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Former ECW World Heavyweight Champion Justin Credible has opened up about his past issues with substance abuse and stated that heâ€s been sober since last year.

ECW original Justin Credible reunited with his old on-screen valet Francine in her Eyes Up Here with Francine podcast, where he spoke about his battle with addiction. He stated that it started with opioids during his ECW and WWE days and credited the latterâ€s rehab program in 2011 and the medication Suboxone for saving his life.

He said he hasnâ€t taken opioids since 2011, but stated that he relapsed with alcohol later.

“I havenâ€t taken an opioid since 2011. Something in me said, ‘Well, you know, itâ€s not that bad if I have a drink once in a whileâ€â€¦ that led to me just being a full blown drunk, drinking day and night,†Credible said (h/t WrestlingNews.co).

Justin Credible said his addiction led to legal issues, which stemmed from domestic incidents while being intoxicated. It led to the issue of a protective order, which he violated repeatedly and spent 45 days in prison as a result.

“The first incident was with my father… I specifically said to him, ‘Oh, Iâ€ll kill you.†He called the cops, and thatâ€s a threat. Every time there was a an argument or a drunken fueled debauchery, theyâ€d come and Iâ€m not supposed to be on the property. I spent 45 days in jail.â€

He then stated that heâ€s been sober since December 14 last year. Speaking about how his life outside wrestling is going, Jutin Credible revealed that he is starting a new job at Chiliâ€s in December.

Justin Credibleâ€s most recent in-ring appearance took place on August 2, 2025, when he competed in a Hardcore match against Sycho Simon at a Memphis Wrestling event.

Read More: Former AEW Coach Rips ‘Drowning†Spot In AEW WrestleDream Main Event

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John Cena (photo credit WWE media kit)

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)…

For the most part, Iâ€ve really enjoyed a post-Vince McMahon WWE. Most of the things I dislike about the current product have been faults of TKO. The constant brand-integration sponsorships, rising prices to attend a live event, and having to have access to six different platforms to watch WWE are at the top of my list. While not perfect, WWE’s Creative has been better than what we were getting from WWE in the last decade of Vince McMahon. Better is not an automatic pass, though.

Paul Levesque will never be a perfect booker, nor should he be expected to be. Look at any era and there are stories that didnâ€t work. The same shows with The Undertakerâ€s debut had the Gobbledy Gooker, and while Steven Austin and the Rock were on top of the world, Mae Young was delivering Mark Henryâ€s baby hand. Any writer will tell you that not everything is a hit. I know that different ideas in my head will play differently when put out into art for others to appreciate.

Weâ€ve had great moves like Codyâ€s story, the introduction of mid-card womenâ€s titles, and the rise of brilliant talents such as Dominik Mysterio. Weâ€ve also had some misfires that were more than simple undercard angles that were dropped.

Tag Teams (or Making Every Title Matter)

If you watch Smackdown in a vacuum, they have a really good tag team division. Thereâ€s even a team in Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss that are a pretty fan act as champions right now. But thereâ€s a lacking of depth in the company when it comes to tag team wrestling.

Raw has been the worst offender, as Finn Balor & J.D. McDonough have only defended their titles once on television before the match with A.J. Styles & Dragon Lee – two guys who have been feuding with another guy in their stable, showing there are no actual tag teams that are taken seriously on Raw as contenders right now. With a roster with more members on it than ever before, there have to be more green guys who can learn in teams or established stars without storylines, like with Styles & Lee.

With the women, it will be the same 3-4 teams, not leaving enough teams to have personal grudges as established teams. Makeshift teams end up being the majority of the womenâ€s tag roster. We need the male equivalents to the Road Warriors, Dudleys, and FTR who make tag wrestling their established division to work within.

As stacked as the Smackdown tag roster is, you do have to watch Smackdown to catch the matches. With USA not having streaming abilities outside of a cable package, this leaves many people without access to Smackdown. While personally loving tag team wrestling, and one that has watched the majority of WWE PLEs, I miss watching tag title matches on the big cards. The biggest moments are saved for these PLEs, and their tag team champions arenâ€t priority to get those moments.

