Mic'd Up: The former UNC stalwart knows college soccer is as crazy as ever, and figuring out who might win the NCAA Tournament is a frightening prospect.

College soccer is increasingly hard to predict. At least, that's what Kacey White thinks. This is a changing sport, full of competition, with more jeopardy than ever. Conference realignment has packed some of the biggest divisions in the U.S. The constant churn of players, movement into the pros, and alternative pathways have made the thing that was once the crux of American women's soccer just a little more chaotic.

White covers it for ESPN+. She also loves it. Players get better, she argues.

"Everything about this part of the game and development is about understanding competition and knowing that you have to bring your best every day. A lot of times, you'll see where, whether it's in youth soccer, college soccer, or professional soccer, if you don't have those moments to show resilience, or have those moments where there's adversity that sets in, you don't know how to deal with that," she tells GOAL. 

Never is that clearer than in the ACC. White's beloved UNC won the national championship last year. This season, a repeat would be a major upset. 

"There's always been a lot of parity, but it seems to get tighter and tighter every year. A team like North Carolina doesn't have a lot of numbers that they use in their substitutions, and they have a very young roster, so they finished just outside the top six [in the ACC]," she adds. 

The next steps are trickier to figure out, too. The abolishment of the NWSL draft means players have a bit more freedom to move. Change is afoot at all levels. White thinks players just have more options.

"I just see it as different. I think there's not necessarily a waiting game now to go through the draft for players that may have accelerated growth and they would like to go to the professional game for whatever reason is personal to them. You just don't have to wait till that moment," she says. 

As for NCAA tournament predictions? Who knows. White is just here for the ride. She knows, after playing for UNC, representing the USWNT, and spending six years as a professional, that making any sort of projection is a fool's errand. Still, she's backing Stanford to win it all.

White talks the ACC, college drafts, conference realignment, and who might just win it all in the latest edition of Mic'd Up, a recurring feature in which GOAL taps into the perspective of analysts, announcers, and other pundits on the state of soccer in the U.S. and abroad. 

• Getty Images
  

  ON UNC

  GOAL: First of all, what has happened to UNC? They were convincing winners last year and are struggling this season…

  WHITE: Well, I think it speaks to just the parity that's in the ACC. We've seen that for years, even 10-20 years ago, there's always been a lot of parity, but it seems to get tighter and tighter every year. A team like North Carolina doesn't have a lot of numbers that they use in their substitutions, and they have a very young roster, so they finished just outside the top six. But I think we have other teams like that, too. Wake Forest was in the finals last year with North Carolina, and they're in ninth place in the ACC. And for me, it's not so much a drop off of those schools. It just speaks to the incredibly competitive environment that the ACC has year in and year out, and there are such fine margins that separate teams.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  ON THE COMPETITION IN THE ACC

  GOAL: Has conference realignment shifted things? Is it more competitive now?

  WHITE: I think it has, and especially when you look at the ACC, when you add Stanford and Cal into it, to programs that have always been at the top of the college game, and are very well thought of. Especially Stanford, having won titles, and you add that into the mix that already existed in the ACC, it becomes incredibly competitive. And we are seeing that in other conferences as well. But with a conference like this that tends to get many teams, sometimes double digit teams, into the NCAA tournament, you've now added two more to the mix, and it just really muddies the water, but in a great way.

  GOAL: So you vouch for chaos? The more hectic, the better?

  WHITE: I do. I believe everything about this part of the game and development is about understanding competition and knowing that you have to bring your best every day. A lot of times, you'll see where, whether it's in youth soccer, college soccer, or professional soccer, if you don't have those moments to show resilience, or have those moments where there's adversity that sets in, you don't know how to deal with that. And so I think, for these conferences getting stronger, that they're able to face each other earlier, and it prepares them for down the road, not only from a program perspective, but individual players, too. 

• Imagn/GOAL
  

  ON THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF COLLEGE SOCCER

  GOAL: We've seen a lot of change in women's college soccer over the last few years. Would you say that the pipeline to pro is easier? Is it more difficult? Because obviously, you don't have a draft anymore, how do you see that as a changing landscape?

