Why Did the Dodgers Give Up Michael Busch?

It’s the question you ALWAYS must ask whenever a team trades away a guy who was perceived externally to be a top young talent: why?

If Michael Busch is going to hit in the big leagues, and if he’s going to be a cost-controlled player through all of his prime years, why in the world would the Los Angeles Dodgers – one of the smartest organizations in baseball – trade him away in a deal for a couple super young, albeit high-upside, low-level prospects? Why wouldn’t the Dodgers simply have figured out a way to keep him and, you know, use that future awesomeness in their own lineup, especially given the fact that he’s already 26 and has raked at Triple-A?

To put an even finer point on it: is the fact that the Dodgers were willing to trade Busch proof that he’s not actually as good as outsiders think?

And the answer is … maybe! But probably not!

See, the problem is the question. The very NATURE of the question presumes that the Dodgers know more about Busch’s likelihood of success in the big leagues than anyone else in the world, and if that is true, then almost any trade for him using real value is a bad idea. But that can’t be right. For one thing, the Cubs, though they may not be the Dodgers, are not idiots.

For another thing, though, and a big one: believing Busch is going to stink in the big leagues is ABSOLUTELY NOT the only reason the Dodgers would trade him right now. Indeed, when you drill down on it, the reasons to trade Busch right now for whatever decent return the Dodgers could get make so much sense, EVEN IF they think he can become a solid big league bat.

First, let’s start with Michael Busch’s story as a prospect, and how it came to be that he’s a 26-year-old who still hasn’t gotten a starting shot in the big leagues. Usually that’s a bad sign, right?

Busch was drafted in 2019 out of UNC when he was 21, set to turn 22 in November of that year. He did the normal post-draft thing for college bats, getting in a handful of games in rookie ball and A-ball. But then the pandemic hit, and Busch didn’t get a season in 2020, like so many prospects. It was particularly rough for those 2019 drafted players.

When baseball resumed and he got back on the field, it was the 2021 season, he had turned 23, and he went straight to Double-A. Consider that part for a moment: Busch had played a total of 5 games in A-ball before he skipped High-A and went to Double-A, all while missing a year of competitive action because of the pandemic. That’s actually an impressive thing, rather than being a knock against him as a 23-year-old at Double-A (where he hit well). When you start going year by year through Busch’s draft and development, it becomes very quickly easy to see how he wound up only just making his big league debut at age-25, and why he’s still a notable “prospect” at age-26. The guy still has limited pro experience, through no fault of his own.

Anyway, the Dodgers briefly sent Busch back to Double-A to open the 2022 season, and he destroyed it. The Dodgers, because of their positional crowding ahead of him, were probably trying to be very deliberate with Busch’s promotion schedule, but when a guy goes .306/.445/.667/176 wRC+ at Double-A, you have to give him the new challenge.

So then Busch reached Triple-A in mid-May of 2022, at age 24. From there, it was a pretty normal exposure-and-adjustment situation, with a couple months of below-league-average performance followed by a couple months of solidly above-average performance. Considering that this was just Busch’s second full pro season(!), I’d say this is all pretty normal prospect tracking, if not better. All the while, Busch’s prospect stock was rocketing up, because his skills at the plate were becoming more and more clear, combined with tremendous power. The glove was still a question – first base was probably his most realistic spot, if not full-time DH, but the Dodgers would also give him looks at second base, third base, and left field just to see what he might be able to do if a spot opened up on their big league roster. By the end of 2022, heading into his age-25 season, it seemed likely that Busch was going to hit in the big leagues if there was a spot for him.

That’s when the Dodgers had a decision to make. They could plan that Busch would be their Opening Day DH (all other plausible positions for him were occupied by established stars), or they could sign a short-term DH, and delay Busch’s debut to ensure an extra year of team control, just in case. Given that Busch only had about two months’ worth of strong success at Triple-A, they decided to go that second route by signing JD Martinez, and waiting until late April to bring Busch up the first time (convenient!).

