Brett and Michael are back for the second episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast! This week, they break down the latest from Cubs Spring Training—early standouts, key roster battles, and what to watch for as the team gears up for the season. Plus, thoughts on the latest Cubs news and what it means for the year ahead.

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Join Brett and Michael as they kick off the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! In this debut episode, they set the stage for what’s to come—breaking down Cubs news, analysis, and everything in between. Get to know the hosts, hear their thoughts on the team's offseason, the latest news on Nico Hoerner/Matt Shaw, and find out what makes this podcast a must-listen for Cubs fans.

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Michael Cerami introduces you to The Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast!

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Brett and Michael are back for the fifth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast! They preview the Cubs’ stateside opener against the Diamondbacks in Arizona, discussing the probable pitching matchups and key storylines for the series. Plus, a breakdown of the seven-game road trip leading up to the home opener next Friday and what to watch for in the week ahead.

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Brett and Michael are back for the fourth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast! They reflect on the Tokyo Series, breaking down key moments and takeaways from the Cubs' matchup with the Dodgers. Plus, a look into the Cubs’ pitching rotation—who’s stepping up, potential concerns, and what it means for the season ahead.

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Brett and Michael return for the third episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast! This week, they discuss the upcoming exhibition games against NPB teams and preview the highly anticipated Tokyo Series between the Cubs and Dodgers—what to expect, key matchups, and why this series is a big deal for the start of the season.

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Brett and Michael are back for the sixth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They break down Kyle Tucker's hot start, the Cubs pitching rotation, and Pete Crow-Armstrong's  start of the season. From early season takeaways to key storylines to watch, they cover it all as the Cubs open up the season.

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Brett and Michael are back for the seventh episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They reflect on a solid week for the Cubs, including series wins over the Padres and Rangers, and dig into the impact—or lack thereof—of batter vs. pitcher matchups. Plus, plenty of early-season takeaways and what to watch as the Cubs keep rolling.

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Brett and Michael are back for the tenth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They break down the Cubs recent slump against the Phillies and a loss against the Pirates before diving into the Cubs' third base struggles, Matt Shaw's true performances in AAA, and whether Moises Ballesteros will make it to the big leagues in 2025.

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Brett and Michael are back for the ninth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They break down two thrilling comeback wins against the Diamondbacks and Dodgers and celebrate the Cubs’ early-season offensive identity. With a hot start against three tough NL West opponents, there's a lot to be excited about on the North Side right now.

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Brett and Michael are back for the eighth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They reflect on the Cubs' 3-3 road stretch against the Dodgers and Padres, and break down the tough news about Justin Steele undergoing elbow surgery that will sideline him for the rest of the season. With Steele out, they explore how the rotation depth could shake out moving forward, including a look at Cade Horton’s strong start at Triple-A Iowa and what it might mean for his timeline to the big leagues.

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Brett and Michael are back for the eleventh episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They break down the Cubs’ series win in Milwaukee and the frustrating home series loss to the Giants, which included a 9-run collapse in the 11th inning. The guys also discuss Shota Imanaga’s mild hamstring strain, what it could mean for the rotation, and why now might be the right time to play it safe with the standout lefty. Plus, a look at Colin Rea’s surprising effectiveness in the early going and why Cade Horton could be next in line to help the Cubs rotation.

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Brett and Michael are back for the twelfth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They preview the BN Pre-Game Party at HVAC in Wrigleyville on May 17 before Cubs-White Sox, presented by Ankin Law. Then it's a dive into the week on the field: the Cubs dropped a tough series to the Mets in New York but bounced back with a series win over the Marlins at home.

They also touch on Cade Horton’s big-league debut (4 IP, 5 K, 3 ER), the cooling of the Cubs’ offense after a red-hot start, and what Ian Happ’s IL stint means for the lineup going forward. Plus, the promotion of Moises Ballesteros and how his bat might fit into the DH shuffle while Happ is sidelined.

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Brett and Michael are back for the fourteenth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They dive into the breakout performances of Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong—both battling for the league lead in RBIs and drawing national attention. PCA’s recent clutch heroics are also in the spotlight, even as he finds success on tough pitches out of the zone.

