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The 2026 Chicago Cubs ZiPS Projections Are Out
Today, FanGraphs released the 2026 ZiPS projections for the Chicago Cubs , courtesy of Dan Szymborski. Although all projection systems have their strengths and weaknesses, I have generally found ZiPS to be my most preferred set. Not sure why that is, as I haven’t actually ever gone back systematically to see how things played out; but then again, since projection systems are giving you MEDIAN projections, they aren’t actually saying “this is how the season will definitely play out for thi...
Bulls “Have Had Ongoing Talks with Pelicans” About Zion Williamson, Yves Missi (REPORT)
The Chicago Bulls might be… becoming self-aware? Obviously, please don’t hold your breath, but it appears team president Arturas Karnisovas , six seasons into his tenure at the franchise’s helm, appreciates midseason that his team is going nowhere. He might actually, really, be open to pivoting from his doomed roster for the second straight season — and a pair of New Orleans Pelicans frontcourt stalwarts, two-time All-Star power forward Zion Williamson and second-year center Yves Missi , could...
Blackhawks Looming Roster Decisions, Trade Freeze/Deadline Intrigue
The Blackhawks are finally starting to get healthy. Frank Nazar and André Burakovsky will be back in the lineup on Thursday night in Carolina, putting two top-six pieces back in the lineup up front. That should help an offense that’s been struggling to get a third goal on the board. Burakovsky was back skating on a line with Connor Bedard and Ryan Greene , while Nazar was back on a line with Tyler Bertuzzi . After the Blackhawks practice on Wednesday, Nazar talked again about playing with...
Around The NBA: Jimmy Butler Trade? Kuminga’s Return, Buss Family Drama, Injuries Galore, More
The NBA is just about two weeks away from its 2025-26 season trade deadline. With the Eastern Conference fast becoming a hot mess, things could be incredibly active. But the biggest question mark lies in the league’s other conference. The Golden State Warriors now have a Jimmy Butler problem. Could Mike Dunleavy Jr. Trade Jimmy Butler? Golden State’s 2025-26 season with its current roster took a huge hit Monday when Jimmy Butler tore his ACL against the Miami Heat. Giv...
Ryan Poles Isn’t Done Raising the Standard in Chicago
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles met with the media for the final time this season on Wednesday at Halas Hall. Poles didn’t sound like a general manager ready to take a victory lap, even after Chicago’s success in 2025. When he met with reporters at Halas Hall following the Bears’ season-ending overtime loss to the Rams, Poles struck a tone that mirrored his head coach’s : appreciative, clear-eyed, and unsatisfied. The 2025 season delivered real progress and real momentum, but in ...
Chicago Bulls Trade Buzz: Who’s Available? Potential Targets, More
I can count on my fingers and toes how many days are left until the NBA trade deadline. But I’d need everyone’s fingers if I tried to count how many trade rumors the Chicago Bulls are tied to. With seven expiring contracts on the books, the Bulls should be the belle of the ball when it comes to trade negotiations. Yet with nothing materializing so far, Chicago risks striking out on extracting real value from its assets — a headline the franchise seems oddly comfortable wearing. Still...
At Long Last, Cody Bellinger is Re-Signing with the Yankees
We wondered whether last night’s Luis Robert Jr. Mets trade was a sign that a different center field deal was just about wrapped up, and sure enough, at long last, Cody Bellinger is returning to the Yankees. Among all the offseason free agent possibilities, this one seemed like the surest bet to play out eventually: Cody Bellinger's deal with the Yankees is for five years and $162.5 million, sources tell ESPN. There are opt-outs after the second and third season, a $20M signing bonus...
Ben Johnson Isn’t Interested in Moral Victories
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson didn’t sound like a coach interested in perspective when he stepped to the podium at Halas Hall for the final time this season. In the days since the Bears’ 20–17 overtime loss to the Rams in the Divisional Round , much of the conversation around Chicago has leaned toward optimism, from me included. A wildly successful first season, a foundation laid, a team ahead of schedule. Johnson made it clear Wednesday that he doesn’t see it that way at all....
Frank Nazar, André Burakovsky Back for the Blackhawks
The Blackhawks will have forward Frank Nazar back in the lineup on Thursday night in Carolina. Nazar, who turned 22 on Jan. 14, has been out since getting hit in the jaw by a puck on Dec. 20. He has six goals and 15 assists in 33 games before the injury. The Blackhawks had Nazar skating between Tyler Bertuzzi and Ryan Donato at practice on Wednesday in Chicago. He was also working with the second power play unit. André Burakovsky will also return to the Blackhawks’ lineup on Thu...