That worked out very well for the Dodgers, as Martinez raked at DH. And with Freddie Freeman at first base, Max Muncy at third base, and questions about whether Busch could actually handle left field (he barely played there in the minors), Busch came up only for brief periods when needed at third and first and DH. He got 18 starts and 9 appearances by way of pinch-hitting appearances spread across three different short call-ups, and although he didn’t hit well in those 81 PAs, it’s pretty hard to draw any conclusions from that kind of exposure. Meanwhile, during the 98 games he played at Triple-A, all he did was lead the PCL in OPS, hitting .323/.431/.618/150 wRC+, with a 13.9% BB, 18.8% K, and .295 ISO – absolute dream peripherals.

Then the offseason arrived. Busch, who’d made his way up to the top three or so prospects in the Dodgers’ system and top-50-ish status in all of baseball, was still a very valuable prospect for the Dodgers. But looking ahead to 2024, surely they could see there was once again just no possible starting spot for him on the big league roster. And having just turned 26, it’s certainly not like Busch needed more time to prove himself at Triple-A. It was time to make a decision. Moreover, he is taking up a 40-man roster spot on an increasingly crowded 40-man roster.

So, if the Dodgers had kept Busch into this season, it’s entirely possible he either would’ve been back at Triple-A (where his value can only go down, even if he hits well, because he’s already proved he can and he’s only getting older), or he would’ve been on the big league bench (where his value could definitely go down because it’s hard to succeed like that, and also you’d be squandering some of the active value you could have captured in trade).

Add it all up, and you get the picture of why the Dodgers would trade Michael Busch right at this moment *even if they believed* he could put up a 120 wRC+ (or whatever) in the big leagues this season if he were given everyday starts. They didn’t have those starts to give. Instead, what they had was a really valuable car they couldn’t drive – and also, it was taking up space in the driveway (the 40-man roster). That car was going to depreciate in value this year almost no matter what, so why not pull the trigger on the best trade you could get at this moment?

So there you go. That’s the answer. Why did the Dodgers give up Michael Busch? Well, they didn’t really give him up. They just decided, rationally, that it was time to capture and convert his value. Meanwhile, the Cubs, with some open spots on the big league roster, were in a position to accept it.

Maybe he won’t ultimately hit in the big leagues. Maybe the Dodgers, in addition to everything above, did have some concerns about the adjustment. But I don’t think that the mere fact of the trade proves that they have massive concerns, because there were plenty of reasons for them to make this move regardless.

  • catimg

    cubs

  • catimg

    bears

  • catimg

    bulls

  • catimg

    blackhawks

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Michael Cerami
Feb 17, 2025
Chris Flexen

REPORT: Cubs Sign Starter Chris Flexen to a Minor League Deal

On the one hand, there's not too much of a mystery here: Chris Flexen is a 30-year-old starter who made 30 starts for the White Sox last season, earning a 4.95 ERA along the way. With his experience, that's the platonic definition of a quality depth starter to have stashed in the minors. Plus, of course, the Cubs have dealt with some early-Spring injuries to starters Javier Assad and Brandon...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 17, 2025

Spring Training Miscellany: Spring Opener Announced, Tucker Versus Steele, Shaw’s Work, More

Today, Cubs manager Craig Counsell announced that Cody Poteet, famous of the offseason's Cody-for-Cody trade, would start the team's Spring Training opener on Thursday. Because he has options remaining, and because the Cubs intend to stretch him out, you'd mentally have Poteet slated to open the season in the Triple-A Iowa rotation. It's possible he could wind up contributing out of the big league bullpen, depending on how things shake...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 17, 2025

Nolan Arenado, After an Offseason of Trade Rumors, is Still with the Cardinals

You almost never see a team talk as openly about trying to trade a player as the St. Louis Cardinals did this offseason with third baseman Nolan Arenado. Even less frequent is, after all that open talk, a trade doesn't materialize. Discussed as though it were the organization's top priority for the offseason, the Cardinals were unable to trade Arenado, coming off back-to-back down years, ahead of his age-34 season....

