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Every NBA draft class Luka Doncic vs Zach LaVine has its stars and its stumbles. But few decisions have aged as differently as the one between Luka Dončić and Zach LaVine. One became an instant franchise cornerstone; the other became a talented scorer stuck on underachieving teams.

Let’s take a closer look at how these two players stack up — not just by stats, but by impact, leadership, and long-term value.

The Draft That Changed Two Franchises

Back in 2018, the Chicago Bulls had a golden chance to land a generational talent when they held the 7th overall pick. Luka Dončić was still on the board, a European phenom who had already proven himself with Real Madrid. But instead of taking him, the Bulls went with Wendell Carter Jr., later trading up to grab Coby White and eventually sticking with Zach LaVine as their lead guard.

At the time, Luka was seen as a risk — playing overseas, no college experience, questions about his defense. Meanwhile, LaVine was already in the league, known for his athleticism and scoring ability. He had even won the dunk contest twice.

But hindsight is always 20/20, and in this case, it’s painfully clear which player turned out to be the better investment.

Luka Doncic: A Star from Day One

From the moment he stepped foot in Dallas, Luka looked like he belonged — and then some. He dropped 10+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in his first five games. By season’s end, he was Rookie of the Year.

Now, nearly seven seasons in, Dončić is a five-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA selection, and one of the most dominant players in the game. His stat line? A ridiculous 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game over his career.

He led the Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals in 2022 and even took them to the NBA Finals in 2024 before being shockingly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The trade came after tensions grew between Dončić and the Mavericks’ front office. But even then, many teams — including the Bulls — were ready to offer everything to get him.

Zach LaVine: Talent Without the Trophy

Zach LaVine, on the other hand, has been a consistent scorer. He can put up points in bunches, win dunk contests, and light up highlight reels. But despite his individual flair, he’s yet to make a real dent in team success.

LaVine has never made a conference finals or even been close to an MVP conversation. Injuries have derailed his momentum, and while he’s shown flashes of leadership, he hasn’t become the kind of player that elevates those around him consistently.

For the Bulls, LaVine’s tenure has been frustrating. Despite high hopes, the team has remained stuck in NBA purgatory — too good for a lottery pick, too inconsistent for playoff contention.

Why Luka Was the Clear Winner

When you compare both players’ production, longevity, and influence, there’s really no debate:

Offense : Luka dominates as a playmaker and scorer.
Playoff Impact : Luka has led deep playoff runs; LaVine hasn’t moved the needle.

Leadership : Luka commands respect; LaVine often plays well in spite of his situation.

Value : Luka is a once-in-a-generation talent; LaVine is a top-20 scorer at best.

And let’s not forget — the Bulls reportedly would’ve offered everything they had to get Luka in a mid-season deal last year. That includes Coby White, Matas Buzelis, Patrick Williams, Lonzo Ball, and multiple future picks.

That tells you all you need to know about how much more valuable Luka is compared to LaVine.

Verdict: Luka Was the Better Pick — And Then Some
If the Bulls had taken Luka back in 2018, they might already be building around a superstar with Hall of Fame potential. Instead, they’re still searching for that missing piece.

The Chicago Cubs had to make a quick decision after Miguel Amaya landed on the 10-day IL with an oblique strain suffered on May 24. While the team expected to be without their young catcher for some time, manager Craig Counsell confirmed a four-to-six-week timeline for recovery.

With Amaya sidelined, the Cubs looked to their top catching prospect — 21-year-old Moisés Ballesteros — for a short-term call-up earlier this month. Though Ballesteros got his first taste of Major League Baseball, he was used strictly as a designated hitter during his five-game stint.

Why Not Catch Yet?

Despite Ballesteros’ defensive background in the minors, the Cubs are taking a cautious approach with the youngster.

“Moisés is 21 and playing the hardest position in baseball,” Counsell explained. “It’s the oldest-positioned spot in the league — it just takes more reps.”