Wyatt Sicks

While on the topic of tag team champions, The Wyatt family not being a major part of your October PLE makes no sense to me. People adored Bray. We miss him and want to celebrate and honor his work that was left. After a stellar debut, it quickly became just another faction. There were injuries, but instead of using the healthy members, theyâ€re removed from television until all were healthy. Thereâ€s a Universal Studios exhibit, and theyâ€re tag team champions, but we missed a lot in between, and now fans have less invested in the group than we should.

ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW…

Check out the latest episode of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Post-show covering the latest episode of Smackdown: CLICK HERE to stream (or search “wade Keller†on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any other iOS or Android app to subscribe free)

Karion Kross

I remember when Claudio Castignoli was in WWE as Cesaro and how everyone he worked with seemed to have great things about him, fans were strongly behind him, and even “Stone Cold” Steve Austin was pushing for Cesaro to get pushed to the top of the card on a live podcast to Vince McMahon. Alas, that glass ceiling withstood, and there was no shattering it by proving yourself if the right person who made the decisions didnâ€t see it.

Kross was a viral sensation and top merch seller, while being at the bottom of the mid-card. He was getting ovations in multiple cities that didnâ€t match his presentation. The fans liked him. I guess the new WWE offices have those glass ceilings too.

Ron “The Truth†Killings

The man cut the Promo of the Year after returning from being released from his contract. Interrupting the broadcast, taking over the show, and ending that monologue by cutting the braids from his hair heâ€d been known from for decades… and nothing.

Heâ€s now the same R-Truth comedy character he was before. I was ready for a matured version of his TNA run. I wanted to hear from the man who was always held back. Especially when the fans – and fellow wrestlers who disagreed with the decision – were very vocal in their support. It was his chance to visit the main event in the twilight of his wrestling career, but nowâ€s heâ€s another missed opportunity.

Cena Heel Turn

We all wanted to see it. We got it and the wrestling world was on fire. Crossover attention on memes, fan reaction videos creating internet traffic, and the venture fandom wanting to hear that first promo afterwards. Then he came out in jorts and a retirement T-shirt that celebrated his career as brightly as a cereal box.

When Eric Bischoff recalls working with Hulk Hogan, he remembers how, no matter how good an idea was, that Hulk Hogan would always ask, “What happens next?†Hogan knew that no matter how big the moment could be, there was a show to do next week and a new PPV to start building towards. WWE has attempted to build too many shows around “moments†without there being a payoff or a move to something bigger.

In any narrative, you need a reason for a character to change their motivation, and it needs to be plotted out, as a shocking moment should be a stepping stone, not the ultimate moment itself. TV dramas have shown how this can go down for years. Kill off a character in order to alter the relationships of the characters for a storyline payoff, or a ratings ploy that left them in a hole they couldnâ€t get out of. The Cena turn ended up being the latter.

(Griffin is a lifelong fan of wrestling, superheroes, and rebellious music of all forms. He is the owner of Nerdstalgia, and you can shop online, learn about visiting the store in Colorado Springs, or catch him at a comic con in the Rocky Mountain area by going to http://nerdstalgia.shop.)

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Oliver Glasner has revealed the Crystal Palace captain, Marc Guéhi, has told the club he does not want to sign a new contract and will leave next year.

The England defenderâ€s deal expires at the end of the season and it is understood that Guéhi has rejected all attempts to persuade him to prolong his stay in south London after leading Palace to their FA Cup triumph in May.

The 25-year-old had looked set to join Liverpool in the summer until the Palace chair, Steve Parish, pulled the plug on his move a few hours before the transfer deadline.

Guéhi was said to have been left extremely unhappy about the collapse of his move but has put that behind him and continued to excel for Palace. However, Glasner confirmed before Palaceâ€s meeting with Bournemouth at Selhurst Park on Saturday that Guéhi has already signalled his intention to depart.

“I think Marc has already told us that he doesnâ€t sign a new contract, so he will leave next year,†said the Palace manager. “The club wanted [him to stay]. They offered Marc a new contract. But he said: ‘No, I want to make something differentâ€.

“And thatâ€s normal. And for us, itâ€s how we can deal with this situation? [What] is the best way to get this next step done? And thatâ€s all about how we are talking together.â€

Guéhi, who is believed to have strong interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona as well as Liverpool, will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club when the January transfer window opens on New Yearâ€s Day 2026.