  WHITE: I just see it as different. I think there's not necessarily a waiting game now to go through the draft for players that may have accelerated growth and they would like to go to the professional game for whatever reason is personal to them. You just don't have to wait till that moment. But I just think it's different. I don't think it's necessarily a better or worse thing, just a different landscape that players are now navigating.

  GOAL: So was the draft maybe holding players back a little, by extension?

  WHITE: I don't know if I can necessarily put a direct answer to that, because it's such an individual decision. You can't necessarily make a universal statement that affects all players on whether the draft is better or not, or whether it not being there has done that. I think it's just very personal.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• NCAA Soccer
  

  ON WHO WINS THE NCAA TOURNAMENT

  GOAL: To round it off, give me your college cup picks. And then, if you had to tentatively say, "I don't know, but I'd vouch for *insert team", who are you going with? 

  WHITE: Okay, so let's go with this. I do believe that the ACC will have a minimum of two teams in the College Cup. We saw four teams last year. I do think the ACC will get two in. And I will say this, not because it's at the forefront of my mind, but the way that Stanford played in the first half of the ACC semifinal, I didn't think any team could stop them. But if I had to say right now, I would say, of all the games that I've seen and what I've watched this season, I would go with Stanford.

  GOAL: So, at least two ACC teams and Stanford to win it?

  WHITE: That gives you a little bit of wiggle room!

Wolves manager target Erik ten Hag is open to Molineux talks following an approach, however, there is one ‘snag’ halting a potential move.

Latest Wolves manager rumours

The Old Gold are yet to find Vitor Pereira’s long-term replacement after his sacking at the weekend after the 3-0 Premier League defeat to Fulham.

It was Wolves’ eighth loss in their opening 10 top flight fixtures, with the club still without a league victory and eight points adrift of safety.

It looked as if Gary O’Neil would be the man to return to the Midlands tasked with the job of leading Wolves to safety, however, despite being in advanced talks, he pulled out of the race.

That has left Jeff Shi and Matt Jackson to look elsewhere, with Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas sharing the latest on Wolves’ manager search on Tuesday.

Rob Edwards and Ten Hag have both been heavily linked in the past few days, with contact even made for the latter, who is currently out of work after being sacked by Bayer Leverkusen.

Now, a new update has emerged over Ten Hag’s potential move to Wolves.

One 'snag' that could stop Wolves' move for Ten Hag

According to reports from ESPN, relayed by Sport Witness, Ten Hag is ‘eager to return’ to English football and is ‘open to discussing’ a move to Wolves after an approach.

It is stated that Ten Hag is aware that his time at Man Utd affected his reputation and understands that opportunities in England ‘don’t arise every week’.

However, something that could impact a move and is labelled a ‘snag’ is his age. At 55, Ten Hag is older than the likes of Michael Carrick (44) and Edwards (42), with Wolves looking to hire a younger coach.

Ten Hag, who shares the same SEG agency as Man City boss Pep Guardiola, did win the FA Cup and League Cup at Old Trafford, so his time in Manchester wasn’t a complete disaster considering how others have fared at the Red Devils.

Wins

44

Draws

14

Losses

27

Points per game

1.72

Points

146

The Dutchman’s league form is what he would be judged on at Molineux if he made the move, and should he his match his average of 1.72 points per game in the Premier League, Wolves would end on 50 points.

This is, of course, not guaranteed and the individual quality of player at Molineux compared to Old Trafford is arguably different, but by the looks of things, a move for Ten Hag is still one to watch.

Robbie Keane in talks with Wolves as Steven Gerrard gives clarity on future

Juventus have confirmed the promotion of Damien Comolli to CEO, just months after he arrived to oversee the club’s sporting department. The French executive replaces Maurizio Scanavino following a reshuffle approved by the board of directors. Backed by owner John Elkann, Comolli will now lead the Bianconeri’s long-term rebuild on and off the pitch.

Former Premier League executive promoted to CEO

Juve have announced the appointment of Comolli as their new chief executive, following Tuesday’s meeting of the club’s board. The decision marks a rapid elevation for Comolli, who only joined the club in the summer after departing Toulouse, where he served as president for five years and oversaw a return to Ligue 1 and subsequent European qualification.