Chicago Cubs Reportedly Signing Righty Yacksel Rios
According to Francys Romero , the Chicago Cubs are signing another reclamation pitcher, bringing in righty Yacksel Rios on a minor league deal. The 32-year-old reliever spent parts of the 2017-21, and 2023 seasons in the big leagues, pitching for the Phillies, Pirates, Mariners, Red Sox, and A’s, flashing big stuff without much in the way of results (6.32 career ERA, 5.61 career FIP, but only 98.1 big league innings). Yacksel Rios has also been in the Rays, White Sox, and Braves’ systems,...
Muchova vs. Linette Prediction at the Australian Open – Thursday, January 22
Karolina Muchova (No. 19 ranking) will take on Magda Linette (No. 50) in the Round of 32 of the Australian Open on Thursday, January 22. Muchova has -474 odds to claim a win against Linette (+333). Australian Open Info Tournament: The Australian Open Round: Round of 32 Date: Thursday, January 22 Venue: Melbourne Park Location: Melbourne, Australia Court Surface: Hard Karolina Muchova vs. Magda Linette Prediction & Odds Using the moneyline for this match as a prediction,...
Bublik vs. Etcheverry Prediction at the Australian Open – Thursday, January 22
In the Australian Open Round of 32 on Thursday, we have a matchup of No. 62-ranked Tomas Martin Etcheverry against No. 10 Alexander Bublik. Bublik is the favorite against Etcheverry, with -375 odds compared to the underdog’s +275. Australian Open Info Tournament: The Australian Open Round: Round of 32 Date: Thursday, January 22 Venue: Melbourne Park Location: Melbourne, Australia Court Surface: Hard Alexander Bublik vs. Tomas Martin Etcheverry Prediction & Odds Using th...
Zverev vs. Norrie Prediction at the Australian Open – Thursday, January 22
No. 3-ranked Alexander Zverev will meet No. 27 Cameron Norrie in the Australian Open Round of 32 on Thursday, January 22. Zverev is the favorite against Norrie, with -426 odds compared to the underdog’s +290. Australian Open Info Tournament: The Australian Open Round: Round of 32 Date: Thursday, January 22 Venue: Melbourne Park Location: Melbourne, Australia Court Surface: Hard Alexander Zverev vs. Cameron Norrie Prediction & Odds Using the moneyline for this match as a...
Ruse vs. Andreeva Prediction at the Australian Open – Thursday, January 22
In the Round of 32 at the Australian Open on Thursday, Mirra Andreeva (ranked No. 7) faces Elena-Gabriela Ruse (No. 79). Andreeva is favored over Ruse, with -699 odds against the underdog’s +450. Australian Open Info Tournament: The Australian Open Round: Round of 32 Date: Thursday, January 22 Venue: Melbourne Park Location: Melbourne, Australia Court Surface: Hard Elena-Gabriela Ruse vs. Mirra Andreeva Prediction & Odds Using the moneyline for this match as a predictio...
Thunder vs Bucks Odds, First Basket Scorers, and More for Wednesday’s Cross Conference Clash
Tonight’s Thunder vs. Bucks showdown at the Fiserv Forum features a cross-conference clash between the NBA’s gold standard and a Milwaukee squad fighting to stay in the postseason conversation. The Oklahoma City Thunder are once again the most dominant force in the league, sitting atop the Western Conference at a staggering 36-8. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks (18-24) are looking to defend home court and prove they can still punch up against the league’s elite. With both sides featuri...
Does Carlos Beltran’s Hall-Induction Mean We’re Over the Houston Astros’ Sign-Stealing Scandal? Or Was It the Alex Bregman Signing?
When the Chicago Cubs signed Alex Bregman, one of my early stupid jokes was this one: Been thinking a lot lately about how the Houston Astros were so unfairly treated during the 2017 sign-stealing scandal. I think any player who may or may not have been involved was actually a victim, and should now be celebrated as a hero. — Brett Taylor (@Brett_A_Taylor) January 11, 2026 Again, that was just a joke about Bregman signing with the Cubs, and us now loving him. Because fandom. ...
Will LeBron Get the MJ Treatment? Chicago Wins 2 in a Row, Caleb and PCA at the UC, Other Bulls Bullets
Wow, wow, wow. Yes, the Los Angeles Clippers were shorthanded, but it sure didn’t look like the Chicago Bulls had any trouble taking care of business last night. They played a beautiful brand of basketball, and did it in front of QB1 and PCA, no less. Honestly, what more could you ask for? With another win in the books, the Bulls are somehow inching closer to a real playoff spot. Not the fake, awkward play-in territory, a legitimate playoff position. And with the trade deadline approachin...