Meanwhile, Glasner confirmed he has opened talks over extending his contract at Palace. It also expires at the end of the season but the 51-year-old Austrian warned that it could depend on whether the club can continue to build on their first major trophy.

“We are talking, but we have 19 games to play before the new year,†Glasner said. “I am here to do the best for Crystal Palace and win as many games as possible. With all the things around the games, there are not many evenings or days when we can talk about my contract with my focus on it. There is so much going on, the players and club deserve 100% Oliver Glasner. I donâ€t want to be distracted.

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‘We are looking for the right moments to talk. The club are not in a rush,†says Oliver Glasner. Photograph: Darren Staples/AFP/Getty Images

“We are looking for the right moments to talk. The club are not in a rush. I met Steve four or five times this week. He appreciates that I am always giving 100% and I appreciate our open and honest communication.â€

He added: “Itâ€s not about Oliver Glasnerâ€s thoughts, itâ€s also the chairman, all the employees, the owners. Itâ€s extending the stadium capacity. Building a new stand has been a project for years and itâ€s what the club wants. Itâ€s important to get more revenue.

“In any company where two leaders have different visions, you go separate ways and canâ€t achieve your goals. This is what we are talking about. If we can find the same pathway and goal for Crystal Palace, then we will end the talks and if we canâ€t, we will also end the talks.â€

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Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is open to playing into his 40s.

“All I’ll say is that I just want the option and if I’m at a legitimate ability to be able to play,” Curry told Mark Medina of EssentiallySports. “I don’t know if it’ll make sense or if I would want to, whatever the case is. But if I can make the decision and the decision is not made for me, that’s a big, big point.”

The 11-time All-Star and four-time champion will be turning 38 years old during the 2025-26 season.

He’ll be 40 years old in the middle of Golden State’s 2027-28 campaign, although he’s only signed through the 2026-27 season after agreeing to a one-year extension worth $62.6 million with the team in Aug. 2024.

Curry, who has spent his entire 16-year career on the Warriors, has repeatedly expressed his desire to finish his NBA journey as a member of the organization.

He hasn’t shown many signs of slowing down recently, as his legendary shooting prowess has allowed him to remain one of the league’s top point guards throughout the back half of his career.

Curry is coming off a 2024-25 season in which he averaged 24.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game on 44.8/39.7/93.3 shooting splits while helping the Warriors finish with a 50-32 record.

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Put aside, for a moment, anxiety around the A-Leagues†next broadcast deal. Shelve calculations for the impending “hard†salary cap. Forget the perpetual challenges of venues, crowds, members. Of connecting the pyramid. Of all the worries in Australian footballâ€s future.

The A-League Men kicks off on Friday for its 21st season, and for the best 300 or so footballers in the country, nothing matters more than when the referee blows for kick-off. “Once the whistle goes, Iâ€m going to be doing what it takes to win the game,†says Kai Trewin, the player of the year at champions Melbourne City.

City travel to Western Sydney on Saturday to meet a Wanderers side injected during the off-season with proven A-Leagues talent including Kosta Barbarouses, Angus Thurgate and Steven Ugarkovic, who played alongside Trewin at City last year. “Theyâ€ve done some really good recruiting, and theyâ€re going to be a really strong team,†Trewin says.

The 24-year-old defender/midfielder secured his first call-up to the Socceroos last season in a breakout year that placed him firmly in contention for Tony Popovicâ€s squad for next yearâ€s World Cup. Trewinâ€s international aspirations – as well as those of his club-mate Aziz Behich and others such as Victory forward Nishan Velupillay – will form one of this seaonâ€s key storylines. “If youâ€re playing consistently here and playing really well, I donâ€t think [Popovic] will be scared to pick anyone out of A-Leagues,†Trewin says.

Winger Craig Goodwin hopes his return to Adelaide will remind Popovic of his quality. The 33-year-old had off-season foot surgery fixing a problem he had managed for the past five years and had required painkilling injections. “Itâ€s up to me to do the talking on the pitch, to provide the goals and assists for this Adelaide team to lead us to success in the early rounds, and hopefully I can be involved in the next squad,†the Reds captain said this week.

Adelaide United host the season opener on Friday night against Sydney FC. The Sky Blues have long been known as the leagueâ€s glamour club, but they lost some of their lustre last year when the five-time champions missed the finals for the first time in three years. The club have had to move home matches this season from Allianz stadium due to pitch reconstruction works, and are in a period of off-field transition following changes in head office.

