After seven memorable seasons, Taylor McGregor is saying goodbye to the Chicago Cubs. The beloved sideline reporter announced today that she's leaving the Marquee Sports Network to join ESPN in a full-time capacity.
"Today is my last broadcast with Marquee and the Cubs," McGregor shared in an emotional statement. "I am leaving to take a full-time role with ESPN. There's so much that I want to say, and I will say eventually. But this has been the ride of a lifetime."
McGregor, who has also covered college football for ESPN, has been a familiar face in the Cubs dugout since 2017. Her departure marks the end of an era for Cubs fans who welcomed her into their homes night after night.
"This is my seventh season with the Cubs. Every day was a joy," she said. "It was a really hard decision to come to this. Ultimately, I just felt like it was the best move for me personally, and everything that I want, both professionally and personally."
Reflecting on her time in Chicago, McGregor expressed deep gratitude. "I have loved my time in Chicago. To everybody who watched our broadcast every single night, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for welcoming me into your living room. When I started, I was a very green reporter with a lot blonder hair. I feel like I've kind of grown up on the air here at Marquee."
While she's moving on, McGregor isn't leaving the Windy City behind. "I love all you guys. I appreciate your kindness to me throughout the years, and I look forward to still seeing you. I'm going to stay in Chicago, and I'll still be around Wrigley Field. So hopefully, I can come say hi to you guys every now and again. Thank you for everything."
McGregor's departure comes as the Cubs are surging toward the postseason. At 87-71, they sit second in the NL Central and look like a legitimate contender. The playoffs begin next week, and while McGregor won't be part of the broadcast team, she'll surely be cheering from afar.
Her new role at ESPN will keep her busy, but fans can expect to see her on college football sidelines and other major events. McGregor's rise from a self-described "green reporter" to a full-time ESPN talent is a testament to her hard work and connection with viewers.
As she embarks on this new chapter, McGregor leaves behind a legacy of professionalism and warmth. Cubs fans will miss her presence in the dugout, but they can take comfort in knowing she'll still be a familiar face around Chicago. For those who want to relive some of her most memorable moments, check out her reaction to a parking attendant and her standout performance during a chaotic power outage.
For now, McGregor is focused on what's next. "This has been the ride of a lifetime," she said. And while she's moving on, she'll always be a part of the Cubs family.
