Paul Sullivan

Paul Sullivan is the Chicago Tribune's In the Wake of News columnist and baseball writer, covering the Cubs, White Sox and national news. A 44-year Tribune veteran, Sullivan was named Illinois Sportswriter of the Year in 2015, '16 and '19 and earned the Ring Lardner Award for excellence in sports journalism in 2018.

White Sox players, coaches and staff gather for a group photograph after a 7-3 win over the Astros in Game 2 of the wild-card series to advance to the American League Division Series on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, in Houston. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Chicago White Sox have made converts out of everyone — including Jerry Reinsdorf

September 30, 2026 at 9:25 p.m.

The Chicago White Sox's first postseason series win since the 2005 World Series vindicated Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf for promoting Chris Getz to general manager.

White Sox fan Jack Quinn cheers after the Sox scored a run in the first inning of their wild-card series game against the Astros, while watching the game at Mitchell’s Tap in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Column: With both teams on Peacock, finding a Chicago playoff game on TV never has been so maddening

September 30, 2026 at 4:35 p.m.

It's one thing to miss a regular-season game because it was on an app you don't have. But the playoffs?

White Sox pitcher Grant Taylor yells in celebration of a 6-3 win over the Astros in Game 1 of the wild-card series Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, in Houston. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Pope Leo’s blessings serve as prelude to a heavenly win in Chicago White Sox playoff opener

September 29, 2026 at 9:20 p.m.

A letter from the Vatican to the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday proved that the Lord indeed works in mysterious ways.

A person holds a cut-out of Pope Leo as Chicago White Sox mascot Southpaw waves on the field before a game between the Sox and the Cincinnati Reds at Rate Field in Chicago on Aug. 11, 2026. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago White Sox bring out the smoke before Game 1 of the wild-card series with a letter from Pope Leo XIV

September 29, 2026 at 4:23 p.m.

The Chicago White Sox revealed a letter from Pope Leo XIV addressed to Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf just before the start of Game 1 of their wild-card series.

Members of the Chicago White Sox celebrate in the clubhouse after clinching a playoff spot following their baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Column: Can the Chicago White Sox save baseball from the Houston Astros and continue their Cinderella season?

September 28, 2026 at 6:42 p.m.

The Chicago White Sox can help save baseball from the Houston Astros, a .500 team that can advance with a wild-card series win.

Chicago Cubs' Alex Bregman celebrates his two-run home run in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris Urso)

Column: Can Alex Bregman be the difference for Chicago Cubs in another wild-card showdown with San Diego?

September 27, 2026 at 7:20 p.m.

The Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres meet again in the wild-card series, which moves this year from Wrigley Field to Petco Park.

Cubs and Rays players are introduced before a game April 6, 2026, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. (Chris O'Meara/AP)

Column: Chicago Cubs extend reign of chaos with relocated finale at the Trop — then face Padres in San Diego

September 27, 2026 at 12:02 a.m.

The Chicago Cubs end their regular season Sunday at Tropicana Field against the Boston Red Sox, extending their reign of chaos in 2026.

The Cubs display a "40-40" graphic on the left-field video board as Pete Crow-Armstrong stands on second base after a steal in the first inning against the Marlins on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, at Wrigley Field. Crow-Armstrong became the first Cub and seventh player in MLB history to reach 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a season. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Column: With Chicago Cubs locked in, will we see an epic Pete Crow-Armstrong-Shohei Ohtani encore in October?

September 25, 2026 at 8:21 p.m.

Another duel between Pete Crow-Armstrong and Shohei Ohtani in the postseason? We can only dream — for now.

Cubs fans hold "W" flags after a victory over the Marlins on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, at Wrigley Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Column: In a splendid moment of Chicago baseball symmetry, White Sox and Cubs clinch 2 minutes apart

September 24, 2026 at 7:15 p.m.

The idea of both Chicago teams getting a bite of the postseason seemed laughable before the Wrigley Field ivy turned green.

Chicago Cubs' Alex Bregman, center, looks on from the dugout during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)

Column: Alex Bregman’s return and a nor’easter could bring dramatic pause to the Chicago Cubs’ final weekend

September 23, 2026 at 7:03 p.m.

Alex Bregman said he wanted to be in the lineup after suffering multiple facial fractures. But his dramatic return might have to wait until his return to Boston this weekend.

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