Matt Musico
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Husband, Dad (x2), creator of @MLBDailyDingers. Lover of all baseball, especially the #Mets.
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Articles by Matt Musico
Cubs and White Sox Vibe Check: Fixing Chicago’s 2026 Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
IT WAS GREAT until it wasn’t. Centerfield prodigy Pete Crow-Armstrong gave Chicago Cubs fans a summer to remember, playing the role of Derrick Rose and winning an MVP award for a team that he couldn’t drag over the hump. Chicago White Sox watchers had it even better, as their guys went from worst-to-worst-to-almost-first, playing ball with a Savannah Banana-esque sense of joie de vivre rarely seen in MLB.
Pete Crow-Armstrong: 11 Staggering Stats From the Chicago Cubs’ 2026 Season
TO QUOTE "INSIDE THE NBA” star Kenny Smith, “It’s overrrrrr.” It is the National League Most Valuable Player race, as the award will go to a very deserving Pete Crow-Armstrong, the first Chicago Cub to earn the trophy since Kris Bryant in 2016. I was lucky enough to see PCA live and in person a couple of weeks back, and he treated me to 4 hits — one of which was a moon shot into the right field bleachers — and a stolen base, just another night at the office for the uber-talented 24-year-old.
Chicago White Sox Roll Deep: Murakami, Montgomery and Vargas Are HR Deities
Editor’s note: This piece was written before the Chicago White Sox power hitters mentioned in the above headline each topped the 30-home run mark. But our baseball guru Matt Musico did such a fine job with it that I had to run it in its original form. CHICAGO SPORTS STUFF became a thing in February of 2024, meaning this is the third MLB season we’ve covered the Cubs and White Sox. Actually, let’s rethink that statement.
Pete Crow-Armstrong, Alex Bregman and Home Run History
TWO WEEKS AGO, I wrote this: Here’s an email that made me happy: Alan- Did a quick one on PCA for MLBDD if you wanna rip it for CSS. -Matt For those who don’t understand Matt-speak: My go-to baseball dude Matt Musico wrote an article about Pete Crow-Armstrong (PCA) for his Substack page, MLB Daily Dingers (MLBDD), and, out of the kindness of his heart, is allowing me to post it here on Chicago Sports Stuff (CSS). I love sports acronyms.
Chicago Sports Stuff by Alan Goldsher
The Chicago Cubs' center fielder was on the road to superstardom. Until he wasn't. THERE WAS A CHUNK OF TIME last season when Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong was in the MVP conversation.
Chicago Sports Stuff by Alan Goldsher
Guys, the South Siders are good at baseball. But how good? And for how long? HERE’S SOMETHING SHOCKING: I’m prepared to buy a ticket for a Chicago White Sox game. With my own cash-money. And I barely like baseball. The Sox — 25-23, two games out of first place in the AL Central as of this writing — are a pretty darn good, exceedingly fun team, filled with joy, enthusiasm, and the ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in thrilling fashion. The question is, is this team for real?
How Much Will This Rare 1998 Ken Griffey Jr. Card Sell For at Auction?
Ken Griffey Jr. is responsible for some of the most prized pieces of modern cardboard in the hobby. It looks like we’ve got another big one on our hands, too. A rare 1998 Ken Griffey Jr. card is currently available at Heritage Auctions, and the numbers attached to it are hard to ignore. If you’re a Griffey collector — or even just a fan of watching the high-end card market do its thing — you’ve probably got your eye on what’s happening. Editor’s Note: Looking to Sell Sports Cards?
2026 MLB Predictions Roundtable!
Julio Rodriguez and the Seattle Mariners are many peopleâs pick to win the World Series in 2026 (đ¸: Nick Turchiaro - IMAGN IMAGES) Happy Opening Day! While we did have a baseball game on Wednesday with the Yankees beating the Giants 7-0 on Opening Night, today is actually what all baseball fans live for. We have eleven games spread throughout the afternoon and tonight to look forward to, with baseball officially back! Man, that felt good to say.
Could Bidding for This 1910 Joe Jackson Baseball Card Surpass $1 Million?
There are baseball cards, and then there are artifacts. A 1910 Joe Jackson baseball card currently on the block at Heritage Auctions classifies into the second category. Bidding is already yielding big numbers, and we’re not close to the end date yet. This one has all the ingredients for a landmark sale. Jackson is a legendary player with quite a story behind his career, and this card is so rare that most collectors will never see one in person, let alone have a shot at owning one.