Comolli initially stepped into the role of general manager at Juve after the departure of Cristiano Giuntoli and his technical staff earlier in the summer. However, the board has now opted to streamline the organisational structure by removing the General Manager position altogether and granting Comolli full executive authority. The official club statement read: “The Board of Directors has appointed Damien Comolli as CEO, with the simultaneous termination of the previous role of General Manager, granting him administrative powers substantially in continuity with the previous structure.”

Comolli replaces Scanavino, whose mandate concluded on November 7. The promotion makes Comolli the central decision-maker across both corporate and sporting operations, positioning him at the heart of Juventus’ strategic rebuild during a critical period for the club, both competitively and financially.

Advertisement'Winning must be an obsession' – Comolli sets ambition

Speaking during his official presentation at the Allianz Stadium, Comolli made his intentions unmistakably clear. “I’m obsessed with winning, every day I think about how to do it: in a club like this, winning must be an obsession,” he said.

Comolli also emphasised his alignment with Juventus’ ownership group, led by Exor chairman Elkann. “Elkann is passionate about football just like me, he always wants to win, and his commitment to Juve is tangible,” he stated. The new CEO described the opportunity as both “a privilege and a great honor,” adding: “I approach it with ambition and modesty; the only thing we want is to get back to winning.”

The former Liverpool and Tottenham sporting director has long been regarded as a meticulous planner and strong advocate of data-driven squad building. His appointment signals Bianconeri's desire to modernise their operational structure and reinforce the club's identity after several turbulent seasons marked by board resignations, legal scrutiny and inconsistent on-field results.

Board confirms internal leadership alignment

Alongside Comolli’s promotion, the Juventus board confirmed the formal establishment of new committee assignments. The control and risk committee will consist of Fioranna Vittoria Negri, Antonio Belloni and Guido de Boer. The related-party transactions committee will feature Cappiello, Diva Moriani, and Negri.

The club also reaffirmed executive responsibilities across compliance, auditing, and sustainability. Stefano Cerrato continues as the executive and Investor Relator, Mauro Plati remains in charge of risk and internal audit, and Greta Bodino continues overseeing people, culture, and ESG strategy. These internal confirmations ensure continuity during a period of structural change and strategic realignment.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPNew era begins as Juventus chase stability and silverware

Comolli’s first major task will be guiding Juve through the next transfer window and finalising the club’s sporting leadership team. Alongside Giorgio Chiellini and sporting coordinator Julien Modesto, he is expected to confirm the appointment of a new sporting director. Marco Ottolini, formerly of Genoa and previously part of Juventus’ scouting and loan department, remains the leading candidate for the role.

On the pitch, Juve are competing to find themselves in the Champions League and stabilise the squad following recent transitional campaigns. Comolli’s focus will extend beyond recruitment to rebuilding Juventus’ competitive identity and financial sustainability.

The upcoming months will be decisive in determining whether Comolli’s leadership can restore Juve to the consistent trophy-winning force they once were. The club faces pressing strategic decisions, including contract renewals, academy integration, and managing wage efficiencies, all while competing in Serie A and Europe.

The Turin side recently appoints Luciano Spalletti to restore stability on the field after sacking coach Ivan Juric this month.

Liverpool fans gave Trent Alexander-Arnold a frosty reception upon his return to Anfield on Tuesday night, and the Real Madrid defender’s reaction was caught on video.

There were early signs the right-back wasn’t going to be welcomed with open arms by certain sections of the fanbase, with his mural being defaced on the morning of the game.

Considering Trent played a key role in the Reds winning every top honour during his time with his boyhood club, there has been a mixed reaction to the boos he received on Tuesday, although Jamie Carragher has come out batting for the supporters.

Upon hearing Peter Schmeichel brand the behaviour as “disgusting”, Carragher responded: “I don’t agree with what you’ve said there.

Trent receives boos during the warm-up

With the 27-year-old only being brought on in the 81st minute, there were limited opportunities for Liverpool fans to show him how they felt, but the defender’s reaction to the boos when his name was announced during the warm-up was caught on video.