Instead of rushing him behind the plate at the MLB level, the front office opted to bring up veteran catcher Reese McGuire from Triple-A. McGuire, who signed a minor league deal over the offseason, brings valuable experience with 328 games caught across eight big-league seasons.

The Balancing Act Behind the Plate

Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer made it clear that selecting McGuire wasn’t a reflection of any lack of faith in Ballesteros.

“We brought Moisés up because we believe in his bat,” Hoyer said. “His offense is ahead of his catching — but that’s natural. Catchers tend to peak later for a reason.”

During his short MLB stay, Ballesteros went 3-for-16 with three RBIs and showed plate discipline by striking out just once. In Triple-A this season, he’s hitting .350 with a .901 OPS — proving he can handle top-level pitching even if he’s not fully ready defensively.

What’s Next for Ballesteros?

Hoyer emphasized the importance of developing Ballesteros’ full game in the minors before making the leap as a full-time MLB catcher.

“There’s so much that goes into being a good catcher — calling a game, framing pitches, blocking balls in the dirt,” Hoyer said. “Moisés has the tools, but he needs time and reps.”

In the meantime, the Cubs will continue rotating between Carson Kelly and Reese McGuire, ensuring they don’t overwork either backstop early in the season.

The Cubs Bullpen Problems are making another move in hopes of stabilizing their inconsistent bullpen — and this time, they’re turning to someone with a familiar face from the other side.

A Surprising Reunion: Génesis Cabrera Is Now a Cub

After being designated for assignment by the New York Mets earlier this week, Génesis Cabrera has found a new home — on the North Side of Chicago. The move might raise a few eyebrows among Cubs fans, especially considering that Cabrera spent the first five and a half seasons of his MLB career with the St. Louis Cardinals.

That’s right — one of the team’s longtime rivals is now wearing the blue and white.

For fans who remember the many tense matchups between the Cubs and Cardinals over the years, seeing Cabrera in a Cubs uniform might feel like a strange twist of fate. But in baseball, today’s enemy can quickly become tomorrow’s teammate — and in this case, the Cubs are hoping he’ll be part of the solution to their late-inning struggles.

Why Cabrera Makes Sense for the Cubs

Cabrera joins the Cubs at a time when the team is looking for reliable arms out of the bullpen. With Craig Counsell leaning heavily on closer-by-committee options like Daniel Palencia, Brad Keller, and Drew Pomeranz, the club clearly needs more depth.

This isn’t the first time the Cubs have taken a chance on a pitcher in a similar situation.

Last season, Tyson Miller was DFA’d by the Seattle Mariners before being picked up by Chicago. He went on to become one of the most dependable relievers in the pen. Now, the hope is that Cabrera can follow a similar path.

In six appearances with the Mets this season, Cabrera posted a 3.52 ERA while consistently throwing his fastball in the mid-to-upper 90s. That kind of velocity could bring some much-needed punch to a Cubs bullpen that’s been missing a bit of bite lately.

What This Means for the Roster

With the addition of Cabrera, it’s likely that Brooks Kriske will be the corresponding move off the roster. While Kriske had moments of effectiveness earlier in the year, the team seems ready to give Cabrera a shot in high-leverage situations.

It’s also worth noting that the timing of this move makes sense. As June approaches, teams begin to look outside the organization for help, especially if internal options aren’t delivering consistent results.

Jed Hoyer and the front office appear to be taking that approach as well. With Porter Hodge sidelined due to an oblique strain and not progressing as hoped, the team is exploring every avenue to shore up the back end of the bullpen.

Can a Former Foe Fix What’s Broken?

There’s no guarantee that Cabrera will be the answer. But what he brings to the table is experience, velocity, and a fresh perspective. He’s pitched in high-pressure games, faced top hitters, and shown flashes of dominance.

If the Cubs can get him into a role where he thrives — whether as a setup man or situational lefty — it could pay dividends down the stretch.