The guys also take a step back to appreciate the Cubs' dominant 12-3 stretch over their last 15 games, including another road series win in Cincinnati. And despite missing multiple arms in the rotation, the group continues to hold up, though Ben Brown is hitting a bit of a rough patch.

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Brett and Michael are back for the thirteenth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They celebrate a big week for the Cubs, who swept the White Sox and took two of three from the Marlins. The guys take a closer look at Daniel Palencia’s rollercoaster outings in save situations and discuss his potential to grow into a trusted bullpen weapon.

They also dive into Matt Shaw’s recent stretch since returning to the bigs—highlighting his pull-heavy tendencies and how he's settling in at third base. And of course, more on Cade Horton’s continued development, as he stacks wins in each of his first two career starts.

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Brett and Michael are back for the fifteenth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They’re joined by special guest Dave Cook of Feldco to talk Cubs baseball.

The guys break down the Cubs' 2-0 loss to the Nationals on Wednesday and how it highlighted the slower development curve for some pitching prospects. They explore the contrast between how pitchers and position players progress through the minors, and how the Cubs are managing both sides of that equation.

They also touch on Michael Busch’s continued power surge, the steadying presence of the Cubs’ catchers, and how the lineup’s ability to stay competitive late into games is keeping fans locked in every night.

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Brett and Michael are back for the sixteenth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! After winning seven straight series, the Cubs hit their first real bump in a while—dropping back-to-back sets against the Tigers and Phillies, and going 2-4 on the week.

They dig into the tough pitching the Cubs faced during this recent nine-game road trip and zero in on Ben Brown’s up-and-down stretch. Brown looked sharp last Friday but unraveled against the Phillies, struggling with command and getting hit hard. The guys also explore how Brown’s recent outings could shape the rotation picture once more reinforcements are healthy.

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Brett and Michael are back for the eighteenth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! With the Cubs officially past the halfway point of the season, the guys take stock of where things stand, including a three-game lead in the NL Central.

They also discuss the dynamics of lineup construction, including how the Cubs are working to shake up their order and break up a string of left-handed hitters to maximize offensive opportunities and matchup advantages.

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Brett and Michael go live this week to discuss the latest news, scores, and issues with the Cubs as we head into the end of June and nearing the All-Star break!

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Brett and Michael are back for the twenty-second episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They break down the Cubs’ series loss to the Royals and reflect on the team’s recent .500-level play, which has allowed the Brewers to continue closing the gap in the NL Central.

With the trade deadline approaching, the guys also dig into some of the names being floated around and what kinds of moves might make sense for this roster. Finally, they preview the big upcoming three-game set against Milwaukee with the division lead potentially on the line.

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Brett and Michael are back for the twenty-first episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They kick things off with a quick recap of the All-Star Game—including the swing-off finale—and explain why that particular twist has no place in the regular season.

They also highlight Pete Crow-Armstrong embracing his status as a role model and how Kyle Tucker’s deadpan, low-energy All-Star presence was accidentally hilarious.

From there, they talk replay review process tweaks, take stock of the Cubs roster heading into the second half, and reflect on the team’s surprising first-half success—owning the third-best record in baseball despite major rotation injuries.

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Brett and Michael are back for the twentieth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! The Cubs wrapped up their week with a dominant 8-1 win over the Twins and an unforgettable Fourth of July performance, crushing eight home runs in an 11-3 win over the Cardinals—a new franchise record.

They spotlight Michael Busch’s red-hot stretch, including his three-homer game and co-NL Player of the Week honors, and discuss how he’s finally getting national attention alongside bigger Cubs names like PCA and Kyle Tucker.

Also on deck: the NL Central race is tightening up. The Brewers have surged with a sweep of the Dodgers and a month of winning baseball, but the Cubs still hold a schedule advantage in the second half.

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Brett and Michael are back for the nineteenth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They check in on the ongoing Guardians series and recap a tough road stretch that included a series loss in Houston and a split in St. Louis.

The guys revisit the Kyle Tucker trade, particularly in light of Cam Smith’s breakout with the Astros, and what that deal looks like now. Plus, the Cubs are sending two starters—Kyle Tucker and Pete Crow-Armstrong—to the All-Star Game for the first time in six years, and the conversation shifts to which other Cubs could still join them as reserves.