From the outside, the England international seems unfazed, seen laughing and joking with his Real Madrid teammates, but it will surely have hurt, even if it was to be expected, given the manner in which he left the club.

Arne Slot clearly still has respect for his former player, however, with the Dutchman being pictured embracing him at the end of the match.

With the academy graduate moving on, Slot has rotated between Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley and even Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back, and the Hungarian put in a fantastic performance against Arsenal at the end of August, scoring a remarkable free-kick.

Bradley also showed he could be up to the task of replacing Trent with a solid performance against Madrid, making a number of important defensive and attacking contributions.

Statistic

Number completed

Clearances

2

Tackles

3

Duels (won)

13 (8)

Dribbles (successful)

4 (3)

Frimpong is yet to truly get going, having already suffered two injury set-backs, but Slot should be happy with the options he has at right-back, and the manager will be hoping his side winning their last two games on the spin can be a turning point in the season.

Dominik Szoboszlai emerging as Liverpool's star man this season Related Better than Bradley: Liverpool star looked sellable, now he's their star man

Liverpool produced their best performance of the season to defeat Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Nov 5, 2025

The incident that caused the probe happened during Pakistan Shaheens’ tour of the UK

Danyal Rasool07-Aug-2025

Pakistan batter Haider Ali has been placed under criminal investigation by the Greater Manchester Police, and has been provisionally suspended by the PCB pending the outcome of the inquiry. While no details about the nature of the criminal offence have been released, ESPNcricinfo understands Haider is not currently in custody in the UK, but was interviewed under caution by GMP.The PCB issued a statement it had been “made aware” of the investigation, with the incident in question occurring during Pakistan Shaheens’ recent tour of England, which concluded on Monday. The PCB has confirmed it is providing Haider legal support “to protect his rights throughout this process”.”The PCB has been made aware of a criminal investigation currently being conducted by the Greater Manchester Police involving cricketer Haider Ali,” the PCB statement said. “The investigation pertains to an incident that reportedly occurred during the Pakistan Shaheens’ recent tour of England.”The PCB fully respects the legal procedures and processes of the United Kingdom and acknowledges the importance of allowing the investigation to run its due course. Accordingly, the PCB has decided to place Haider Ali under provisional suspension, effective immediately, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation. Once the legal proceedings are concluded and all facts have been duly established, the PCB reserves the right to take appropriate action under its Code of Conduct, if necessary.”Haider, 24, has played two ODIs and 35 T20Is for Pakistan, and was a senior player on the Shaheens’ UK tour. He played all three 50-over games against a first-class XI, as well as two three-day games.

Ireland left-arm spinner Aimee Maguire has been cleared to resume bowling in international cricket with immediate effect.Maguire, 18, was suspended from bowling earlier this year after being reported during the first ODI against India in Rajkot on January 10. Her action was deemed suspect under the ICC’s Illegal Bowling Regulations.Maguire has since remodelled her action and subsequently underwent an independent re-assessment at an ICC-accredited testing centre where she was cleared.”An independent assessment of Maguire’s remodelled bowling action at an ICC accredited testing centre concluded that the amount of elbow extension was within the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted under the ICC Illegal Bowling Regulations,” an ICC release said.Maguire made her ODI and T20I debut against West Indies in July 2023. She has so far played 11 ODIs, where she has picked 16 wickets, with best bowling figures of 5 for 19 against England last year. Maguire has also played nine T20Is, where she has nine wickets at an economy rate of 7.20.The 18-year-old is not part of the Ireland squad that faces Pakistan in a three-match T20I series, which begins in Dublin on Wednesday.

Como manager and ex-Arsenal star Cesc Fàbregas has now heaped praise on Mikel Arteta following a key Gunners tactical tweak.

The Premier League frontrunners take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light later today, pitting Arteta’s side against the surprise package of the season.

Arsenal arrive on Wearside in utterly imperious form. The north Londoners have won their last 10 matches across all competitions, with eight consecutive victories without conceding a single goal.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Burnley 0-2 Arsenal

Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal

They’re aiming to win five successive Premier League games without conceding for the first time since 1987, while their run of eight clean sheets in all competitions matches a club record set way back in 1903.

