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.

Chicago Bulls mascot Benny the Bull, left, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, center, and Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong watch during the second half of a game between the Bulls and Los Angeles Clippers in Chicago, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Column: Will Caleb Williams or Pete Crow-Armstrong host ‘Saturday Night Live,’ and other half-baked ideas

September 10, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

As the NFL season begins and the MLB playoffs loom, here are some half-baked thoughts and fully-baked facts on the current state of the sports world.

Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Sean Burke (59) sits in the dugout after a poor first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Rate Field in Chicago on Sept. 8, 2026. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Column: The pressure is on the Chicago White Sox after a drubbing by Pittsburgh tightens the AL Central race

September 8, 2026 at 10:57 p.m.

The Chicago White Sox are close to pulling off one of the most amazing sports stories in years — and it's up to manager Will Venable to keep his players...

Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs is hit by a pitch thrown by Robert Gasser of the Milwaukee Brewers in the fifth inning at American Family Field on Sept. 7, 2026, in Milwaukee. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Column: This Cubs-Brewers series could have been key for NL Central. Now it’s just another bump in the road.

September 7, 2026 at 6:26 p.m.

The Milwaukee Brewers continued their dominance over the Chicago Cubs on Monday, despite a home run and two stolen bases from Pete Crow-Armstrong.

Bulls forward Caleb Wilson (8), Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, center, and Bulls forward Matas Buzelis cheer with Cubs fans during the seventh inning of a game against the Brewers on Sept. 3, 2026, at Wrigley Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Column: How the brotherhood among Chicago’s young stars fuels our great sports town’s next wave

September 6, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Seeing Caleb Williams, Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson supporting Pete Crow-Armstrong at Wrigley Field reminds us of what a great sports town Chicago is.

Rendering of a possible Chicago White Sox ballpark located at The Railyards district along the Chicago River. (Canal Edge)

Justin Ishbia unveils his plan for a new White Sox ballpark on Railyards site along Chicago River

September 5, 2026 at 4:36 p.m.

Future Chicago White Sox owner Justin Ishbia unveiled a development plan for a South Loop site that potentially includes a new White Sox ballpark.

White Sox reliever Mike Vasil dresses as a "Harry Potter" character as he talks with Munetaka Murakami in the dugout before a game against the Yankees on July 29, 2026, at Rate Field. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Column: A must-wand game for the White Sox, Cubs SS Dansby Swanson is going stir crazy and other takeaways

September 3, 2026 at 4:29 p.m.

The Chicago White Sox return home from a tough trip in Houston for Magic Wand night and other takeaways from the Sox and Cubs.

Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) outruns the throw to reach base in the ninth inning of a baseball game between the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. (Arthur Maiorella/Chicago Tribune)

Column: It’s hard to call Milwaukee Brewers a surprise when they keep finishing ahead of Chicago Cubs

September 3, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

The Chicago Cubs probably can't catch the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central, but can they still make noise in October?

Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong walks off the field during the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers as the sun sets Aug. 31, 2026, at Wrigley Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Column: What to watch? The Chicago Cubs’ TikTok rom-com or the pennant race?

August 31, 2026 at 8:55 p.m.

The Chicago Cubs made a TikTok rom-com series, just in time for the stretch run.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kevin Gausman throws against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Wrigley Field on Aug. 29, 2026, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Interrupting the Chicago Cubs’ ceremonies for a National League wild-card race update

August 31, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

After a long weekend of celebrating the Chicago Cubs' past, the focus returns to their pursuit of a playoff spot.

Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong gestures to teammates while rounding the bases after hitting a three-run home run in the seventh inning against the Reds on Aug. 29, 2026, at Wrigley Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Pete Crow-Armstrong crashes Chicago Cubs’ 150th anniversary party with historic day at Wrigley Field

August 29, 2026 at 6:32 p.m.

Ovations were long and loud Saturday at Wrigley Field as the Chicago Cubs celebrated their 150th anniversary and Pete Crow-Armstrong hit three home runs.

All Stories