Coach Ufuk Talay says the Sky Blues are “definitely†still the A-Leagueâ€s glamour club. “The board change, itâ€s been fantastic,†he says. “Itâ€s not just on the field with the players and the signings, but all the little stuff off the field that makes a massive difference as well.â€

Sydney FC head coach Ufuk Talay is confident the Sky Blues still have what it takes. Photograph: Matt King/Getty Images

Sydneyâ€s cross-town rivals the Wanderers have lost star Spanish import Juan Mata and the Johnny Warren medal winner Nicolas Milanovic, one of a crop of young attackers to have moved overseas including Adrian Segecic, Archie Goodwin, Noah Botic and Marco Tilio. Mata has headed south to Melbourne Victory, who reached the grand final last season after knocking out impressive debutants Auckland in the semi-finals.

The New Zealand club are expected to find it difficult to meet the APLâ€s planned hard cap of $3m next season due to the committed spending from an ownership group led by American Bill Foley. But they go into this campaign motivated to improve on their first year.

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At the other end of last yearâ€s league table, wooden spooners Perth enter the season with some optimism, having signed championship-winning defender Brian Kaltak from the Central Coast Mariners as well as former Wales international Tom Lawrence. Second-from-bottom last season, Brisbane Roar pursued a different pre-season by taking the team to Solomon Islands and playing against the national team, tapping into the department of foreign affairs†Pacific sporting budget.

The Roar have enough to deal with at home, however, given the clubâ€s stadium conundrum, which chief operations officer, Zac Anderson, described as his biggest headache. Brisbane canâ€t access Suncorp stadium for much of the season due to concerts, and their frustrations were exacerbated when the draw had to be redone at the 11th hour after Western United pulled out.

The clubs, whose annual distributions were slashed to $530,000 last year, are eager to hear of the outcome of the APLâ€s negotiations with broadcasters, given the existing deal with Paramount and Channel 10 expires at the end of this season. But despite belt-tightening remaining a priority for clubs and the APL, the potential of the league remains compelling for many. The investment in Melbourne Victory by Tony Bloom, owner of English Premier League club Brighton, is set to bring about a new era for one of the A-Leagues†original clubs. At times during its 21 years, the promise of the ALM has overshadowed its present. But on Saturday night, there will be no fictional creatures running out on to the turf at AAMI Park.

Rather, there will be skilful fringe Socceroo Denis Genreau, a Victory signing brought back to Melbourne from Europe. Up against him will be Lachlan Brook, Aucklandâ€s promising winger back in the ALM after a stint in the US, and who was Western Sydneyâ€s top scorer in 2023-24. Heightened by the noise of Victoryâ€s passionate fans, there will be genuine rivalry, given what happened between the sides last season. And with World Cup aspirants having more motivation than ever, those present will know: the A-Leagues are back.

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Caitlin Clark is set to make her return.

Clark, for the second straight year, has committed to play in the pro-am for the LPGA’s The Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida. The pro-am will take place Nov. 12 and is open to the public.

Last year, Clark teed it up alongside Nelly Korda and Annika Sorenstam. She also took part in a women’s leadership summit the afternoon before at the club.

“I had an amazing time at The Annika last November and participating in the pro-am alongside Nelly Korda and Annika Sorenstam, two of the best in the game,†said Clark. “I’m honored to be an ambassador for a company in Gainbridge that is so committed to elevating women’s sports. I can’t wait to return to Tampa in November to play in the pro-am with the best women golfers in the world.â€

Clark, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, only played 13 games for the Indiana Fever this season as she dealt with multiple lower-body injuries. She last played July 15.

“It was an honor to play in the pro-am with Caitlin last year. The crowds were amazing, and we are excited for her return to The Annika in November,†said Sorenstam. “She added such a great dynamic to our event, and her passion for golf and competitiveness were fun to witness firsthand. I look forward to having her back and continuing to introduce the great game of golf to the next generation.â€

Matt Hardy just got emotional—and rightfully so. On October 15, 2025, he marked 33 years since he and Jeff Hardy first entered the world of professional wrestling, and he took to Twitter to lay it all out.

