WELCOME to today’s episode of Cub Tracks news and notes™, a greatest-hits collection of Chicago-style beat writers and bloggers, ground from #Cubs, #MiLB, and #MLB baseball, overheated, steeped in writers’ tears, and then cold-brewed overnight for maximum flavor. No artificial intelligences were deployed, employed, entranced, or embalmed in the commission of this missive (apparently I might be training some though). Cub Tracks eagerly awaits the advent of robotic umpires and has already amended the three laws. The going is weird. Cub Tracks turned pro a long time ago.

Cub Tracks. Where the great ones run away.

The Alex Bregman circus is still on tour and we don’t know yet about a Chicago stop. It’s about a week until the first real games of 2025 and I am here for that.

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• Michael Cerami (Bleacher Nation*): A reminder of how much money the Cubs have coming off the books the next two years. “… most of their free-agent deals and contract extensions run through the next two seasons.”
• Karli Bell (Marquee Sports Network*): Cubs starter Justin Steele aiming for consistency in 2025 season. “I’ve been down here for quite some time so that’s probably my 15th-20th bullpen at this point. I’m feeling really good. I like where I’m at.”
• Sean Leahy (Yahoo Sports*): Rōki Sasaki, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shota Imanaga expected to pitch for Dodgers, Cubs during Japan trip. “Shota’s going to pitch in Japan,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said this week. “I think that’s mandated, kind of. I don’t think I have a choice, actually.” Meghan Montemurro has more* {$}.
• Matthew Trueblood (North Side Baseball*): What can the Cubs reasonably expect from Jameson Taillon in 2025? “Taillon keeps finding ways to succeed, so far, and he’s only 33 years old, so there’s no reason he ought to break down or steeply decline in 2025.”
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Assad shut down after MRI reveals oblique strain. “I don’t think it’s going to be many days that we’re without throwing, so good news,” Counsell said.
• Andy Martinez (Marquee Sports Network*): Cubs spring training notebook: An injury update, plus some fun workouts. “Cubs catchers took part in some interesting drills on the 12-pack bullpen at Sloan Park on Tuesday.”
• Andy Martinez (Marquee Sports Network*): How Jon Berti fits into the Cubs’ first base mix in 2025. “Certainly an option,” Counsell said.
• Maddie Lee (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): As Cubs explore options behind Michael Busch, a surprise player may get a chance at first base. “Cubs outfielder Alexander Canario took reps at first base on Tuesday.”
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): Cubs farm system heat check: What’s the immediate and future outlook for Cubs? “You’re always going to have your depth tested at some point during the season,” Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins said.

Food for Thought:

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