Sort-of-Too-Early Chicago White Sox 2026 Season Preview
According to our baseball guru Matt Musico, the South Siders won't stink up 2026. I mean, anything's possible. I suppose. IT’S BEEN SAID that even a blind raccoon sometimes finds an acorn. That being the case, maybe a garbage baseball team can sometimes find some version of the Mendoza Line. Over the last three seasons, the Chicago White Sox have won, respectively, 61, 41, and 60 games, and over the last 13 seasons, they’ve topped the .500 mark just exactly twice. Not great.
Sort-of-Too-Early Chicago Cubs 2026 Season Preview
IF YOU THINK the NFL has a 24/7/365 news cycle, meet Major League Baseball. It feels like just last month, the Chicago Cubs pooped the bed during the Wild Card elimination game, getting booted from the postseason by the hated Milwaukee Brewers. I dunno, maybe it was last week. Or yesterday. It all blends together. Anyhoo, Spring Training is in full effect, so what better time to get a heap of Cubs takes from our baseball guru and MLB Daily Dingers’ founder and Managing Editor, Matt Musico.
Topps' 1952 Design Returns for 25 MLB Rookies in Series 1 Release
Topps is pulling out the red carpet in several ways for the 2026 Series 1 Baseball release, which dropped earlier this week. But of all the things included, this one might be my favorite. It’s a move that connects today’s rookies with one of the most legendary card designs ever. According to Topps Ripped, they’re bringing back Topps’ 1952 design for 25 select rookies. Editor’s Note: Looking to Sell Sports Cards?
Kyle Tucker Inks With the Dodgers - How Will That Impact the Cubs? A C.S.S. Special Report.
IT WAS NICE while it lasted. After one measly year in Chicago Cubs blue, white, and red, Kyle Tucker heads into next season sans red, inking with the blue and white Los Angeles Dodgers.
Phillies’ Potential Kyle Schwarber Back-Up Plan Predicted To Land $210 Million Deal
Kyle Schwarber just wrapped up the four-year, $79 million deal he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies ahead of the 2022 season. It’s safe to say that the investment in the slugger was a resounding success. Schwarber never hit fewer than 38 home runs in a season for Philly. This included three different 40-homer efforts, all capped off by a 56-homer, 132-RBI campaign in 2025. He picked the perfect time to have a career year now that he’s set to hit the open market this winter.
Possible Royals Free-Agent Target Predicted To Land $72 Million Deal
The Kansas City Royals could use some outfield help heading into 2026. According to FanGraphs, no team’s group of outfielders was worse in 2025 than Kansas City’s, with their 73 team wRC+ and collective -1.1 fWAR both ranking last in baseball. There are some intriguing corner outfielders that will be available on the open market. The Royals could also bring back Mike Yastrzemski, who posted an .839 OPS with nine home runs, 14 doubles, and 18 RBI in 50 games last season.
AL Contender Could Be Biggest Threat To Red Sox In Alex Bregman Sweepstakes
A lot has changed with the Boston Red Sox since they signed third baseman Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million deal last February. Garrett Crochet is entrenched as the team’s ace for the remainder of this decade, Rafael Devers and his contract are no longer in Beantown, and the Red Sox reached the playoffs for the first time since 2021. But there could be more changes on the horizon. Bregman’s contract included an opt-out clause following the 2025 season.
Royals Urged To Trade For $100 Million 2-Time All-Star Rival Outfielder
One year after reaching the playoffs for the first time since winning the World Series in 2015, the Kansas City Royals fell short of October baseball in 2025 after finishing with an 82-80 record. Despite several solid individual offensive seasons from certain players, the overall lineup struggled. According to FanGraphs, the Royals’ team wRC+ settled in at 93, which ranked 22nd in MLB. And if we zero in on offensive performance from outfielders, it gets much worse.
Red Sox Could Be Potential Trade Destination For $53 Million Flamethrower
The Boston Red Sox made a major move for their starting rotation last winter by acquiring left-hander Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox. They also locked him down to a six-year, $170 million extension in April. Crochet immediately became Boston’s ace, posting an 18-5 record with a 2.59 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 255 strikeouts in 205.1 innings. He also shoved in his lone postseason start against the New York Yankees in the Wild Card Series.
Red Sox Could Reallocate Rafael Devers Savings On Projected $292 Million Duo
The Boston Red Sox made a bold move by trading Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants in June 2025. President of baseball operations Craig Breslow doubled down on the deal once it was official, too. “I do think there’s a real chance that at the end of the season, we’re looking back and we’ve won more games than we otherwise would’ve,” Breslow said after the trade, via ESPN’s Jeff Passan on X.
Royals’ Salvador Perez Is On The Verge Of Reaching A Huge Milestone In 2026
The Kansas City Royals were unsuccessful in reaching the postseason for the second straight year in 2025. However, the campaign didn’t come without noteworthy performances from several key players. Third baseman Maikel Garcia and first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino both broke out, while shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. had yet another terrific year. And then there’s veteran catcher Salvador Perez. He played in 155 games during 2025, which is the fourth time he’s appeared in at least 140 contests since 2021.