Sharing a powerful before-and-after photo of the Hardy Boyz—from their very first promo pic in 1992 to their latest defense at TNA Bound For Glory—Matt opened up about the surreal journey he and his brother have taken from their hometown in Cameron, North Carolina, to becoming wrestling legends.

“If you told young 1992 us we would experience all the success we have, we wouldnâ€t have believed it.â€

He didnâ€t stop there. Matt poured his heart out, thanking the fans, TNA, and a higher power for keeping him and Jeff going all these years.

“Grateful for our loyal & dieHARDY fanbase. Grateful for the opportunities weâ€ve earned & been given. Grateful to God weâ€re as healthy as we are after all the punishment weâ€ve put our bodies thru.â€

Matt also mentioned how proud he is that their work has inspired generations of wrestlers and fans. Itâ€s clear this milestone isnâ€t just about titles or longevity—itâ€s about impact.

“Grateful weâ€ve been able to inspire multiple generations.â€

He wrapped it up with a thank you to the fans whoâ€ve supported them since day one, saying their journey has been nothing short of a dream come true.

“Thank you for letting these 2 kids from Cameron, NC live their childhood dreams & thrive in life. We are both SO blessed. With that said, itâ€s time to go to work in year number 34.â€

From ladder matches to comeback stories, the Hardy Boyz have done it all—and according to Matt, theyâ€re not done yet.

Whatâ€s your favorite moment from the Hardy Boyz over the past 33 years? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.

October 15, 2025 10:25 pm

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YOKOHAMA, Japan — This may not have been Xander Schauffele’s most prestigious tournament victory, but it should be the American’s most memorable.

Schauffele’s shot a 7-under 64 on Sunday to win the Baycurrent Classic in Japan — a country where his mother grew up and where he has many connections.

Schauffele, who shot 19-under 265 over four rounds at the Yokohama Country Club, finished one shot ahead of American Max Greyserman, who was also the runner-up at this event a year ago as he chases his first PGA Tour title.

Schauffele has maternal grandparents living in Japan and his mother has roots in Taiwan and grew up in Japan. His mother-in-law is also Japanese, and his wife is half Japanese and grew up in Japan’s southern island of Okinawa.

“I’ve been coming here since I was about 9 years old to visit my grandparents,†Schauffele said. “I sort of fell in love with this country a long time ago. I can’t wait to bring my son here when he’s old enough to sort of understand and appreciate the culture here in Japan.â€

“Yeah, the ties run deep for the Schauffele family here in Japan,†he added.

Schauffele and his wife Maya became parents just over a month ago with the birth of a son.

“It’s still kind of fresh, but it’s definitely a cool thing being a dad and I’m so excited to go home to him and Maya after this,†Schauffele said.

Schauffele was cheered during the tournament by family members who attended, including his 81-year-old grandmother who walked the course with him. He said there would probably be a “get-together†with family members later to celebrate.

“I mean, I don’t get to see them very often and they’ve always been gracious with their time to come out wherever the event was,†he said. “They’ve been awesome to me and this is pretty cool. I’ve really wanted to share a win with them, so can’t wait to get together with them.â€

Greyserman closed with a 65 and held or shared the lead through the first three rounds. Michael Thorbjornsen finished with a 64 and was three strokes behind the winner.

Here’s how the full $8 million purse was paid out in Japan at the PGA Tour’s Baycurrent Classic.

Schauffele has won two major championships — including The Open in 2024 which was his last victory — and took gold in the Tokyo Olympics, which were delayed until 2021 by the pandemic. He’s also compiled a considerable list of other PGA Tour titles — but this PGA Tour title is different.

Soft conditions and still winds led to low scoring. Matt McCarty shot an 11-under 60 — he still finished nine strokes back. Japanese Takumi Kanaya finished with a 9-under 62 and was five behind with winner.

McCarty had a chance at a 58 but hit into the trees on his final hole and settled for a bogey and a 60. Jim Furyk holds the PGA Tour record with a 58 in the final round of the Travelers Championship in 2016.

MILWAUKEE – When Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer swung the trade to bring Kyle Tucker into the fold last offseason, the goal was to transform the offense and make a run at the World Series. If those goals were met, the fact that Tucker was around for only one year would have been worth it.

