The Chicago Cubs demonstrated their baserunning skills in a decisive 6-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox, completing a three-game City Series sweep. Pete Crow-Armstrong led the charge, hitting a double, and later scoring on Seiya Suzuki's sacrifice fly, contributing to the Cubs’ three-run sixth inning. Vidal Bruján's aggressive running played a crucial role, scoring on a close play at home plate after a review upheld the initial safe call. White Sox manager Will Venable acknowledged the challenges faced by his team, citing poor fielding and tough weather conditions as significant factors in their fourth consecutive defeat.

Despite Miguel Vargas's home run for the Sox, their offensive struggles persisted. The Cubs capitalized on defensive errors from the White Sox, further extending their lead. As the Sox fell to 14-33, they matched the worst start in franchise history, with manager Will Venable emphasizing the need for improved execution moving forward.

The Chicago Cubs have made a significant move by sending their top prospect, Matt Shaw, back to Triple-A Iowa. The 23-year-old third baseman, who was the No. 13 overall pick in the 2023 draft, struggled in his brief MLB debut, hitting just .172 with 18 strikeouts in 68 plate appearances. In his absence, utility player Vidal Bruján has been activated from the injured list. Shaw's demotion allows him time to regain his form after a solid stint in Triple-A last season where he produced a .929 OPS.

This decision comes as the Cubs, currently leading the NL Central, are evaluating their infield depth. Veteran Justin Turner has also been utilized at third base, though at this stage in his career, he is better suited for first base or designated hitter. The Cubs now turn to utility man Jon Berti and Rule 5 Draft pick Gage Workman as they navigate through Shaw's absence. With a strong run differential, the Cubs need to ensure their infield is performing optimally as the season progresses.

Nico Hoerner is set to return to the Cubs' lineup as they resume the season, primarily at second base, but a full return to shortstop may take up to a month. Cubs manager Craig Counsell indicated that while Hoerner is recovering well from surgery, the team will prioritize patience with his development. Backup options at shortstop include Jon Berti, Vidal Brujan, and newcomer Gage Workman. Rookie Matt Shaw has shown impressive defensive skills at third base, which will be vital as the Cubs face a challenging schedule against playoff contenders.

As the international signing period approaches, the fate of Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki is becoming clearer, with multiple MLB teams expressing interest in the young ace. The San Diego Padres have emerged as a frontrunner, highlighting their need for Sasaki's talents in their pitching rotation.

In a recent episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, hosts Jordan Shusterman and Kiley McDaniel discussed the latest developments regarding Sasaki, including which teams are pursuing him and the reasons behind the varying levels of interest. The conversation also touched on the offseason activities of the Boston Red Sox, their upcoming rotation, and the prospects to watch for in 2025.

The Chicago Cubs have significantly revamped their outfield this offseason, highlighted by the acquisition of Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros. Tucker is viewed as an instant MVP candidate, bringing both offensive prowess and defensive reliability to the team. His addition allowed the Cubs to part ways with Cody Bellinger, who was traded to the New York Yankees.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Cubs' outfield is shaping up to be a formidable unit. Ian Happ will likely occupy left field, known for his consistent slugging ability and a respectable .245/.351/.436 slash line over the past two seasons. Center field will be manned by Pete Crow-Armstrong, who has shown improvement at the plate, particularly with a strong performance in August, boasting a .314/.375/.558 line. If he continues to develop, he could emerge as a significant contributor.

In right field, Tucker is expected to shine, despite having missed a substantial part of the previous season due to injury. His impressive performance when healthy, including a .289/.408/.585 slash line with 23 home runs, underscores his potential impact. The Cubs also have a bench that includes Vidal Brujan and Alexander Canario, both of whom have shown flashes of promise, albeit with limited major league experience.