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Brett and Michael are back for the twenty-fourth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law), and they’re joined once again by Dave from Feldco!

The guys react to what felt like a disappointing trade deadline for the Cubs and evaluate the state of the team heading into August. Despite the lack of big moves, the Cubs remain one of just two teams in baseball who have yet to be swept this season.

They also highlight how key bats finally came alive in the final game of the Reds series after a frustrating stretch in clutch spots, take a look at Willi Castro’s defensive versatility since joining the team, and continue to track Cade Horton’s promising development—including his rising strikeout rate and improved command inside the zone.

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Brett and Michael are back for the twenty-fifth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! The guys react to Miguel Amaya’s ankle injury—suffered in his first game back from months on the Injured List—which thankfully came back as a sprain with no fracture.

They also talk about Owen Caissie’s call-up in the wake of Amaya’s injury, how he fits into the Cubs’ lineup, and his arrival in the middle of a scorching hot stretch at the plate in Triple-A. The conversation also includes how Kyle Tucker’s high on-base percentage is still helping the Cubs despite his current slump, and why getting his bat going is key for the second half.

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Brett and Michael are back for the twenty-sixth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They recap a pivotal stretch against the Brewers, where the Cubs took three of five games and showed plenty of reasons to believe they’re the stronger club—even if the standings still lean Milwaukee’s way.

The guys dig into why the Brewers seem to consistently out-perform their roster on paper and compare what they’ve seen across the 13 head-to-head matchups so far. They also discuss Kyle Tucker getting a short mental break amidst his slump, the revelation that he’s been playing with a hand fracture, and his quick return to the lineup after two days off.

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Brett and Michael are back together for the twenty-ninth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! The Cubs dropped their series to the Nationals and opened the Braves set with another loss, pushing their skid to three games. Still, they remain the only team in baseball without a four-game losing streak this season and hold the fifth-best record overall.

The guys talk about the Cubs’ inability to capitalize while the Brewers have been scuffling, and how regression has hit the offense—especially with runners in scoring position and a lack of home run production. They also dig into Seiya Suzuki’s second-half power drought (just one homer in nearly two months) despite strong underlying hard-hit metrics.

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Brett is flying solo for the twenty-eighth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! He recaps a strong stretch of baseball for the Cubs, including series wins over both the Rockies at Coors Field and the Braves at Wrigley Field.

The Cubs have widened their Wild Card lead thanks to some stumbles by the Padres, but the main spotlight goes to Cade Horton. His second half has been outstanding, with strikeouts climbing, walks falling, and a run that’s drawing comparisons to Jake Arrieta’s legendary 2015 second-half surge. Brett digs into Horton’s Rookie of the Year chances and what his emergence means for the rotation.

Also on the docket: Kyle Tucker leaving the second Braves game early with calf tightness. The hope is it’s nothing more than precautionary, with Tucker likely to return by Friday.

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Brett and Michael are back for the twenty-seventh episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They discuss the rocky start to the Giants series, including Matthew Boyd’s rough outing despite San Francisco’s struggles against lefties leading into the matchup.

The guys also dive into the subtle shift in expectations as the Cubs pivot from chasing the NL Central crown to focusing on locking up the top Wild Card spot. Despite offensive regression and continued struggles at the plate—both for Michael Busch individually and the lineup as a whole—the Cubs still hold the fifth-best record in baseball and have avoided the kind of collapse that can sink a season. They wrap up with some positives too, including the sweep of the Angels.

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Brett and Michael are back for the thirtieth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! The Cubs have officially clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2020 after sweeping the Pirates, and the guys reflect on how far this roster has come. They debate whether this team has the pieces to make a deep October run and what a realistic championship path looks like.

They also break down the projected playoff rotation, how the Cubs will set it up, and the confidence level in the arms leading the way. Matthew Boyd’s recent struggles are also on the table—after making hitters look foolish earlier in the season, his command has been shaky, his wildness has crept up, and his whiff rate has fallen dramatically.

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Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-first episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! With the postseason right around the corner, the guys cover a number of key injury and pitching storylines.