On Saturday night, Tucker stood in front of his locker in the visitors†clubhouse at American Family Field, facing an uncertain future in the wake of the Cubs†3-1 loss to the Brewers in Game 5 of the National League Division Series. He did transform Chicagoâ€s lineup, but the North Siders†quest to be the last team standing is over.

“It sucks,†Tucker said. “But Iâ€m very proud of this group.â€

The question now, of course, is whether Tuckerâ€s one-year experience with the Cubs will carry any weight as the days tick toward his free agency. The star outfielder will be arguably the best all-around hitter on the open market, positioning Tucker to land a lengthy, lucrative contract even after an injury-marred 2025.

Other potential top free-agent hitters in this winterâ€s class – some weighing opt-out clauses – include Kyle Schwarber, Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso, Bo Bichette and Cody Bellinger.

Tucker was asked if his ideal outcome would be to sign a long-term deal with the Cubs.

“Weâ€ll see what happens,†Tucker said. “I donâ€t know what the future is going to hold. If not, it was an honor playing with all these guys and I wish everyone the best of luck, whether itâ€s playing next year or not with them. Itâ€s a really fun group to be a part of.â€

In the winner-take-all Game 5, Tucker went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts, including one against lefty Aaron Ashby with two on and no outs in the sixth inning. It was an opportunity for Tucker to swing momentum Chicagoâ€s way, with the Brewers clinging to a 2-1 lead at the time.

After Tucker struck out, Chad Patrick took over for the Brewers and retired Seiya Suzuki (flyout) and Ian Happ (strikeout) to end the Cubs†potential rally. That 0-for-3 showing represented Chicagoâ€s only chances with runners in scoring position in the loss.

“That was the inning,†Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “Itâ€s really the only inning you could talk about. We just didnâ€t do much. We had six baserunners. Youâ€re going to have to hit homers to have any runs scoring in scenarios like that.â€

Throughout this season, the Cubs†offense functioned its best when Tucker was healthy and productive. He went 2-for-4 in Chicagoâ€s clinching win over the Padres in Game 3 of the NL Wild Card Series. In Games 3-4 of the NLDS at Wrigley Field, Tucker was 4-for-6, with three walks and a home run.

“He meant a lot,†Cubs first baseman Michael Busch said. “The consistency of at-bat. Getting on base and driving [in runs]. Heâ€s just as complete of a hitter as you can get. I think putting him in any lineup, heâ€s going to be right up at the top. I think heâ€s one of the best hitters in the game. He can change that lineup just with putting him in there.â€

Hoyer sent Cam Smith, Hayden Wesneski and Isaac Paredes to the Astros on Dec. 13 to land Tucker, knowing it might only be a one-year arrangement.

In 136 games, the 28-year-old Tucker hit .266/.377/.464 with 22 home runs, 25 doubles, 73 RBIs, 25 stolen bases and nearly as many walks (87) as strikeouts (88). He dealt with a hairline fracture in his right hand in June and later missed three-plus weeks in September due to a left calf strain, but he returned in time for the playoffs.

Tucker entered July with a .291/.395/.533 slash line and earned a spot in the starting lineup for the NL All-Star team. He was putting up MVP-caliber production, and the Cubs†lineup was one of the best units in baseball over the first three months, averaging 5.4 runs per game.

“The depth that he provides in our lineup is so obvious,†shortstop Dansby Swanson said. “[Heâ€s] somebody you can count on each and every day to show up and have professional at-bats and do things that help the team win ballgames. So, you know, any time you can have a player like that on your team, you obviously want that.â€

For what itâ€s worth, Tucker raved about the relationships he established in such a short time with the organization.

“I feel like weâ€re just kind of one big family,†Tucker said. “Weâ€re not just here to show up to work. Weâ€re hanging out outside the field and becoming close. I donâ€t know that thereâ€s many teams that are like that or not, but this team definitely built a lot of relationships on and off the field this year.â€

Tucker also believes the ballclub – with a foundation of young talent mixed with core veterans – has the ingredients for multiple postseason runs.

“I think this team is really, really talented,†he said. “A great group of guys. And I can definitely see this team having a lot of success in the future.â€

Does that give the Cubs any kind of advantage in free agency?