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 17, 2025

Mets Starter Frankie Montas Has a “High Grade” Lat Strain

Significant injury news for the New York Mets and their parchment-thin rotation: https://bsky.app/profile/jonheyman.bsky.social/post/3lifk3t6qq22i The Frankie Montas injury is notable as it's a rotation hit to an NL contender, sure, but it's even more notable when it's an NL contender that opted to construct its rotation on moves like the Montas addition. His was a surprisingly ample signing in the first place, at two years and $34 million, with an opt-out...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 17, 2025

Outstanding One-on-Ones Take You Behind the Scenes on the Work the Cubs Are Doing

If you haven't yet seen these Marquee segments they've been doing one-on-one with various Cubs players, digging in on some of the fundamentals, you should check them out. They are fantastic. I have really enjoyed the personal touch, and also just getting a little look behind the scenes on how these accomplished pros are thinking about the nitty gritty of the game. Here are four that I saw, and took...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Michael Cerami
Feb 17, 2025
Rafael Devers

MLBits: Trout Changing Positions, Devers Will *NOT* Move for Bregman and There is Drama, More

MLB NEWS — I know I can't be the only one (outside of California) who's just so depressed at the trajectory of Mike Trout's career. Not only has he competed in ONLY three playoff games throughout his 14-year tenure (...and those games were played 11 years ago), but he's also been completely derailed by injuries. In fact, Mike Trout has played in more than 100 games just once since 2019...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 17, 2025

Rob Zastryzny Signs With the Yankees, Leaving the Cubs’ Lefty Reliever Depth Pretty Thin

The reunion that never was. Rob Zastryzny, the Cubs' second round pick in 2013, was an up-down part of the big league team from 2016 to 2018, and had returned this offseason on a waiver claim. Earlier this year, though, the Cubs DFA'd Zastryzny to open a 40-man spot, he cleared waivers, and then he opted for free agency. My hope from there was that Zastryzny, 32, might sign a...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 17, 2025

Cubs Injury Updates: Shaw, Assad, Birdsell

A few injury updates for the Chicago Cubs ... Although he was expected to start hitting again this weekend after the oblique injury, Matt Shaw and the Cubs pushed things back: Matt Shaw says he's "pretty much cleared for everything, just maybe at a lower level, 70 percent" after feeling some left oblique tightness Monday.He was going to start hitting and throwing yesterday but Cubs pushed that back to tomorrow...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Michael Cerami
Feb 17, 2025
Matt Shaw, Cubs projections

The Latest Top-Prospect Ranking Is Not Loaded with Cubs (But Does Love Matt Shaw)

This morning, FanGraphs released their 2025 Top 100 Prospect Rankings, complete with ETAs, future value rankings, individual write-ups, and nifty distribution graphs of estimated probably future values (that's actually my favorite part). And while not much of this is necessarily news, as they released the Cubs organizational rankings earlier in the offseason, it's still a good heat check as we head into the season. But in case you forgot about...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 17, 2025

The Pressure Is On, Bregman Deal Notes, Tucker Process, Ryno, and Other Cubs Bullets

Saw a thing this weekend about a new half-marathon record, and the thing about these kinds of records that just blows me away is how I could not even come REMOTELY CLOSE to running a SINGLE mile at the pace they sustained over a marathon or half. It's just a physical ability on a level I can't even wrap my head around. Like, hitting a baseball at the MLB level...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 17, 2025
Bears Coleman Shelton

How Are the Bears Going to Fill the Gaping Hole at Center?

Rebuilding the offensive line is a top priority for the Chicago Bears under new head coach Ben Johnson. So while I find it to be good news that Bears General Manager Ryan Poles can lean on an offensive-minded head coach who understands the value of having strength in the trenches, there is a part of me that is worried about one particular position that has given Chicago fits in recent...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 17, 2025
bears quarterback Caleb Williams

Caleb Williams Should Use These QB Rankings as Bulletin Board Material

Before his rookie year kicked off, Caleb Williams said he drew inspiration from NBA star LeBron James to fuel his fire. But as the Chicago Bears quarterback enters his second season in the NFL, he needs to look no further than the latest batch of quarterback power rankings for inspiration. And because all of the greatest players tend to take the smallest slight to spark their greatness, there is a...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 17, 2025
will campbell lsu bears 2025 nfl draft target

