet. The next two or three days should reveal more. The Chicago Bears don’t seem panicked by the methodical approach.

A New Name In Chicago Is Quickly Gaining Trade Interest

By
Ryan Dauterive
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Jan 19, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) walks to the locker room after warming up before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Bulls fans know the current front office’s pattern of stringing out trade rumors, dragging their feet in any potential swaps, and proceeding cautiously around the trade deadline. The last time a swing for the fences was taken in February, Arturas Karnisovas burned Chicago’s future by sending out two first-round picks and one of their most recent first-round picks, Wendell Carter Jr., in exchange for Nikola Vucevic. That move has resulted in one playoff appearance and a 1-4 postseason record in three years. Vucevic, Zach LaVine, Lonzo Ball, and Patrick Williams are the known assets on the open market, but one source says a new contender for the first Bull to be traded could be making a late push. Who is added to the list, and how much can Chicago get in return for his services?

Trading Coby White Would Be A Mistake

Per Evan Sidery, NBA contributor for Forbes, the Bulls are on the brink of a full-blown rebuild. He continued to specify that Coby White would be included in the departing assets, noting that he’d have the most significant return of any roster pieces. While it’s true that White would return more future capital than anyone else on Chicago’s depth chart, his new contract extension and young age should prevent the Bulls from entertaining anything less than an established All-Star or a surplus of first-round draft picks. If Karnisovas trades away White while holding onto some of the aging, overpaid players on the team, the fanbase may riot even more so than the last three years of turmoil.

Glimpse Of The Rebuild

Trading away the former North Carolina Tar Heel would eliminate Chicago from playoff contention. This move would also indicate that they’ll sell LaVine, Vucevic, Ball, and Williams to the highest bidders over the next 14 days. Whether it’s by stacking over ten first-round draft picks and using the Oklahoma City Thunder method to rebuild or adding a flurry of young, unproven talent, the Bulls would retain their top-ten protected pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and will their way to bring Cooper Flagg to Chicago. With Karnisovas’s history in the trade department, a complete rebuild is very unlikely.

The February 6th trade deadline will undoubtedly be this regime’s last crack at redemption before they’re let go this offseason, and it’s tough to estimate if Karnisovas’s group will make a last-ditch effort to save their jobs moving forward or ride out the current strategy and philosophy to their graves. If the current roster remains stagnant 15 days from now, this front office will not be with the organization headed into the 2025-26 season.

Ryan Poles Reportedly Told A Fan To Suck It After Bears Got Ben Johnson

By
Erik Lambert
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ben johnson
Jan 22, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears new head coach Ben Johnson enters as he’s introduced at a press conference at PNC Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

As the Chicago Bears’ off-season began, people had little confidence in Ryan Poles. This was the guy who spent 48 hours after being hired before realizing Matt Eberflus was the right head coach for the franchise. Why should they believe Poles would be able to lure one of the top candidates of the 2025 cycle to Chicago? Dan Katz, better known as “Big Cat” on the show Pardon My Take, was among the most outspoken on this front. He had no qualms about saying there was no way the Bears were landing Ben Johnson, who was the top candidate available in the eyes of many.

Well, the impossible happened. Just 48 hours after the Detroit Lions were eliminated from the playoffs, news broke that Johnson was coming to Chicago. Needless to say, Big Cat was stunned. That quickly turned to embarrassment when he received a direct text message from Poles himself. Waddle & Silvy asked him about it on ESPN 1000.

While Katz didn’t reveal the exact words used, it basically amounted to “Stick it up your a**.”

People forget Ryan Poles is a competitor.

He may come across as calm and largely unemotional in front of the cameras, but that is nothing like the actual person. Many around say he is relentless in his pursuit of winning. This past season absolutely killed him, knowing the Bears should’ve been in the playoff mix. That is why they fired Eberflus after Thanksgiving. It was about sending a message. Failure won’t be tolerated anymore. To him, Johnson represented the kind of coach this team needs: offensive wizard, intense, and no qualms about making players uncomfortable. Ryan Poles made it his mission to lure the 38-year-old to Chicago. After some frank discussions in their private meeting, they were clearly on the same page. Once the money got worked out, everything coalesced. One can only imagine how satisfying it was to shut people like Big Cat up.

Here’s How Close The Lakers Are To Acquiring Lonzo Ball

By
Ryan Dauterive
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Jan 17, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) enters the United Center before the game against the Charlotte Hornets. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

The most realistic trade in the Chicago Bulls organization is Lonzo Ball leaving for a borderline-contending roster. He’s on an expiring contract cheap enough for potential suitors to buy low on for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. His performance this year has proven that his prior injuries are no longer a concern, and the gradual improvement as the season has progressed only drives his price tag higher. Chicago’s asking price has been relatively modest, knowing that he’s only got three months under contract and is likely departing in free agency; they’ll be selling to the highest bidder in the next two weeks. The Lakers have swooped in as the most likely landing spot. What have they offered, and how close is a deal to being done?