And let’s not forget, sometimes all it takes is a change of scenery to reignite a player’s career.

So while it may seem odd to see a former Cardinal in a Cubs jersey, the bigger picture is clear: the Cubs are trying everything they can to fix their bullpen issues. If that means embracing a little irony along the way, so be it.

For a team like the Chicago Cubs — Rookie Reset that’s been leading the NL Central for most of the 2025 season — every position needs to pull its weight. While the offense has been among the best in baseball, third base was an ongoing question mark… until rookie Matt Shaw got sent down, reset his game, and came back swinging.

Sometimes, the best move isn’t forward — it’s a step back.

The Cubs’ Offensive Powerhouse — With One Weak Spot
The Cubs have built one of the most dangerous lineups in MLB this year. They lead the majors in batting average, rank top-three in on-base percentage and slugging, and have scored more runs than any other team.

But there’s been one glaring issue: third base.

Cubs third basemen as a group were hitting just .208/.286/.268 before Shaw’s return — a clear drag on an otherwise explosive offense.

Shaw started the season at third, but struggled out of the gate. Through April 14, he was batting just .172 with 18 strikeouts in 18 games. He was drawing walks, sure, but not making enough hard contact or producing consistent results.

So, the front office made a tough call: send him back to Triple-A Iowa.

“It Was Exactly What I Needed”

When you’re a young player trying to prove yourself in the majors, getting sent down can feel like a setback. But for Shaw, it turned into a reset.

“There’s not time for young guys to struggle when we want to win, so it was exactly what I needed,” Shaw told CBS Sports.

He admitted it wasn’t easy, especially since he hadn’t spent much time in Triple-A before — only 35 games total. But he also knew something had to change.

In 24 games with Iowa, Shaw looked like a different player. He slashed .286/.409/.560 , hit six home runs, five doubles, stole five bases, and — most importantly — found his confidence again.

The Swing That Changed Everything

Confidence alone doesn’t fix mechanical flaws. So Shaw and the coaching staff worked on specific adjustments during his time in the minors.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell explained the difference:

“We’ve asked him to make some changes and I think he’s done really well with them… He’s a little more upright, not as much on his legs as he was in April.”

That small tweak helped Shaw improve his timing and consistency — two areas where he’d fallen behind early in the season.

And the results were immediate after his recall.

In just six games back with the Cubs, Shaw recorded at least one hit in five of them. Overall, he went 9-for-25 (.360) with five doubles and a .560 slugging percentage. Even in his hitless game, he was squaring up pitches and driving the ball hard.

From Question Mark to Building Block

Despite his early-season struggles, Shaw still sits as the fifth-best bet for NL Rookie of the Year at Caesars Sportsbook (+1100). More importantly, he appears to be stabilizing the weakest spot in the lineup.

The Cubs don’t expect him to climb higher than the No. 8 spot anytime soon, but they do need steady production from third base — and right now, Shaw is delivering it.

As the team heads into a critical homestand against the Rockies and Reds, having a confident, consistent third baseman makes all the difference.

One of the biggest lessons from Shaw’s journey?

“I think the stint back in Triple-A gave me a little perspective about the big leagues and gave me a breath of fresh air to kind of take a step back,” Shaw said.

Sometimes, the hardest part of growing as a player is knowing when to slow down, refocus, and rebuild.

Now, with momentum on his side and a clearer approach at the plate, Shaw looks ready to become a key piece of the Cubs’ long-term plans.

Sometimes, the Matt Shaw Cubs hardest part of being a young player in Major League Baseball isn’t making it to The Show—it’s staying there. For Chicago Cubs rookie Matt Shaw, that reality hit hard early this season. But instead of letting failure define him, he used it as fuel. His demotion wasn’t just a setback—it was exactly what he needed.

A Struggling Start at Third Base

Third base had been a revolving door for the Cubs all season. From Jon Berti to Justin Turner, no one seemed to settle in or produce consistently. That included Shaw himself, who started the year with high expectations but struggled mightily out of the gate.