ESPN Insider Gives Out Just *TWO* First-Round Grades to 2025 NFL Draft Offensive Line Prospects

After giving ourselves a week to digest and dissect Super Bowl LIX, our attention can fully turn to the rest of the NFL offseason. And when it comes to the Chicago Bears, there will be an obvious focus on the 2025 NFL Draft. Yes, I understand that free agency comes first. We'll certainly tackle everything that comes our way on that front. But with that being said, champions are built...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 17, 2025
ben johnson Ryan Poles halas hall bears

Free Agency Countdown, NFL Trade Candidates, Honoring Virginia, and Other Bears Bullets

It's Day 43 of the Chicago Bears offseason. The wildly successful Four Nations tournament replacing the NHL's all-star game should provide the folks at the NBA and MLB to do something similar with their midseason showcase games in the future. But I still do not have an idea of how the NFL can fix the Pro Bowl. Maybe there is no fix. After all, not every problem has a solution....

catimg
Chicago Bears
Matt Rooney
Feb 17, 2025
travis hunter NFL Draft

2025 NFL Mock Draft: Travis Hunter Slips, Bears Add On The Edge

We're under two weeks away from the NFL Combine, so that means draft talk is about to heat up in a big way. The Tennessee Titans own the first overall pick in this year's draft, but how they will utilize it? Will they take one of the top quarterbacks on the board despite this class not being quite as highly thought of as last year's? Would they opt for one...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 16, 2025
Ian Cunningham

Ian Cunningham is a Finalist, Bears Sign Swayze Bozeman, Jets Turned Aaron Rodgers Into a Beggar, and Other Sunday Bullets

It's Day 42 of the Chicago Bears offseason. Did you know that Sid Luckman, widely acknowledged as the greatest quarterback in franchise history, wore No. 42? Well, if you didn't, then you do now! Chicago Bears Assistant General Manager Ian Cunningham is one of five finalists for the vacant Jacksonville Jaguars general manager's gig. Cunningham interviewed with the team on Friday and was among those set to advance to the...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 15, 2025
Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham (55) celebrates a play against Ohio State during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

2025 NFL Mock Draft Round-up: Trade the Pick? Keep It? New Three-Round Mocks, More

The 2025 NFL Draft is 68 days away. As of right now, the Chicago Bears have eight picks — including four in the top 75. How this team goes about using its picks remains to be determined. And while what happens in free agency will go a long way toward determining how the Bears move on NFL Draft Weekend, it is never too early to look at what league insiders, analysts,...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 15, 2025

Ian Cunningham is Getting a Second Interview With the Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars' interview process as their search for a new general manager continues. And it will include Chicago Bears Assistant General Manager Ian Cunningham. NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero has the latest on the Jaguars' GM search: The #Jaguars are lining up in-person second interviews for their GM job next week, with #Packers VP of Player Personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan and #Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham among others on the...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 15, 2025
bears quarterback Caleb Williams

New Bears Coaching Hires, Latest on Jaguars GM Search, Dolphins Cuts, and Other Saturday Bullets

It's Day 41 of the Chicago Bears offseason. I began watching Taylor Tomlinson's stand-up comedy routines around this time in 2023 at the suggestion of a friend who thought I could use a laugh. The suggestion came at a time when I was dealing with depression and anxiety. I wasn't eating or sleeping. I was straight up having a bad time in life. But that Netflix special made me laugh...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 14, 2025
halas hall bears

REPORT: Bears to Hire Oregon State OL Coach to Ben Johnson’s Staff

The Chicago Bears are reportedly set to bring on another coach with college ties to Ben Johnson's new staff. Oregon State Offensive Line Coach Kyle DeVan is reportedly taking his talents to Halas Hall: The #Bears are expected to hire Oregon State offensive line coach Kyle DeVan, sources tell @CBSSports/@247Sports.DeVan, who was an NFL offensive lineman from 2008-12, was as an assistant offensive line coach in 2015 with the Saints,...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
Feb 17, 2025

