Sports Thursday, June 26, 2025 | | |
| | Good morning, Chicago. A warm welcome awaits Kyle Tucker this weekend in Houston. The Cubs’ three-game series against the Astros at Daikin Park brings Tucker back to where the 28-year-old right fielder became a star and World Series champion. And as the calendar moves closer to free agency, Tucker must decide in the offseason what he will prioritize when he signs a long-term deal. Tucker didn’t provide any insight
Wednesday into whether he has had conversations with Jed Hoyer about a contract extension. “For the most part, we’re going to keep that between us,” he said. “If anything happens, I’m sure you guys would know.” Hoyer previously noted how Chicago sells itself. Asked for his impressions of playing in the city and at Wrigley Field, Tucker dryly observed with a slight smile how helpful the warmer weather has been recently with the wind blowing out. “It’s a city that thrives on its sports and wants to see their teams win and succeed,” Tucker said. “So we’re just trying to go out there and do our best to give them that. It’s been a lot of fun to be part of that.” Stay connected with us all day: Sign up for our newsletters to get the latest news in your inbox. And you can follow us on social media: X, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Not a Tribune subscriber? Here's our latest offer. | | A 6-foot-10 forward boasting a 7-1 wingspan, the 18-year-old Noa Essengue was one of the youngest prospects in this NBA draft class — and one of the latest arrivals. | | | Four players with Illinois ties began their NBA journeys Wednesday night when they heard their names called during the first round of the NBA draft. | | | A 22-year-old fan who heckled the Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte during a game against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field has been banned indefinitely from the ballpark. | | | The Chicago Blackhawks enter Friday’s first round of the NHL draft with multiple picks for the fourth consecutive year — but this time there’s clear direction for their selection. | | | The Chicago Bears announced their 2025 training camp schedule, which includes 11 practices that are open to the public. Here’s the entire schedule, plus important dates to know. | | | Sending a message that such behavior won’t be tolerated was the least the Chicago White Sox could do after the ugly incident in which Ketel Marte was brought to tears. | | | When asked about continuing to have Dansby Swanson bat fifth, Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell pointed to the shortstop’s numbers versus left-handed pitchers and his power. | | | Here’s a look at top prospects available when the two-day NBA draft format resumes with Minnesota on the clock Thursday night. | | | |