After securing a playoff spot for the first time since 2020, the Chicago Cubs are determined to stay competitive and build on their success in 2025. As the offseason kicks off, the Cubs made an early move that may fly under the radar but could have future implications for the team.
Chicago has signed pitcher Sam Mettert to a minor league deal, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN. A native of Chicago, Mettert recently completed his college career at St. John’s, where he graduated in 2025. During his time at St. John’s, Mettert impressed scouts by reaching a fastball velocity of 98 MPH while training at Tread Athletics.
In two seasons with St. John’s, Mettert posted a 7.17 ERA and a 51/33 K/BB ratio. While those numbers may not be eye-popping, the Cubs clearly see potential in the right-hander, particularly with his ability to hit high-velocity marks.
“I chose to forgo grad school for this new minor league opportunity. The right-hander has the velocity for success. Now I’ll look to prove I can handle minor league hitting.”
— Sam Mettert, Chicago Cubs Pitching Prospect
Mettert’s college statistics might raise questions about his ability to succeed at the next level, as he struggled with a high walk rate and issues preventing runs. Nevertheless, the Cubs are betting on his raw talent and velocity, believing that with the right development, he could be a valuable asset to the organization.
At this point, it’s unclear where Mettert will start his journey in the Cubs’ system, but it’s likely that he will begin in the lower minors as the Cubs evaluate how his skills translate to professional baseball. He faces an uphill battle to make an impact, but his hometown connection with the team gives him an extra layer of motivation as he embarks on this next step.
Mettert, who chose to forgo graduate school for this opportunity, will now work to prove that he can handle minor league hitters and eventually make it to the major leagues. If things go well, the Cubs may have found a diamond in the rough to add to their pitching depth down the line. For now, it’s a low-risk move with high potential, and it adds to the Cubs’ ongoing efforts to strengthen their roster for the future.
“We’ve got to be better, plain and simple. There’s no excuse for where we are right now. We need to hold ourselves accountable and make the necessary changes, because this isn’t acceptable.”
— Alex Tuch, Buffalo Sabres Forward
Buffalo Sabres fans, brace yourselves: change is coming. After yet another brutal defeat — a 5-2 loss to Utah followed by a 6-2 drubbing by the Colorado Avalanche — it’s clear that this team is nowhere near the contender they were supposed to be this season. And for fans who’ve waited 14 years for a playoff spot, the latest string of losses is a hard pill to swallow. With Buffalo’s record now at a dismal
Sabres in Crisis Mode: A Season on the Brink
The loss to the Avalanche capped off a disastrous five-game losing streak, with
The truth is, the Sabres have been in this situation for far too long. The fans are fed up, and even the players are starting to admit what’s been painfully obvious:
The End of the Line for Adams and Ruff?
At this point, there is no denying that accountability must fall on both
As Tuch stated, “There’s no excuse for where we are right now.” The Sabres have been left behind in a rapidly advancing NHL, and with another playoff-less season on the horizon, it’s time for ownership to act.
The Roster Shake-Up: Who’s Safe and Who’s Not?
But it’s not just the front office and coaching staff that needs to change. With this current Sabres team showing no signs of getting it together, nearly
The Sabres need to shed their past — and that means moving out players who aren’t contributing to the rebuild. It’s a painful reality, but every player needs to be held accountable
for this team’s continued failure. It’s no longer about potential or promises — it’s about delivering results, and if you’re not part of the solution, you’ll be part of the problem.
Buffalo’s Road to Redemption: How to Fix the Sabres?
So, what now for Buffalo? The road to redemption starts with tough decisions. Kevyn Adams will need to make bold moves to reshape the roster, bringing in fresh talent to bolster the lineup. The Sabres’ defense needs a complete overhaul, and the goaltending situation is looking more desperate by the day. The team can no longer afford to let mediocrity slip by — it’s time to build a
This won’t be an easy fix, but with the right moves, Buffalo could finally start to dig itself out of this hole. The fans deserve a competitive team, and the Sabres owe it to themselves to deliver.
Can the Sabres Turn It Around?
There’s no sugar-coating it — the Sabres’ current path is not sustainable. Another year of misery for Buffalo fans will simply not do. As the Sabres face the harsh reality of their worst season in recent memory, one thing is clear:
The time for change is now — and for the first time in years, it feels like the Sabres have no choice but to start fresh.