By Keeping Nikola Vucevic Past the Deadline, the Bulls Risk History Repeating Itself

Nikola Vucevic dominated the headlines well before Zach LaVine was sent to the Sacramento Kings. If you asked many of those who either watch or follow the Chicago Bulls closely, they would have likely had the big man No. 1 on their "most likely to get traded" list. While LaVine had put together a similarly strong offensive season, Vucevic was producing the best shooting display of his career and doing...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
Feb 17, 2025

The NBA Only Created More Problems in Latest All-Star Game

I glanced at the clock as I glided into my parking spot – 6:55 p.m. CT. When I first called to place my pizza order, I was worried I wouldn't be back in time. Sure, we live in an era where you can pause and rewind live television, but why wouldn't you prefer to watch a historic star-studded event in real-time? I snatched the bacon and pineapple pizza (don't judge)...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
Feb 17, 2025
Chicago Bulls Josh Giddey

Improving Lottery Odds, Letting Josh Giddey Test the Market, LaVine Teases Dunk Contest Return, and Other Bulls Bullets

The Chicago Bulls have three days to scarf down junk food and not stretch a single muscle in their body. The race to the bottom starts on Thursday! To be clear, the Bulls' chances of finishing with Top-5 lottery odds are extremely slim. Washington, New Orleans, Utah, Charlotte, and Toronto have all but locked up that area of the draft board. However, the sixth and seventh spots remain up for...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
Feb 16, 2025

Dunk Contest Thoughts, Front Office Called Out, Lonzo Ball at All-Star Weekend, and Other Bulls Bullets

I remember sitting in my parent's basement in 2011 when Blake Griffin watched a Kia roll onto the hardwood in Los Angeles. The suspense was perfectly built to both his and the broadcast's credit. Ominous music blared through Staples Center speakers as Griffin watched the car move into position with a motivated stare. Baron Davis popped his head out of the sunroof to let us know we were moments away....

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
Feb 15, 2025

Matas Buzelis Fails to Make It Out of First Round at NBA Slam Dunk Contest

Matas Buzelis struggled to leave his mark on the 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Taking the floor after fellow rookie Stephon Castle, the Chicago Bulls' forward didn't play it safe. Buzelis lined up underneath the rim and attempted to bounce the ball through his leg and into his same hand for the flush. While he got close, Buzelis ultimately failed to complete the dunk in the allotted 1 minute and...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
Feb 15, 2025

Mac McClung Jumps Over a Car for Insane First Jam at NBA Dunk Contest (UPDATE: THREE PEAT!)

Mac McClung held nothing back in his first dunk of All-Star Weekend. Trying to become the first player in NBA history to win three consecutive dunk contests, McClung walked onto the court and immediately snatched a pair of car keys. The Orlando Magic two-way contract guard waved in a Kia, immediately providing fans with flashbacks of Blake Griffin's famous 2011 dunk contest slam. However, McClung raised the bar. Stationing the...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
Feb 15, 2025

NBA Mad at Chris Paul & Victor Wembanyama After Trying to Hack Skills Challenge

The NBA will have some words for Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama. The two Spurs tipped off All-Star Saturday Night as teammates for the annual Skills Challenge. A timed obstacle course that features passing, shooting, and dribbling drills, the youngster and the veteran thought they found a loophole. When it came time to shoot the three different jump shots, they each chucked the three balls at each rack into the...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
Feb 15, 2025

Will Matas Buzelis Win the Dunk Contest? Rising Stars, Ayo Dosunmu’s BTS Vlog, and Other Bulls Bullets

Michael Jordan, Dominque Wilkins, Vince Carter, Zach LaVine ... and Matas Buzelis. When he completes a between-the-legs 720 from the free throw line tonight at the Chase Center, the rookie will join an elite club of all-time dunkers. The world isn't ready for what they're about to see! Oct 8, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) drives to the basket in the fourth quarter against the...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
Feb 15, 2025