Through his first 18 games, the 23-year-old infielder was batting just .172 with a slugging percentage of .241. He looked lost at the plate—striking out often and rarely squaring up pitches. Though he showed some plate discipline by drawing walks, the lack of impact made it clear something had to change.

The Tough Decision: A Return to Triple-A

With the Cubs pushing for the top spot in the NL Central, there wasn’t room for patience. Shaw agreed with the team’s decision to send him back to Triple-A Iowa, even if it stung at first.

“There’s not time for young guys to struggle when we want to win, so it was exactly what I needed,” Shaw told CBS Sports. “I think it was something that I really needed.”

That honesty and humility paved the way for growth.

A Minor League Reset Pays Off

Shaw didn’t waste time in the minors. Over 24 games with Iowa, he slashed an impressive .286/.409/.560, hitting six homers and swiping five bases. More importantly, he worked closely with coaches on refining his swing mechanics—simplifying his approach and improving his timing.

His leg kick was toned down, and his posture became more upright. These changes helped him get into position faster, allowing him to make harder contact more consistently.

Immediate Impact Upon Return

Since rejoining the Cubs, Shaw has been a different hitter. In just six games back in the majors, he recorded hits in five of them, posting a .360 average and slugging .560 with five doubles. Even during a tough 0-for-5 night, he still impressed by barreling multiple pitches.

“He’s made adjustments, and you can see it,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “He looks more confident, more in control at the plate.”

A Fresh Perspective and New Outlook

The time away gave Shaw more than just mechanical fixes—it gave him clarity.

“It gave me a little perspective about the big leagues and a breath of fresh air,” he said. “It also gave me some time to work on things, all of which I needed.”

Though he’s not likely to move up much higher than the No. 8 spot in a stacked Cubs lineup, Shaw is now holding down third base and giving the team a consistent presence where they needed it most.

xWhat’s Next for Matt Shaw?

Despite the early struggles, Shaw remains a top contender for NL Rookie of the Year, sitting at +1100 odds. And with the Cubs heading into a key homestand against the Rockies and Reds, there’s a growing belief that their everyday third baseman has finally arrived.

For Shaw, the lesson is clear: sometimes taking a step back is the only way to move forward.

The Chicago Cubs are making serious moves toward hosting the 2027 MLB All-Star Game , and the buzz around Wrigley Field has grown louder. Recent reports suggest that the team’s efforts are gaining traction — with some insiders even hinting at an official announcement coming later this summer.

A Growing Push from the North Side

According to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic , the Cubs’ campaign to bring the Midsummer Classic back to Wrigley Field is picking up speed. While rumors from Bruce Levine of 670 The Score claimed the game was “already awarded” to the Cubs, the team quickly clarified that no final decision has been made by Major League Baseball.

Still, it’s clear the organization wants the spotlight — and they’re working hard to make it happen.

Security Upgrades Could Seal the Deal

One of the biggest hurdles for hosting a large-scale event like the All-Star Game is security. Wrigley Field sits in the heart of Wrigleyville, a dense neighborhood already known for its packed streets during game days. That’s why MLB has reportedly expressed concerns about safety logistics.

To address those issues, Chicago Alderman Ariel Reboyras introduced a proposal earlier this month for a roughly $30 million infrastructure upgrade around the ballpark. The plan includes widening sidewalks and installing permanent security bollards to manage crowds and protect pedestrians.

Under the proposal:

• The Cubs would contribute $8 million
• The state of Illinois would fund $12 millionThe city of Chicago would cover up to $10 million
• Though the upgrades aren’t tied directly to the All-Star bid, they could go a long way in convincing MLB officials that Wrigley Field is ready to host again.