It’s been nearly 13 hours of football since anyone has scored against them, which is quite simply unbelievable, and they of course boast the best defensive record in Europe’s top five leagues as a result.

That being said, Regis Le Bris’ side pose a tough challenge. Sunderland enter this game having defied all pre-season expectations spectacularly. They’ve accumulated 18 points from their opening 10 fixtures – the most any promoted side has managed at this stage since Hull City’s 20 points in 2008-09.

Their remarkable home form has been key, remaining unbeaten at the Stadium of Light this campaign.

Arsenal are still favourites to win this one, though, following their imperious start to the season — which is made all the more impressive by their mountain of attacking injuries.

Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke and captain Martin Odegaard are all unavailable with knee or muscular problems — even if Jesus returned to training this week — Meanwhile, striker Viktor Gyokeres has been ruled out with a potential hamstring injury until after the international break.

This leaves Arteta pretty short of forward options, with Mikel Merino likely to continue in an emergency striker role.

Merino’s second-half brace secured a 3-0 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague in midweek, adding to his very impressive tally of 11 goals in all competitions for Arsenal this calendar year.

The midfielder has been nothing short of inspirational when called upon to play an unfamiliar role by Arteta, and Fabregas is certainly impressed by the former Real Sociedad star.

Fabregas praises "great move" by Arteta to play Merino as Arsenal striker

Speaking in an interview with Calciomercato this week, Fabregas stated it was a “great move” by Arteta to play Merino as a striker once again in the absence of Gyokeres — claiming he’s done very well in the role.

Merino had never played striker before featuring there for the first time against Leicester City back in February, where he scored both goals in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory after replacing the injured Kai Havertz.

Since then, he’s excelled in the position.

The midfielder has netted an astonishing 19 goals for club and country combined in 2025, including his midweek brace against Slavia Prague that also took his Arsenal tally to three headed goals this season. His 6 foot 2 frame makes him a major aerial threat inside the area, while on the deck he’s incredibly strong, using his muscular frame to dominate physical 50-50s.

The search for Rangers’ next manager is heating up and, as such, a new name has reportedly emerged as the “favourite” to take the vacant role at Ibrox.

Rangers manager update

Some may still be in shock at Rangers that it’s not set to be Steven Gerrard in the dugout when domestic football returns. The Liverpool legend looked destined to return to Ibrox, before dealing the 49ers their latest blow. Forced back to the drawing board after their top candidate cited bad timing for rejecting the job, the new owners have quite the task on their hands.

Given that the Gers already sit as many as nine points behind Celtic and 11 behind unexpected leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership, to say that they can’t afford to get things wrong with their next appointment would be an understatement.

So far, similar names to the summer as well as some new faces have emerged as candidates. Danny Rohl, for example, has reportedly been discussed once again, whilst the likes of Graham Potter and Raphael Wicky have been mentioned for the first time.

It’s a case of choosing experience or youthful exuberance for those at Ibrox. Rohl would be an exciting choice, but not the safest option in current circumstances amid his inexperience. Potter, meanwhile, has the experience but would also be coming in off the back of failing at both West Ham United and Chelsea.

Other options include Hearts boss Derek McInnes. For Rangers, if they can’t match the league leaders, then hiring their manager may be their next best option. Former Ibrox star Kris Boyd believes the ship has sailed on that front, however.

It may also be none of those aforementioned options, with fresh reports now indicating that another name has emerged as the “favourite” to take the Rangers job.

Kevin Muscat now "favourite" for Rangers job

As reported by talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, Kevin Muscat is now emerging as the “favourite” for the Rangers job, overtaking Rohl in the process. The 52-year-old is currently in charge of Shanghai Port, but may yet be on his way to Scotland.

Whether the Gers wait until the Chinese Super League season concludes on November 22 or target the manager right away is the big question. After such a poor start to the campaign, the Gers could certainly do with an immediate boost, but the ball may be in Muscat’s court on that front.

It’s also not the first time that Muscat has been linked with a move to Rangers. In previous years, the likes of Philippe Clement have beaten him to the job, but this time could finally be different.