Get Hyped For Matas Buzelis With Bulls Slam Dunk Contest Highlights

There may not be many things for Bulls fans to get excited about right now, but Matas Buzelis is absolutely one of those things (ok, maybe the only thing). Tonight, Buzelis will compete in the Slam Dunk Contest after being in the Rising Stars game on Friday night. To get ready for tonight's event when the Bulls' rookie forward will take center stage, it felt like a good time to...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
Feb 14, 2025
Matas Buzelis of the Chicago Bulls

NBA All-Star Weekend: Matas Buzelis Competes in Rising Stars & Dunk Contest, Game Times, More

Happy NBA All-Star Weekend, folks! Unfortunately, there are not any Bulls in the actual All-Star game this year (though, ex-Bull Zach LaVine should be there). But the organization isn't without a little bit of representation! At the very least, we get to watch probably the brightest member of the franchise at this point, Matas Buzelis, compete in multiple events. First offered a spot in the dunk contest, Buzelis was also...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 17, 2025
Sam Rinzel U of Minnesota

Let’s Compare Some Recent Blackhawks Prospect Ranking Updates

Over the years as I consider the Blackhawks' top prospects and we converse about various rankings that come out, I like to occasionally consolidate lists that come out for the sake of comparing. Different analysts and writers have varying opinions of how they view the Blackhawks pipeline. At this stage in the Blackhawks' rebuild, this feels like an even more important time to consider how folks view the overall depth...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 17, 2025
Teuvo Teravainen Chicago Blackhawks

HUGE 4 Nations Success, Prospect Rankings, a Lost Generation, More Goals, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

Let's start the party on this beautiful Monday morning with the eyeballs that were on the incredible USA-Canada game at the 4 Nations Face-Off on Saturday night. Richard Deitsch at The Athletic gave us the numbers and some perspective on a huge night for hockey. ESPN said on Sunday that the United States’ 3-1 win over Canada on a rock ’em sock ’em Saturday night in Montreal averaged 4.4 million...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 17, 2025
Nick Lardis Chicago Blackhawks

Nick Lardis Talks Scoring Record, Development, Mentality, More

Only 12 times in the history of the OHL (OMJHL) has a player scored 70 goals in the season. Among the names to reach that number: Wayne Gretzky, John Tavares, Doug Gilmour and Eric Lindros. With his league-leading 56th goal on Sunday afternoon, Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis in on pace to join that remarkable list. I spoke with Lardis recently about his journey this season, one in which he has...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 16, 2025
Matthew Tkachuk USA Hockey Brandon Hagel Hockey Canada 2025 4 Nations Face-Off

Incredible 4 Nations Action, Fights! USA! Tkachuks, Prospect Highlights, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

It's been a while since the Blackhawks played in emotionally charged, meaningful hockey. It had been a decade since the US and Canada faced each other in an international best-on-best tournament. The good people at Disney opted to put the 4 Nations Face-Off on ABC in prime time last night, and lemme tell you the viewing audience got their money's worthy. With all due respect to the hot garbage the...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 15, 2025
Nick Lardis

Hat Tricks for Lardis and Vanacker, More Prospect Goals, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

I would absolutely love to have a whole lot of exciting, earth-shattering Blackhawks content for you on a Saturday morning but... they haven't played in a full week. However, tonight we get the big one: USA vs Canada in Montreal with the top spot in the 4 Nations Face-Off on the line. It's on ABC and ESPN+ and the puck drops shortly after 7 PM CT. I can't wait! Now...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 14, 2025
Connor Bedard Chicago Blackhawks

USA Blowout Win, Prospect Talk, Rockford Injuries, and Other Valentine’s Day Blackhawks Bullets

The United States blew the doors off of Finland last night in the 4 Nations Face-Off, scoring six unanswered goals -- four of which came in the third period. Brady and Matthew Tkachuk led the way with two goals each; Matthew was named the game's No. 1 star. For Blackhawks fans, Teuvo Teräväinen was minus-one and skated only 10:34. His line with Erik Haula and Joel Armia didn't get on...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 14, 2025
2025 NHL Draft James Hagens Porter Martone Matthew Schaefer Michael Misa