Lakers Adding Backcourt Help

After trading away D’Angelo Russell back to the Brooklyn Nets a few weeks ago and inserting Dorian Finney-Smith into the rotation, Los Angeles has been looking for consistency at the point guard position. LeBron James currently runs the show with Austin Reaves as the secondary ball-handler, but the glaring need is a second playmaking distributor. Lonzo Ball’s elite court vision, incredible passing skills, and ability to knock down the three-point shot make him the perfect candidate to return home to the team that drafted him in 2017.

Can the Lakers front office land James and Anthony Davis some point guard help before the deadline? Ball is Chicago’s most straightforward asset to trade away, and they’ll likely be willing to send him cheaply.

Asking Price Matches The Offer

This trade seems like it’s only a matter of time. Chicago reported that their desired return for the former UCLA Bruin was inexpensive: a few second-round picks. Is Los Angeles willing to send off more future capital for what will likely be James’s last run at a title?

Whether it is the Lakers or another playoff team, Ball is the best bet to wear a new uniform after the February 5th trade deadline. Unfortunately, his career in Chicago was cut short due to three years of lingering knee problems, and they never could utilize his full potential. Still, after a three-year absence, he displayed one of the most miraculous returns in NBA history this season, and Bulls fans wish him nothing but the best moving forward.

Top Analyst Admits Caleb Williams And Ben Johnson Are A Perfect Marriage

By
Erik Lambert
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caleb williams
Jan 22, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams arrives at a press conference introducing new head coach Ben Johnson at PNC Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Many people were puzzled by the Chicago Bears‘ decision to hire Ben Johnson. They knew GM Ryan Poles’ goal was to find a head coach who could get the most out of quarterback Caleb Williams. While they didn’t question Johnson’s play-calling aptitude, they did question the fit. It was felt he ran a system tuned to that of a quarterback like Jared Goff, who is a pure pocket passer. Williams was notorious in college for being a mobile player who thrived off improvisation. It is hard for many to imagine he could function in a system like Johnson’s.

Of course, that is unless people watch the games. Nate Tice of Yahoo Sports has watched every game Williams has played since college. Yes, his scrambling ability is a superpower he enjoys. However, this notion that he has no idea how to play on time from the pocket is ridiculous. From his observations, the young quarterback would prefer to play that style. He flashed an ability to do so several times this season. Tice explained that his pairing with Johnson might actually be perfect.

@yahoosports

Will the Bears’ new coach unlock Caleb Williams? 🤔 #nfl #beardown #chicagobears (via Football 301)

♬ original sound – Yahoo Sports

Johnson will be an immediate ally for Caleb Williams.

His system was known in Detroit for being focused on a consistent ground attack, fed further by heavy doses of play action and an effective screen game. Williams had a 95.2 passer rating off play action fakes and a 99.2 rating on screens. Chicago was 3-4 when they rushed for at least 100 yards in a game and 2-8 when they didn’t. Johnson knows how much of an ally the running game can be when it’s effective. That is why it wasn’t a coincidence he mentioned the offensive line and running back as two areas he’s hoping to “augment.”

The big question is whether Caleb Williams is willing to put in the work necessary to succeed. Talent is not the issue. He has more than enough. It comes down to being on top of the details that pro quarterbacks must be. There is some belief he skipped too many steps this season, which is a common issue for young players. Johnson’s arrival figures to change that. He’s known for being detail-oriented and a perfectionist. Williams won’t be allowed to ignore the process. This will be a terrific partnership if he is up for the challenge.

Chicago Bears Quietly Made Unexpected Addition To Coaching Staff

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears

Ben Johnson knew that if he was going to get the Chicago Bears into a winning mindset, he’d have to train them both physically and mentally. It is difficult for an organization to overcome years of losing. Since it happens so often, players have a tendency just to accept it after a while. That is why many head coaches struggle to snap them out of it. Once the mentality sinks in, it’s hard to break. Thankfully, it appears the Bears realized he and the coaching staff would need help.

So they made a rather unique addition to Halas Hall. According to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports, the Bears have hired Andy Riise as their new Mental Performance and Leadership Coordinator. Riise served as a field artillery officer in the United States Army. He won two Bronze Stars for his service in Afghanistan and Iraq and also served in Special Forces. His work led him to psychology, where he helped prevent soldier suicides. This led him to earn positions at various prestigious companies as a mental performance coach and psychological expert.

Chicago Bears has brought some serious gravitas to the organization.

Riise may not be a football player, but he certainly knows what it’s like to operate under high-pressure conditions and what that can do to a person’s psyche. Professional athletes deal with this more than most. Their livelihoods are at stake if they don’t perform at a high level and win games. Dealing with that is something Riise knows well. He faced high-stakes situations for 20 years in the army. He served with people who took their own lives and those of others in their hands every day. It takes a certain type of mental fortitude to handle that. His job was to help teach others how to cope with the challenges they face. The Bears have spent years stuck in a persistent fog, beaten down by so many brutal setbacks:

  • The NFC championship loss to Green Bay
  • Cutler breaking his thumb
  • Rodgers to Cobb
  • The Double Doink
  • The Hail Mary

One gut punch after another. Only resilient people can overcome such hurdles to reach their ultimate goal of becoming champions. That is what the Chicago Bears seek. Riise will be an excellent asset in helping make that happen.

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