Meghan Montemurro
@mmontemurro.bsky.social
Cubs beat writer at The Chicago Tribune. Previously: The Athletic. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign alumna.
Reposted by Meghan Montemurro
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created in Chicago by Montgomery Ward copywriter Robert L. May to sell toys in 1939
@chicagorumormill.bsky.social looks back at Rudy’s origins
Gift 🔗
@chicagorumormill.bsky.social looks back at Rudy’s origins
Gift 🔗
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created in Chicago by Montgomery Ward copywriter Robert L. May to sell toys in 1939. Here’s how the popular Christmas character — and its author — went down in histo...
Here’s how the popular Christmas character — and its author — went down in history.
www.chicagotribune.com
December 24, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created in Chicago by Montgomery Ward copywriter Robert L. May to sell toys in 1939
@chicagorumormill.bsky.social looks back at Rudy’s origins
Gift 🔗
@chicagorumormill.bsky.social looks back at Rudy’s origins
Gift 🔗
Reposted by Meghan Montemurro
Making a decision to participate in a political movement that's anathema to many Americans — including a large percentage of Cubs fans — only ensures that Matt Shaw will remain in the spotlight in 2026.
📝 @pwsullivan.bsky.social
📝 @pwsullivan.bsky.social
Column: Chicago Cubs’ Matt Shaw enters a new world with his Turning Point USA appearance
Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw spoke at a Turning Point USA gathering, inserting himself into the middle of the political divide in America.
trib.al
December 21, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Making a decision to participate in a political movement that's anathema to many Americans — including a large percentage of Cubs fans — only ensures that Matt Shaw will remain in the spotlight in 2026.
📝 @pwsullivan.bsky.social
📝 @pwsullivan.bsky.social
Reposted by Meghan Montemurro
HOLY SHSDRFCVYGHJJ BEARS
December 21, 2025 at 4:32 AM
HOLY SHSDRFCVYGHJJ BEARS
Bears-Packers, incredible. What a game, what an ending. I can't believe the Bears actually found a way to win that.
December 21, 2025 at 4:33 AM
Bears-Packers, incredible. What a game, what an ending. I can't believe the Bears actually found a way to win that.
As always, it’s an honor to vote for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Here is my ballot this year:
December 19, 2025 at 4:03 PM
As always, it’s an honor to vote for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Here is my ballot this year:
The Cubs have agreed to terms with IF/OF Tyler Austin on 1-year deal. He’ll earn $1.25M & gives them veteran off bench
Austin, 34, last played in MLB in 2019, spent last 6 seasons in Japan where he was teammates with Shota Imanaga (2020-23).
In NPB career, Austin posted .293/.377/.568 slash line.
Austin, 34, last played in MLB in 2019, spent last 6 seasons in Japan where he was teammates with Shota Imanaga (2020-23).
In NPB career, Austin posted .293/.377/.568 slash line.
December 19, 2025 at 12:24 AM
The Cubs have agreed to terms with IF/OF Tyler Austin on 1-year deal. He’ll earn $1.25M & gives them veteran off bench
Austin, 34, last played in MLB in 2019, spent last 6 seasons in Japan where he was teammates with Shota Imanaga (2020-23).
In NPB career, Austin posted .293/.377/.568 slash line.
Austin, 34, last played in MLB in 2019, spent last 6 seasons in Japan where he was teammates with Shota Imanaga (2020-23).
In NPB career, Austin posted .293/.377/.568 slash line.
The Cubs were exceedingly healthy among their starting position players in 2025 & know that might not happen again this season so building a better bench is a priority — and challenge with lack of ABs.
“Given where our roster is right now it’s a harder sell.” www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/14/c...
“Given where our roster is right now it’s a harder sell.” www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/14/c...
What we heard from Chicago Cubs at winter meetings, including bullpen focus and praise for Moisés Ballesteros
Building the bullpen is expected to be an endeavor that tests the Chicago Cubs’ ability to find relievers through different avenues, given how many arms they need.
www.chicagotribune.com
December 16, 2025 at 6:23 PM
The Cubs were exceedingly healthy among their starting position players in 2025 & know that might not happen again this season so building a better bench is a priority — and challenge with lack of ABs.
“Given where our roster is right now it’s a harder sell.” www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/14/c...
“Given where our roster is right now it’s a harder sell.” www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/14/c...