2025 NHL Mock Draft: Mid-February Full Two-Round Projections

Since the NHL is taking a couple weeks off in the middle of February for the 4 Nations Face-Off, why not take advantage of no Blackhawks games to chase and update our full two-round 2025 mock draft! With the calendar flipping to 2025, we're getting an increasing number of draft rankings and projections from folks who spend a great deal of time digging into take and profiles. Lots of things...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 13, 2025

Around the NHL: World Cup Coming Back, CBA Update, Timing Changes Coming? More

The NHL world is on pause for a couple weeks while we enjoy the 4 Nations Face-Off, but that doesn't mean there isn't news being made around the game. Indeed, there was some important news that came from the NHL/NHLPA press conference before the game on Wednesday night that's notable. The World Cup of Hockey is coming back, the CBA negotiations sound like they're in a good place, there might...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 13, 2025
Sam Rinzel U of Minnesota

BN Blackhawks Top 20 Prospect Rankings: Mid-February Update

It's been a little less than a month since we took stock of the Blackhawks' prospect pipeline but it's been a busy time. Chicago's pool was ranked fourth in the NHL by Scott Wheeler at The Athletic. The Blackhawks have five (5) prospects nominated for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award. They have the AHL All-Star Classic MVP in the fold. And they claim the first 50-goal scorer in the CHL...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 13, 2025

Incredible 4 Nations Start, Le Magnifique, GMKD Said Some Interesting Things, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

Before we get into the fantastic hockey in Montreal last night, I'm going to start with some Blackhawks focused stuff because Scott Powers at The Athletic shared a terrific Q&A with Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson on Wednesday. They talk about a lot of topics, from Connor Bedard's development to finding him a running mate and how they're approaching spending money this summer and the draft. A couple items stood...

written by

Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation. You can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation, on Bluesky at @Brett-Taylor, and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

more cubs news

REPORT: Cubs Sign Starter Chris Flexen to a Minor League Deal

On the one hand, there's not too much of a mystery here: Chris Flexen is a 30-year-old starter who made 30 starts for the White Sox last season, earning a 4.95 ERA along the way. With his experience, that's the...

Spring Training Miscellany: Spring Opener Announced, Tucker Versus Steele, Shaw’s Work, More

Today, Cubs manager Craig Counsell announced that Cody Poteet, famous of the offseason's Cody-for-Cody trade, would start the team's Spring Training opener on Thursday. Because he has options remaining, and because the Cubs intend to stretch him out, you'd mentally...

Nolan Arenado, After an Offseason of Trade Rumors, is Still with the Cardinals

You almost never see a team talk as openly about trying to trade a player as the St. Louis Cardinals did this offseason with third baseman Nolan Arenado. Even less frequent is, after all that open talk, a trade doesn't...

Mets Starter Frankie Montas Has a “High Grade” Lat Strain

Significant injury news for the New York Mets and their parchment-thin rotation: https://bsky.app/profile/jonheyman.bsky.social/post/3lifk3t6qq22i The Frankie Montas injury is notable as it's a rotation hit to an NL contender, sure, but it's even more notable when it's an NL contender that...

Outstanding One-on-Ones Take You Behind the Scenes on the Work the Cubs Are Doing

If you haven't yet seen these Marquee segments they've been doing one-on-one with various Cubs players, digging in on some of the fundamentals, you should check them out. They are fantastic. I have really enjoyed the personal touch, and also...

MLBits: Trout Changing Positions, Devers Will *NOT* Move for Bregman and There is Drama, More

MLB NEWS — I know I can't be the only one (outside of California) who's just so depressed at the trajectory of Mike Trout's career. Not only has he competed in ONLY three playoff games throughout his 14-year tenure (...and...

Rob Zastryzny Signs With the Yankees, Leaving the Cubs’ Lefty Reliever Depth Pretty Thin

The reunion that never was. Rob Zastryzny, the Cubs' second round pick in 2013, was an up-down part of the big league team from 2016 to 2018, and had returned this offseason on a waiver claim. Earlier this year, though,...