Royals’ Salvador Perez Is On The Verge Of Reaching A Huge Milestone In 2026
The Kansas City Royals were unsuccessful in reaching the postseason for the second straight year in 2025. However, the campaign didn’t come without noteworthy performances from several key players. Third baseman Maikel Garcia and first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino both broke out, while shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. had yet another terrific year. And then there’s veteran catcher Salvador Perez. He played in 155 games during 2025, which is the fourth time he’s appeared in at least 140 contests since 2021.
Red Sox Viewed As Top Landing Spot For Projected $100 Million 3-Time All-Star
Although the Boston Red Sox watched their season end at the hands of the New York Yankees in the Wild Card Series, the 2025 campaign was a step in the right direction. Manager Alex Cora helped steer his squad to an 89-73 record, which was the organization’s first winning season since 2021. It was also Boston’s first trip to the postseason in four years.
Royals Urged To Sign Projected $5.4 Million Breakout Star To Extension
The Kansas City Royals broke their postseason drought in 2024, reaching October for the first time since winning the World Series in 2015. They entered 2025 with expectations of returning, but that didn’t come to pass. A year after finishing 86-76, manager Matt Quatraro’s club went 82-80, five games behind the Detroit Tigers, who won the final American League Wild Card spot.
Could Cardinals Pursue Projected $10 Million 2-Time All-Star As ‘Bargain’ Move?
The St. Louis Cardinals are in a time of transition as an organization. Chaim Bloom has taken over baseball operations following a 78-84 campaign after the club missed the postseason for the third straight year. As Bloom starts to put his mark on the squad moving forward, there could be several short-term deals made with players to supplement the roster while the overall restructuring takes place.
The Kansas City Royals entered 2025 with hopes of returning to the postseason for the second straight year and advancing deeper than the ALDS. But that wasn’t in the cards this year, as they missed the playoffs after posting an 82-80 record. Even with that disappointment, there were a few bright spots to be optimistic about moving forward. Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was once again the most valuable part of the offense. But he was joined by some other young players who enjoyed breakout campaigns.
This Rare Babe Ruth Rookie Card Could Sell for More Than $7 Million
The baseball card market never sleeps! That’s especially the case when a rare vintage piece of cardboard suddenly becomes available. A 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card has headed to auction, and the price tag could be staggering. According to Hannah Hoffamn at WBalTV.com, this rare piece of baseball history might fetch upwards of $7 million when the gavel finally drops.
Chicago Cubs NLDS Preview and Prediction: Things Are Brewing
I’VE LIVED WITHIN spitting distance of Wrigley Field much of the last 15 years, and I can say with complete authority that when the Chicago Cubs stumble their way into the MLB Playoffs, shit gets different. Lots of smiling faces. Lots of blue and red clothing. Lots of drinking. (Okay, the drinking isn’t different — there’s just more of it.) And for reasons that elude me, lots of hope.
The Chicago Cubs' $40 Million Blunder: The Sequel
ON AUGUST 18, I reached out to Chicago Sports Stuff’s go-to baseball guy Matt Musico to discuss whether the flailing Chicago Cubs would, y’know, stop flailing. They didn’t. With the season dwindling down to its inevitable disappointing end and not much having changed, I threw Matt the same questions to see if he could offer a differing perspective of the North Siders’ meltdown. Matt’s awesome, so he did just that.
Did the Chicago Cubs Screw Themselves Out of the NL Central Championship?
LAST THURSDAY—which happened to be the MLB trading deadline—I hopped on the Twitters, where I did a bit of kvetching about the Chicago Cubs: Even though I’m a relative baseball dummy, I’ll stand by those. But how did a baseball smarty feel about the whole mess?
2025 Chicago Cubs Look Elite-So Let's Make Some Fake Trades
IT’S OFFICIALLY JULY, which means we’re less than one month away from the July 31 trade deadline, and for the Chicago Cubs, they’re in a solid spot. As of this writing, they’re one of three National League teams with 50 wins and have continued to hold onto first place in the NL Central. Any potential rumors/thoughts about Chicago selling is far from the minds of many.
Hey, the Chicago Cubs Are Good! But For How Long?
HERE’S A SAD little baseball story. Many years back, I was at a random late-spring-slash-early-summer Chicago Cubs game during a random season—don’t remember the exact year or month—and they beat the Pittsburgh Pirates by some random score. The only reason the game held any kind of resonance was because the win catapulted the Cubbies into in first place in the National League Central.
MVP Pete Crow-Armstrong? ESPN Thinks So. Chicago Sports Stuff Is On the Fence.