Reposted by Meghan Montemurro
What we heard from the Cubs at the winter meetings:
- Bullpen remains a focus
- Building a better bench a challenging priority
- High praise for Moisés Ballesteros
- Quantifying Nico Hoerner's value
- Bullpen remains a focus
- Building a better bench a challenging priority
- High praise for Moisés Ballesteros
- Quantifying Nico Hoerner's value
What we heard from Chicago Cubs at winter meetings, including bullpen focus and praise for Moisés Ballesteros
Building the bullpen is expected to be an endeavor that tests the Chicago Cubs’ ability to find relievers through different avenues, given how many arms they need.
trib.al
December 15, 2025 at 6:00 PM
What we heard from the Cubs at the winter meetings:
- Bullpen remains a focus
- Building a better bench a challenging priority
- High praise for Moisés Ballesteros
- Quantifying Nico Hoerner's value
- Bullpen remains a focus
- Building a better bench a challenging priority
- High praise for Moisés Ballesteros
- Quantifying Nico Hoerner's value
Not included in story but asked Team USA GM Mike Hill & manager Mark DeRosa whether they talked to Cubs 2B Nico Hoerner about WBC or considered him for team.
They said Hoerner’s name was brought up but sounds unlikely. “We’re running out of spots,” Hill said with Witt, Henderson & Turang on roster.
They said Hoerner’s name was brought up but sounds unlikely. “We’re running out of spots,” Hill said with Witt, Henderson & Turang on roster.
The Cubs likely will be missing some notable players for a stretch thanks to the World Baseball Classic.
As many as 8 players might be on WBC rosters — and the Cubs intend to support any players who wish to represent their countries and are working through logistics.
📝 @mmontemurro.bsky.social
As many as 8 players might be on WBC rosters — and the Cubs intend to support any players who wish to represent their countries and are working through logistics.
📝 @mmontemurro.bsky.social
Chicago Cubs could have 8 players in the World Baseball Classic. Here’s a look at where each stands.
The Chicago Cubs likely will be missing some notable players for a stretch of spring training thanks to the World Baseball Classic.
trib.al
December 12, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Not included in story but asked Team USA GM Mike Hill & manager Mark DeRosa whether they talked to Cubs 2B Nico Hoerner about WBC or considered him for team.
They said Hoerner’s name was brought up but sounds unlikely. “We’re running out of spots,” Hill said with Witt, Henderson & Turang on roster.
They said Hoerner’s name was brought up but sounds unlikely. “We’re running out of spots,” Hill said with Witt, Henderson & Turang on roster.
Reposted by Meghan Montemurro
As many as eight Cubs players might be on World Baseball Classic rosters this March.
“For most, I think it’s a great experience,” manager Craig Counsell said.
@mmontemurro.bsky.social looks at each player's roster status.
“For most, I think it’s a great experience,” manager Craig Counsell said.
@mmontemurro.bsky.social looks at each player's roster status.
Chicago Cubs could have 8 players in the World Baseball Classic. Here’s a look at where each stands.
The Chicago Cubs likely will be missing some notable players for a stretch of spring training thanks to the World Baseball Classic.
trib.al
December 10, 2025 at 9:30 PM
As many as eight Cubs players might be on World Baseball Classic rosters this March.
“For most, I think it’s a great experience,” manager Craig Counsell said.
@mmontemurro.bsky.social looks at each player's roster status.
“For most, I think it’s a great experience,” manager Craig Counsell said.
@mmontemurro.bsky.social looks at each player's roster status.
The Cubs do not select any players in the major-league phase of the Rule 5 draft and do not lose any to other teams.
December 10, 2025 at 7:14 PM
The Cubs do not select any players in the major-league phase of the Rule 5 draft and do not lose any to other teams.
Reposted by Meghan Montemurro
The return of left-hander Shota Imanaga gave the Cubs clarity on how their rotation might take shape in 2026.
And manager Craig Counsell believes the 32-year-old lefty's mindset this offseason and into the season will be about getting better and putting himself in a place where he should be.
And manager Craig Counsell believes the 32-year-old lefty's mindset this offseason and into the season will be about getting better and putting himself in a place where he should be.
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell is ‘very optimistic’ Shota Imanaga will get back to his old form
Shota Imanaga and the Chicago Cubs have had a chance to take a step back and evaluate where things went awry within his delivery and arm action in 2025.
trib.al
December 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM
The return of left-hander Shota Imanaga gave the Cubs clarity on how their rotation might take shape in 2026.
And manager Craig Counsell believes the 32-year-old lefty's mindset this offseason and into the season will be about getting better and putting himself in a place where he should be.
And manager Craig Counsell believes the 32-year-old lefty's mindset this offseason and into the season will be about getting better and putting himself in a place where he should be.