Cubs Injury Updates: Shaw, Assad, Birdsell

A few injury updates for the Chicago Cubs ... Although he was expected to start hitting again this weekend after the oblique injury, Matt Shaw and the Cubs pushed things back: Matt Shaw says he's "pretty much cleared for everything,...

The Latest Top-Prospect Ranking Is Not Loaded with Cubs (But Does Love Matt Shaw)

This morning, FanGraphs released their 2025 Top 100 Prospect Rankings, complete with ETAs, future value rankings, individual write-ups, and nifty distribution graphs of estimated probably future values (that's actually my favorite part). And while not much of this is necessarily...

The Pressure Is On, Bregman Deal Notes, Tucker Process, Ryno, and Other Cubs Bullets

Saw a thing this weekend about a new half-marathon record, and the thing about these kinds of records that just blows me away is how I could not even come REMOTELY CLOSE to running a SINGLE mile at the pace...

Latest News

Washington vs Rutgers Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – February 20

The Washington Huskies (14-12) will look to halt a three-game losing streak when they host the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (10-16) on February 20, 2025 at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.Washington vs. Rutgers NCAA Game InfoDate: Thursday, February 20,...

Texas A&M vs Florida Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – February 20

The Texas A&M Aggies (10-14) will attempt to break a six-game losing streak when they host the Florida Gators (13-13) on February 20, 2025 at Reed Arena.Texas A&M vs. Florida NCAA Game InfoDate: Thursday, February 20, 2025Time: 8:00 PM ETWhere:...

Tennessee vs Alabama Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – February 20

The Alabama Crimson Tide (21-5) hope to extend a four-game winning streak when they visit the Tennessee Volunteers (19-6) on February 20, 2025 at Thompson-Boling Arena. The contest airs on SEC Network+.Tennessee vs. Alabama NCAA Game InfoDate: Thursday, February 20,...

Michigan vs Penn State Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – February 22

The Penn State Lady Lions (10-16) will try to break an eight-game road slide when they take on the Michigan Wolverines (18-8) on February 22, 2025 at Crisler Center.Michigan vs. Penn State NCAA Game InfoDate: Saturday, February 22, 2025Time: 12:00...

Maryland-Eastern Shore vs North Carolina Central Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – February 22

The Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks (8-16) aim to break a three-game home losing streak when they host the North Carolina Central Eagles (7-17) on February 22, 2025.Maryland-Eastern Shore vs. North Carolina Central NCAA Game InfoDate: Saturday, February 22, 2025Time: 2:00 PM...

Duke vs Louisville Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – February 20

The Louisville Cardinals (18-7) will try to extend a three-game road win streak when they visit the Duke Blue Devils (20-6) on February 20, 2025 at Cameron Indoor Stadium.Duke vs. Louisville NCAA Game InfoDate: Thursday, February 20, 2025Time: 7:00 PM...

Morgan State vs Howard Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – February 22

The Morgan State Bears (11-13) aim to break a three-game home losing streak when they host the Howard Bison (15-9) on February 22, 2025.Morgan State vs. Howard NCAA Game InfoDate: Saturday, February 22, 2025Time: 2:00 PM ETWhere: Baltimore, MarylandVenue: Talmadge...

Northwestern vs Maryland Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – February 20

The Maryland Terrapins (20-6) will visit the Northwestern Wildcats (9-15) after winning three road games in a row.Northwestern vs. Maryland NCAA Game InfoDate: Thursday, February 20, 2025Time: 7:30 PM ETTV: Big Ten NetworkWhere: Evanston, IllinoisVenue: Welsh-Ryan ArenaLast Game For Each...

Coppin State vs Norfolk State Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – February 22

The Coppin State Eagles (16-9) will look to build on a five-game winning streak when they host the Norfolk State Spartans (22-4) on February 22, 2025. The Spartans have won 11 games in a row.Coppin State vs. Norfolk State NCAA...

Miami (FL) vs Notre Dame Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – February 20

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (23-2) will try to extend an 18-game winning streak when they hit the road to take on the Miami Hurricanes (13-12) on February 20, 2025 at Watsco Center.Miami (FL) vs. Notre Dame NCAA Game InfoDate:...

more cubs news