Having won the Australian league twice and the Australian cup with Melbourne Victory, the Japanese league and Japanese Super Cup with Yokohama Marinos, and the Chinese league and cup with Shanghai Port, Muscat has won everywhere he has been. Now, Rangers could be next.

Ibrox should love him: Rangers hold talks to hire "insanely talented boss"

Rangers have held talks with a manager who could get Ibrox rocking once again.

ByDan Emery Oct 14, 2025

The favourite for the job has also worked as Ange Postecoglou’s assistant with Australia in the past and may yet hand the Gers similar success that his compatriot gave the Bhoys.

Arsenal staff have been taken aback by summer signing Noni Madueke behind-the-scenes, with a twist now coming to light on the forward’s injury return timeline.

Mikel Arteta is now without star defender William Saliba once again, not to mention winger Gabriel Martinelli.

Delivering a pre-match injury update ahead of the Gunners’ Carabao Cup fourth round clash at home to Brighton on Wednesday evening, Arteta didn’t delve into too much detail on the extent of their problems, but the duo have now joined their injury list.

Saliba and Martinelli are accompanied by Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Madueke, who are all unavailable for selection right now due to various issues.

Jesus has been sidelined since the turn of the year after rupturing his ACL in an FA Cup defeat to Man United, and reports have suggested that the Brazilian may not be back in action until 2026.

Odegaard, meanwhile, is suffering real bad luck with injuries right now.

The Arsenal captain had only just returned from a shoulder problem when he set up Gabriel Magalhaes’ winner away to Newcastle, but it didn’t take long for Odegaard to be sidelined once again.

The £240,000-per-week playmaker picked up a medial collateral ligament injury in the 2-0 win over West Ham just prior to the last international break, and that is expected to keep him out until mid-November.

Luckily for Arteta, the north Londoners could soon welcome Havertz back.

The Germany international has apparently been blowing away Arsenal rehab staff with his recovery and is fighting to be fully match fit ahead of schedule, according to insider HandOfArsenal.

Now, as per GiveMeSport, nearly the exact same can be said of Madueke too.

Arsenal staff taken aback as Noni Madueke nears faster injury return

According to their information, Arsenal staff have been left impressed by Madueke’s attitude during recovery, and the England international winger is now set to return to training earlier than anticipated.

Madueke is said to be making “faster-than-expected” progress in his comeback from a knee injury which has kept him out since Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Man City.

The former PSV Eindhoven star, known for his pace, dribbling, and creativity, has been a bright prospect since joining Arsenal, and his return is expected to inject more flair and unpredictability into their front line.

Madueke’s ability to wreak havoc on defenders in one-on-one situations offers a new dimension, but also takes some pressure off Arsenal’s key forwards, with Arteta pretty light in that area right now.

His form right after joining Arsenal in the summer, despite early protests over his arrival, resulted in Madueke being considered as Andrea Berta’s arguable best signing of the window thus far.

Arsenal’s plan is for the 23-year-old to complete several controlled sessions before resuming full contact training, and he’s apparently used the time to work on other aspects of his game, like strength and conditioning.

His response to the setback has been nothing short of incredible, according to GMS, and Arteta will certainly be impressed behind-closed-doors.

The Houston Astros are open to trading longtime middle-of-the-order bat Kyle Tucker, and the trade packages are starting to materialize as opposing teams line up for his services.

The 27-year-old Tucker, who hit .289 with 23 home runs and 49 RBI in an injury-riddled 78 game campaign last season, has received trade interest from the New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs.

For any package involving Tucker, the Astros are seeking Yankees starter and AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil, according to Jon Heyman of the . In talks with the Cubs, the Astros are interested in outfielder Seiya Suzuki and corner infielder Isaac Paredes, according to Ken Rosenthal of

For what it's worth, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer spoke of Suzuki's future in Chicago, and it didn't sound like he was going anywhere.

"I've got a great relationship with both Seiya and [his agent Joel Wolfe]," Hoyer said on Wednesday. "We've had conversations about his role, DHing, all those things, but ultimately, he's a really good player. I expect him to be a Cub," Hoyer added.

It's clear that the Astros hold Tucker in high regard, so it will take quite the package to acquire him after his solid career in Houston thus far.