Cubs might have as many as 8 players in WBC: Pete Crow-Armstrong & Matt Boyd (USA), Owen Caissie (Canada), Daniel Palencia (Venezuela), Miguel Amaya (Panama), Javier Assad (Mexico), Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga (Japan).
WBC teams still need club approval for Palencia, Amaya and Assad to play.
WBC teams still need club approval for Palencia, Amaya and Assad to play.
December 9, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Cubs might have as many as 8 players in WBC: Pete Crow-Armstrong & Matt Boyd (USA), Owen Caissie (Canada), Daniel Palencia (Venezuela), Miguel Amaya (Panama), Javier Assad (Mexico), Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga (Japan).
WBC teams still need club approval for Palencia, Amaya and Assad to play.
WBC teams still need club approval for Palencia, Amaya and Assad to play.
Owen Caissie will be playing for Team Canada again in the World Baseball Classic, Canada’s general manager Greg Hamilton says.
Hamilton called Caissie’s performance in the last WBC a “coming out party” and manager Ernie Whitt is excited Caissie is part of this WBC team.
Hamilton called Caissie’s performance in the last WBC a “coming out party” and manager Ernie Whitt is excited Caissie is part of this WBC team.
December 9, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Owen Caissie will be playing for Team Canada again in the World Baseball Classic, Canada’s general manager Greg Hamilton says.
Hamilton called Caissie’s performance in the last WBC a “coming out party” and manager Ernie Whitt is excited Caissie is part of this WBC team.
Hamilton called Caissie’s performance in the last WBC a “coming out party” and manager Ernie Whitt is excited Caissie is part of this WBC team.
The Cubs have been saying all the right things about Matt Shaw & their long-term belief in him since season ended. Even so, a union between the Cubs & Alex Bregman makes a lot of sense even with Jed Hoyer downplaying team connections to available third basemen: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/08/c...
Chicago Cubs’ Jed Hoyer expects ‘interesting things’ at winter meetings — and may be looking for offensive upgrades
The Chicago Cubs have been saying all the right things about Matt Shaw since the season ended, but need him to take another step forward in his offensive maturation.
www.chicagotribune.com
December 9, 2025 at 3:57 PM
The Cubs have been saying all the right things about Matt Shaw & their long-term belief in him since season ended. Even so, a union between the Cubs & Alex Bregman makes a lot of sense even with Jed Hoyer downplaying team connections to available third basemen: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/08/c...
Hoyer when asked about Matt Shaw and what makes the Cubs confident in offense they saw from him in 2nd half instead of 1st half: "Honestly, I've been surprised by the number of media reports that link us to different guys. There's zero lack of confidence in Matt. Actually, I would say the opposite."
December 8, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Hoyer when asked about Matt Shaw and what makes the Cubs confident in offense they saw from him in 2nd half instead of 1st half: "Honestly, I've been surprised by the number of media reports that link us to different guys. There's zero lack of confidence in Matt. Actually, I would say the opposite."
Shota Imanaga's return via the Cubs' QO "gave some clarity, as far as available dollars," Hoyer says of the rotation, "and we knew going in there was a possibility that could happen."
Hoyer says Cubs are "definitely" still looking for another SP but also hybrid pitchers, citing Colin Rea as example
Hoyer says Cubs are "definitely" still looking for another SP but also hybrid pitchers, citing Colin Rea as example
December 8, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Shota Imanaga's return via the Cubs' QO "gave some clarity, as far as available dollars," Hoyer says of the rotation, "and we knew going in there was a possibility that could happen."
Hoyer says Cubs are "definitely" still looking for another SP but also hybrid pitchers, citing Colin Rea as example
Hoyer says Cubs are "definitely" still looking for another SP but also hybrid pitchers, citing Colin Rea as example
After signing veteran Phil Maton, Jed Hoyer believes Cubs will be in market for another high-lev reliever: "Whether we end up signing someone or not I don't know. Depends on how other teams value them, honestly. But we can definitely be in that market & we're obviously going to sign more relievers."
December 8, 2025 at 11:12 PM
After signing veteran Phil Maton, Jed Hoyer believes Cubs will be in market for another high-lev reliever: "Whether we end up signing someone or not I don't know. Depends on how other teams value them, honestly. But we can definitely be in that market & we're obviously going to sign more relievers."
The Cubs have signed infielder Scott Kingery to a minor-league contract with an invite to big-league camp.
December 2, 2025 at 9:48 PM
The Cubs have signed infielder Scott Kingery to a minor-league contract with an invite to big-league camp.
Reposted by Meghan Montemurro
Walking around weather
North Side ❄️❄️❄️❄️
@chicagotribune.com pictures: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/29/p...