“I donâ€t really know right now,†Tucker said. “I was more worried about the game tonight and everything. Iâ€ll kind of get through this today and worry about that a little later.â€

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2025 season: 92-70, second in NL Central, eliminated in NLDS

With the Cubs eliminated by the Brewers in Game 5 of the NLDS, let’s take a look at the season that was in Chicago, the questions the team must address this winter and the early outlook for next year.

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Things that went right

The Cubs rode a strong first half of the season to their first postseason appearance in a 162-game campaign since 2018.

While the teamâ€s pitching staff was steady all season, it was the lineup that made a big splash over the first few months. Before his struggles in the second half (.634 OPS), Pete Crow-Armstrong was one of baseballâ€s breakout players, as he rode improved power skills to a 30-30 season. He also played center field as well as anyone in baseball. Offseason acquisition Kyle Tucker endured a summer slump and injury, but his strong start to the campaign seemed to give the rest of the team confidence that the Cubs had found their lineup centerpiece. Seiya Suzuki blew past his previous career highs in homers (32) and RBI (103), and Michael Busch took a step forward (34 HR, 90 RBI) in his second season with the organization.

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On the mound, Matthew Boyd proved to be one of baseballâ€s best signings, though he stumbled in the Cubs’ NLDS Game 1 defeat. Signed to a reasonable, two-year contract last winter, Boyd ranked among the ERA leaders throughout the season. He wonâ€t seriously challenge for the NL Cy Young Award, but he will be on the ballot for some writers. Behind Boyd, Cade Horton became one of the teamâ€s most reliable starters during his rookie year. Horton struggled initially but went 8-1 with a remarkable 1.03 ERA after the All-Star break. Heâ€ll finish high in NL Rookie of the Year voting. Unfortunately for Chicago, an untimely broken rib kept Horton off the Cubs†wild-card and NLDS rosters.

Chicago had a solid bullpen, albeit with surprising contributors. Danny Palencia opened the season in Triple-A, yet by the second half of May, he was the teamâ€s closer. Palencia performed so well that the front office declined to add a veteran closer at the trade deadline. Caleb Thielbar and Brad Keller went from low-budget offseason signings to an effective setup duo that no one saw coming. The teamâ€s key relievers — Palencia, Keller, Thielbar, Andrew Kittredge, Drew Pomeranz and Taylor Rogers — combined to allow two runs over 12 1/3 innings during their three-game wild-card win over the Padres.

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Things that went wrong

The Cubs were outplayed across five NLDS games against the Brewers. While they mounted an admirable comeback after being down 0-2 and forced a Game 5, ultimately, the Brewers’ pitching held stronger, and the Brewers’ bats provided more clutch hits. In the winner-take-all game, the Cubs had their chances to break through and advance to the next round, and now they have the whole winter to think about them.

In the regular season, it was essential that pitchers such as Boyd, Horton and Palencia contributed much more than expected, because some of the teamâ€s main arms were massive disappointments. Ryan Pressly arrived in an offseason trade and was expected to anchor the bullpen. Instead, he lost the closerâ€s role by the middle of April and was released on Aug. 1. Porter Hodge was supposed to be the primary setup man or challenge Pressly for ninth-inning opportunities. Instead, he dealt with multiple IL stints and had a 6.85 ERA when he was sent to the minors on July 30.

The Cubs’ rotation had letdowns as well. Justin Steele was a leading candidate to be the teamâ€s ace, but he lasted just four starts before requiring season-ending elbow surgery. Steele did not, however, need Tommy John surgery, so heâ€s a candidate to return early next season. Ben Brown struggled to turn a strong K:BB ratio into a respectable ERA and bounced among the rotation, bullpen and minors. In July, the team hoped to have addressed its lack of rotation depth when it acquired Michael Soroka at the deadline, but Soroka lasted two innings (yes, two) before landing on the IL due to a right shoulder strain.

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Lastly, the Cubs went with rookie Matt Shaw at third base to begin the season and lived with the consequences. The plan worked to some degree, as Shaw logged an .839 OPS in the second half. But he arrived at the All-Star break with a .556 OPS and had soaked up 232 plate appearances that couldâ€ve been distributed elsewhere. While Shaw started to find a groove in the second half, many of his teammates struggled to the point that the Cubs ranked 20th in runs scored after the All-Star break.