Raptors vs. Kings Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Wednesday, January 21, 2026
The Sacramento Kings (12-32) are 6-point underdogs against the Toronto Raptors (26-19) at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The game begins at 10 p.m. ET on NBCS-CA and TSN. The over/under for the matchup is set at 224.5. Before you make an informed wager on the contest, take a look at the best bets available for Wednesday’s game based on our computer predictions. How to Bet on Raptors vs. Kings Pick the Kings (+6) to Cover The Raptors are 22-23-0 against the spread t...
Capitals vs. Canucks Prediction: Live Odds, Stats, History and Picks – Wednesday, January 21, 2026
The Washington Capitals are at the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday, and are -164 favorites on the moneyline, with the home team a heavy underdog at +139. Watch the NHL on Fubo! Capitals vs. Canucks Favorite, Moneyline, Total Favorite: Capitals (-164) Underdog: Canucks (+139) Total: 6 Best Capitals vs. Canucks Promo Codes How to Watch Capitals vs. Canucks Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Time: 10 p.m. ET How to watch on TV: ESPN+ Location: Vancouver, British Columb...
Penguins vs. Flames Prediction: Live Odds, Stats, History and Picks – Wednesday, January 21, 2026
The Pittsburgh Penguins meet the Calgary Flames on Jan. 21 at 9:30 p.m. ET, and are -119 on the moneyline, with the latter at -101. Watch the NHL on Fubo! Penguins vs. Flames Favorite, Moneyline, Total Favorite: Penguins (-119) Underdog: Flames (-101) Total: 5.5 Best Penguins vs. Flames Promo Codes How to Watch Penguins vs. Flames Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Time: 9:30 p.m. ET How to watch on TV: ESPN+ Location: Calgary, Alberta Venue: Scotiabank Saddledom...
Islanders vs. Kraken Prediction: Odds, Picks, Best Bets – Wednesday, January 21, 2026
The New York Islanders and Seattle Kraken play on Wednesday at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, and the bookmakers have the home team at -116 and the visitor at -104. Watch the NHL on Fubo! Islanders vs. Kraken Favorite, Moneyline, Total Favorite: Islanders (-116) Underdog: Kraken (-104) Total: 5.5 Best Islanders vs. Kraken Promo Codes How to Watch Islanders vs. Kraken Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Time: 9:30 p.m. ET How to watch on TV: TNT Location: Seattle, ...
Avalanche vs. Ducks Prediction: Odds, Picks, Best Bets – Wednesday, January 21, 2026
The Colorado Avalanche are big favorites (-307) at home versus the Anaheim Ducks (+243) on Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET. Watch the NHL on Fubo! Avalanche vs. Ducks Favorite, Moneyline, Total Favorite: Avalanche (-307) Underdog: Ducks (+243) Total: 6.5 Best Avalanche vs. Ducks Promo Codes How to Watch Avalanche vs. Ducks Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Time: 9 p.m. ET How to watch on TV: ESPN+ Location: Denver, Colorado Venue: Ball Arena Live Stream: Watch this gam...
Mammoth vs. Flyers Prediction: Picks, Live Odds and Moneyline – Wednesday, January 21, 2026
The Utah Mammoth welcome the Philadelphia Flyers on Jan. 21 at 9 p.m. ET, and are -171 favorites, with the visiting team at +144. Watch the NHL on Fubo! Mammoth vs. Flyers Favorite, Moneyline, Total Favorite: Mammoth (-171) Underdog: Flyers (+144) Total: 6 Best Mammoth vs. Flyers Promo Codes How to Watch Mammoth vs. Flyers Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Time: 9 p.m. ET How to watch on TV: ESPN+ Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Venue: Delta Center Live Stream:...
Trades and Graduations Take Their Toll for Cubs in New Baseball America Top-100 Prospects List
Let me state quite firmly up front that it’s hardly a BAD thing to have excellent young talent transition from being a top-100-type prospect to a big league contributor. It’s also hardly a bad thing to use top-100-type prospect talent in trades for big league impact. So a lot of what I’m saying here on that front is qualitatively neutral, at worst. The Chicago Cubs have had a lot of very recent top-100 types. But it’s just factual – and not good in isolation – that the Cubs have seen the ...
A Must-See Clip From Rich Eisen, Ben Johnson Sends the Right Message, Caleb Williams Up For Community Award, and Other Bears Bullets
Day 3 of the Chicago Bears offseason. After plowing through the first season of Andor on Disney+, I think I need to pace myself binge-watching shows moving forward this offseason. We’ve got a lot of time to bridge the gap between now and when training camp opens. Bears General Manager Ryan Poles and Head Coach Ben Johnson will speak to the media at 10 a.m. CT at Halas Hall. We’ll have key quotes and thoughts on what was said throughout the day. I’m still thinking about this Ben...
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