North Side ❄️❄️❄️❄️
@chicagotribune.com pictures: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/29/p...
November 29, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Walking around weather
North Side ❄️❄️❄️❄️
@chicagotribune.com pictures: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/29/p...
North Side ❄️❄️❄️❄️
@chicagotribune.com pictures: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/29/p...
Reposted by Meghan Montemurro
Bodycam footage from Operation Midway Blitz released: “It’s all about arresting people.” Ace @chicagotribune.com team reports on a trove of body cam videos
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/28/b...
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/28/b...
Bodycam footage from Operation Midway Blitz released: ‘It’s all about arresting people’
The group of videos made public through the Loevy & Loevy law firm includes footage from agents who responded to controversial arrest operations in the Little Village and Irving Park neighborho…
www.chicagotribune.com
November 28, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Bodycam footage from Operation Midway Blitz released: “It’s all about arresting people.” Ace @chicagotribune.com team reports on a trove of body cam videos
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/28/b...
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/28/b...
Cubs begin remaking the bullpen with veteran Phil Maton in what's their biggest offseason challenge.
“The good news is we have somewhat of a blank canvas back there. We’re not saddled by any underperformers.”
How the Cubs will approach building their ‘pen: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/25/c...
“The good news is we have somewhat of a blank canvas back there. We’re not saddled by any underperformers.”
How the Cubs will approach building their ‘pen: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/25/c...
Chicago Cubs begin remaking the bullpen with veteran Phil Maton in what’s their biggest offseason challenge
Jed Hoyer and the Chicago Cubs front office are charged with trying to reload a bullpen that returns only Daniel Palencia from its high-leverage arms.
www.chicagotribune.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Cubs begin remaking the bullpen with veteran Phil Maton in what's their biggest offseason challenge.
“The good news is we have somewhat of a blank canvas back there. We’re not saddled by any underperformers.”
How the Cubs will approach building their ‘pen: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/25/c...
“The good news is we have somewhat of a blank canvas back there. We’re not saddled by any underperformers.”
How the Cubs will approach building their ‘pen: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/25/c...
Reposted by Meghan Montemurro
In other NEWS: Masked agents took at least 15 street vendors from Chicago during Operation Midway Blitz. “Worst of the worst,” they aren’t. Story by @lauranrodriguez.bsky.social & @zareensyed.bsky.social about neighbors rallying to support culture under attack www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/25/c...
As ICE detains longtime Chicago street vendors with no criminal history, neighbors rally with emergency funds
As longtime vendors quietly disappear from the corners they’ve held for years, community organizations and neighbors are scrambling to support those taken, their families and those still working on…
www.chicagotribune.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:54 PM
In other NEWS: Masked agents took at least 15 street vendors from Chicago during Operation Midway Blitz. “Worst of the worst,” they aren’t. Story by @lauranrodriguez.bsky.social & @zareensyed.bsky.social about neighbors rallying to support culture under attack www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/25/c...
The Cubs have non-tendered catcher Reese McGuire and reliever Eli Morgan.
Left-hander Justin Steele and right-hander Javier Assad were tendered contracts for 2026.
The Cubs’ 40-man roster is now at 30 players.
Left-hander Justin Steele and right-hander Javier Assad were tendered contracts for 2026.
The Cubs’ 40-man roster is now at 30 players.
November 21, 2025 at 10:57 PM
The Cubs have non-tendered catcher Reese McGuire and reliever Eli Morgan.
Left-hander Justin Steele and right-hander Javier Assad were tendered contracts for 2026.
The Cubs’ 40-man roster is now at 30 players.
Left-hander Justin Steele and right-hander Javier Assad were tendered contracts for 2026.
The Cubs’ 40-man roster is now at 30 players.
The Cubs have added infielder James Triantos, left-hander Riley Martin and infielder Pedro Ramirez to their 40-man roster, protecting them from the Rule 5 draft.
With their additions and Shota Imanaga returning on the qualifying offer, the Cubs' 40-man roster is now at 32 players.
With their additions and Shota Imanaga returning on the qualifying offer, the Cubs' 40-man roster is now at 32 players.
November 19, 2025 at 12:09 AM
The Cubs have added infielder James Triantos, left-hander Riley Martin and infielder Pedro Ramirez to their 40-man roster, protecting them from the Rule 5 draft.
With their additions and Shota Imanaga returning on the qualifying offer, the Cubs' 40-man roster is now at 32 players.
With their additions and Shota Imanaga returning on the qualifying offer, the Cubs' 40-man roster is now at 32 players.