Offseason outlook

Most of the Cubs†key players are under contract for 2026. The infield is especially stable. Miguel Amaya and Carson Kelly will continue to form a balanced tandem behind home plate, with Amaya hoping to move past an injury-impacted season. Busch and Shaw could fill the corner infield spots on the North Side for many years, while Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner will work together in the middle of the diamond. Hoerner especially deserves recognition for his strong defense at shortstop.

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The outfield has some excellent pieces but also some instability as we look to 2026. With Crow-Armstrong in center field, Cubs pitchers can expect to have outstanding defense on fly balls. And Ian Happ is a steady contributor in left field. Tucker is heading to free agency, which gives the teamâ€s top prospect, Owen Caissie, a chance to take over as an every-day player after excelling in the minors and getting a cup of coffee in Chicago in August and September.

Chicago has plenty of rotation options. Boyd will lead the staff for at least one more season, Horton will be a big part of the rotation, and Jameson Taillon will grab a spot for the final year of his deal. The status of Shota Imanaga is up in the air, as his complicated contract has player and team options for various seasons that need to be addressed before he can return. The Cubs have a club option on Colin Rea, which they might exercise after he was a reliable contributor this year. And while Steele is a wild card, he could be the best pitcher on the team if healthy. Finally, thereâ€s Brown, who will surely get another shot as a starter and still has plenty of long-term potential.

The bullpen has an excellent anchor in Palencia but needs help to rebuild the setup crew. All of the teamâ€s key relievers down the stretch are on the wrong side of 30, and many are over 35 years old. Whatâ€s more, Keller, Thielbar, Andrew Kittredge, Taylor Rogers and Drew Pomeranz are all heading to free agency and will need to be retained or replaced.

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Prospects on the horizon

As noted earlier, Caissie is the teamâ€s best prospect and the player who is the most ready to make major contributions in 2026. The 23-year-old logged an outstanding .937 OPS in Triple-A this year, which proved that he has nothing else to learn at that level. Caissie has a terrific blend of power and patience and deserves a chance to be the Opening Day right fielder.

Moisés Ballesteros is the clubâ€s other elite prospect who is knocking on the door, having bounced between Triple-A and the majors in 2025. A short, stocky catcher with strong contact skills, Ballesteros has drawn comparisons to Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk. He can also play first base, though his long-term role is likely behind the plate. Amaya and Kelly are both under contract for 2026, though itâ€s the final year of Kellyâ€s deal. The club could carry three catchers, or it could make a trade to clear space for Ballesteros.

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Kevin Alcántara joins Caissie among the outfield options. Alcántara enjoyed a solid 2025 season in Triple-A and got his first taste of the big leagues in September. That said, his production wasnâ€t enough to put him in serious consideration for a regular role at the outset of 2026. The best bet is for Alcántara to open next season in the minors before joining the outfield as soon as an injury occurs.

On the pitching side, Jaxon Wiggins had a terrific 2025 and elevated his prospect status. The 23-year-old has progressed only to Double-A, which almost guarantees that he will open 2026 in the minors. Still, he could help the rotation or relief corps next summer.

Goals for 2026

The Cubs will be competitive again next season, but after such a strong first half followed by a disappointing playoff exit, their fans want to know how far the front office will go to make this team true World Series contenders. Trading for Tucker last offseason was a win-now move, but it wasnâ€t followed up with a lucrative contract extension or the pitching acquisitions necessary to make the most of Tuckerâ€s one season in Chicago. With the four-time All-Star likely headed elsewhere this winter, Caissie looks ready to replace Tucker in the outfield, but there remains a massive need to improve Chicagoâ€s rotation and overhaul the bullpen if the Cubs want to get further than the division series in 2026.

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With the Brewers surging, the Reds ascending and the Cardinals almost always a threat, winning the NL Central will be more difficult next year than in many recent seasons. The pressure will be on Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts to give the front office the necessary resources and on president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer to improve the roster to make a deeper run in 2026.

Fantasy focus

Crow-Armstrong and Tucker will be selected in the second round of 2026 drafts, with Suzuki following a few rounds later. This deep roster includes many players who will be drafted in the middle rounds, including Swanson, Hoerner, Busch, Happ, Palencia, Imanaga, Boyd and Horton.

Steele will join that group if he looks good in spring training. Shaw will be selected a few rounds later, as managers pin their hopes on his ability to build on his 2025 second-half performance.

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