Wrigley’s Rich All-Star History

Wrigley Field has played host to the MLB All-Star Game three times — in 1947 , 1962 , and 1990 — but hasn’t held the event since. Meanwhile, the city last hosted the festivities in 2003 at U.S. Cellular Field, home of the White Sox.

This year’s game will be held at Truist Park in Atlanta, while Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park is set to host in 2026 as part of the nation’s 250th birthday celebration.

Commissioner Rob Manfred mentioned back in February 2024 that both the Cubs and Blue Jays were under consideration for future hosting opportunities, which gives Chicago fans reason to stay hopeful.

Why It Matters for the Cubs & Chicago

Hosting the All-Star Game isn’t just about bragging rights — it’s also a major economic boost for the city and a chance to showcase Wrigley Field’s timeless charm to a national audience.

For the Cubs, it would be an opportunity to highlight their ongoing revitalization efforts and strengthen their ties with MLB leadership.

And for longtime fans? A return of the Midsummer Classic to Wrigley would feel like a full-circle moment — one worth celebrating.

Pete Crow-Armstrong’s 6 RBI Night that feel like they were scripted by Hollywood. Friday, May 23, 2025, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati was one of those nights — and Pete Crow-Armstrong was the star.

The young Chicago Cubs center fielder delivered a performance that not only turned heads but rewrote parts of the franchise’s history books. With a grand slam in the seventh inning, Crow-Armstrong became the first Cub since RBIs became an official stat in 1920 to notch two games with at least six RBIs in a single calendar month.

Let’s break down what made this night so special.

From Leadoff to Cleanup: Producing No Matter Where He Hits
Craig Counsell has experimented with Crow-Armstrong’s spot in the lineup all season long — and it’s paying off. Whether batting first or cleanup, the 23-year-old continues to deliver clutch hits when it matters most.

Just days earlier, on May 16, he drove in six runs while hitting leadoff in a dominant win over the White Sox. Then, under the Friday night lights in Cincinnati, he did it again — this time batting fourth.

“It’s real cool,” Crow-Armstrong said after the game. “I’m very lucky to be able to move around throughout this lineup and have a lot of opportunities in front of me.”

The Grand Slam That Changed Everything

Down 6-4 with two outs in the top of the seventh, the Cubs needed a spark. Enter Crow-Armstrong.

Facing Tony Santillan’s elevated slider, he launched a towering drive down the right-field line. For a moment, it looked like it might hook foul — but then it kissed the foul pole for a grand slam.

As he rounded the bases, his teammates swarmed him at home plate. It was his fourth career multi-homer game, and second this season.

“I thought it was going foul, and then it didn’t,” he said with a smile. “It’s nice to be able to enjoy those moments.”

Making History the Hard Way

According to Sportradar, this was just the 36th time in MLB history that a player recorded two six-RBI games in the same month. The last to do it before Crow-Armstrong was Derek Dietrich in 2019.

But what makes PCA’s feat even more impressive?

He’s doing it all while putting up elite numbers across the board:

Tied for 7th in MLB with 14 home runs
All 14 have come in the last 34 games
Third in the majors with 45 RBIs
Tied for sixth with 14 stolen bases
That combination of power and speed puts him in rare company. In fact, he’s just the third big-leaguer since 1920 to hit at least 14 homers, steal 14 bases, and drive in 45 runs through the first 51 games of a season.

What the Manager Says

Cubs skipper Craig Counsell wasn’t surprised by what he saw Friday night.

“There’s no question that Pete’s kind of doing some things very uniquely right,” Counsell said. “And he does some things that other guys can’t do. And that’s so much fun to watch.”

Fans in Wrigley Field and beyond are starting to chant his name every time he steps up to the plate. And if he keeps playing like this, that chorus will only grow louder.

Final Thoughts: A Star Is Born

Pete Crow-Armstrong isn’t just having a breakout season — he’s becoming a household name.

His 6-RBI night against the Reds was more than just a box score highlight. It was a defining moment in his young career — and one that Cubs fans won’t soon forget.