NARY A CHICAGO CUB has sniffed a Most Valuable Player award in almost a decade. And nary a Chicago Cubs fan thought anybody on the 2025 roster would even be in the MVP convo. But here we are, 50-plus games into the ‘25 season, and the Cubs are, as of this writing, up three games on the St. Louis Cardinals for the NL Central lead. Now the general rule thumb when it comes to MVP hardware is that it should go to the best player on the best team (read: Gilgeous-Alexander, Shai).
Can the Chicago Cubs Conquer the NL Central in 2025? An Expert Weighs In
IT SEEMS LIKE THAT AT SOME POINT in every baseball season, the Chicago Cubs give us hope. They’ve won a few games. They have some players putting up numbers. The stands are filled with happy, somewhat inebriated fans. And dreams of the postseason dance through our heads. We’ve arrive at hat point.
Cubs in Crisis: Can Chicago Survive Without Their Top Two Starters?
ON APRIL 13, we learned that Chicago Cubs’ ace starter Justin Steele would undergo season-ending elbow surgery. We were bummed, yet remained optimistic that starter #1B, Shota Imanaga, would neatly slide into the starter’s spot. And Shota did just that. Until he didn’t. On May 5, the sophomore sensation badly strained his hammy, and will be on the shelf for at least a month. This is why we can never have nice things.
The Chicago Cubs Keep Winning-Why, How, and For How Long?
THE NFL DRAFT is in our rearview mirror — as are the Chicago Bulls’ and Chicago Blackhawks’ franchises — and the White Sox are, to nobody’s surprise, doing White Sox things. But the Cubs? Turns out they’re good. Whoda thunk? We brought in our go-to baseball guy, MLB Daily Dingers’ Matt Musico, to explain why Wrigleyville — some way, some how — has become a fun place to be.
⚾ 😃 Cubs = Pretty Good. White Sox = Really Bad. 😭 ⚾
HEADING INTO the 2025 MLB season, a couple of high-profile acquisitions had Windy City baseball nerds were feeling pretty good about the Chicago Cubs. There was hope. Heading into the 2025 MLB season, no high-profile acquisitions had Windy City baseball nerds were feeling pretty lousy about the Chicago White Sox. There was no hope. A couple weeks into the season, that all still tracks: The Cubs sit atop the NL Central, while the White Sox sit a’bottom the AL Central. Ta-da.
Chicago White Sox 2025 MLB Season Preview
I SCHADENFREUDED THE HELL out of the 2024 Chicago White Sox. Like by June, I was actively rooting for them not just to lose, but to get beat down in the most embarrassing fashion possible. And my wishes came true: During a mid-season 21-game losing streak that ran from July 10 to August 5, their average margin of loss was 4.1 runs. I couldn’t have been happier. After finishing with a historically crappy record of 41-121, what did GM Chris Getz do to improve the roster?
Chicago Cubs 2025 MLB Season Preview
HEADING INTO THE 2024 Major League Baseball season, there was a buzz surrounding the Chicago Cubs. Not a loud buzz, mind you. Just some chill buzzes that said, “Craig Counsell is our manager, and he’s taking us to the Promised Land.” Yeah, not so much. The Cubs wrapped up 2024 with a record of 83-79, good for a second place tie in the NL Central.
MLB Insider Says Yankees Can’t Afford Infield Help: ‘They Have No Money’
The New York Yankees did what they could to try and convince outfielder Juan Soto to stay in the Bronx. Their final offer of 16 years and $760 million wasn't enough to keep him from signing with the New York Mets. General manager Brian Cashman quickly pivoted to make several impact additions, but one hole remains on the infield. Is New York choosing not to fill the hole left by second baseman Gleyber Torres, or is it unable to?
Blockbuster Trade Idea Would Send Mets $313 Million Slugger in 4-Player Swap
The Boston Red Sox made a huge splash by signing infielder Alex Bregman to a $120 million deal. However, incumbent star third baseman Rafael Devers isn't enthused about possibly having to change positions. Could his days in Beantown be numbered? If so, what are the chances the New York Mets could be a potential trade destination? Devers has been a consistent producer at the plate for Boston throughout most of his big-league career.
MLB Insider Makes Bold Prediction for ‘X-Factor’ Ronny Mauricio In 2025
The New York Mets' lineup features plenty of star power, including shortstop Francisco Lindor, first baseman Pete Alonso, and outfielder Juan Soto. But how could top prospect Ronny Mauricio find a way to make an impact in 2025? MLB Network's Tom Verducci made a bold prediction about the 24-year-old as he prepares to return following a torn ACL last season. "He's an X-factor to me," Verducci said in a video clip posted on X. "He's healthy, but he's progressing towards that full health.
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