Kyle Tucker could return as soon as this weekend in a DH role after meeting with his personal PTs in Tampa, but questions remain about whether he’ll be at full strength. Cade Horton’s status for the Wild Card round is also up in the air, with the Cubs potentially considering resting him if they can get through the opening series in two games—giving him added rest ahead of the NLDS. Meanwhile, Michael Boyd delivered a “decent” outing the day after Horton’s back issue surfaced, adding some intrigue to the rotation plan.

In the bullpen, Daniel Palencia has returned quickly from a shoulder strain and looked sharp, but will Craig Counsell immediately give him the closer role back? Michael Soroka has also continued to impress out of the bullpen—his latest one-inning burst showed how dominant he can be when pounding the zone. The guys also talk through what the back end of the Cubs’ bullpen should look like as the team gears up for October.

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Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-second episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! The Cubs are moving on after taking down the Padres in the Wild Card round—their first playoff series victory in seven years—and the guys are amped.

They reflect on the Padres series, noting how close it really was and how both teams leaned heavily on their bullpens and matchup management. Aggressive moves from both dugouts were amplified in the short three-game format, with San Diego’s bullpen, in particular, standing out.

The guys also ask the big question: are we trusting Brad Keller in the ninth inning? before turning the page to preview the upcoming NLDS showdown with the Brewers, which kicks off in Milwaukee this weekend.

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Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-third episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! The Cubs are fighting to stay alive as they head into NLDS Game 4 tonight (Thursday) at Wrigley Field, trailing the Brewers 2-1.

They recap last night’s thrilling 4-3 win that kept the series alive and take a hard look at the defensive miscues that cost the Cubs in their two losses. The guys also discuss a few key players who’ve been crucial all season but haven’t yet delivered in the postseason. Plus, a preview of the pivotal Game 4 matchup between Freddy Peralta and Matthew Boyd, and what the Cubs will need to do to force a decisive Game 5.

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Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-fourth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)—the first episode of the offseason. They reflect on what was a memorable 2025 campaign, one that ended just two runs short of the NLCS after falling 3–1 to the Brewers in Game 5 of the NLDS.

The guys talk through the sense of closure following the season, the excitement of five postseason games at Wrigley Field, and the legacy this team leaves behind. It was a year defined by progress, competitiveness, and the kind of energy fans have been waiting for.

They also look back on individual storylines—especially Kyle Tucker’s season, which started at a superstar level before injuries and inconsistency took the shine off his overall numbers. Even though his production wasn’t disastrous, the narrative of his season ended up being dominated by injuries, slumps, and a late-summer benching in Milwaukee.

In contrast, they highlight the steady impact of players like Carson Kelly, whose reliability and clutch performances became defining moments down the stretch.

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Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-fifth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! It’s that tricky part of the offseason where storylines are just starting to form, but there’s still plenty to dig into.

The guys discuss the Dodgers’ rumored interest in Kyler Tucker, and how it fits the trend of big-name players being tied to big Cubs offseasons—though major fireworks haven’t arrived just yet. They also look at the current roster structure and how few obvious openings the Cubs actually have.

Starting pitching remains an area of need, and the conversation turns to how the Cubs might approach it. Some of the arms discussed back in July could resurface as trade or short-term free-agent targets, as none of those pitchers ended up being moved at the deadline. While the team would likely prefer shorter deals, there’s also recognition that cost-controlled options could be appealing through trade. That said, it’s tough to imagine another big December splash just a year after the last one.

They also take a longer view, discussing Dansby Swanson’s performance three years into his seven-year, $177 million deal and what that contract looks like now that the first half of his tenure is in the books.

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Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-sixth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! With the baseball season nearing its end, the guys talk through a range of topics—from dominant postseason pitching performances to what lies ahead for the Cubs.

They start by discussing Trey Yesavage’s breakout playoff and World Series run, and where a pitcher with his stuff would have finished the year if he were a Cubs prospect—Double-A? Triple-A? The conversation expands into the growing league-wide trend toward promoting talented young pitchers earlier. With more arms entering pro ball already polished, are teams ready to embrace a true youth movement on the mound? And could future CBA changes accelerate that timeline even more?

The guys also dive into Jon Heyman’s report about the Cubs’ unwillingness to structure a Shohei Ohtani contract the same way the Dodgers did—with 97% of his record $700 million deferred. They unpack how that shaped the final bidding process, what the Cubs’ reported $500 million offer says about their strategy, and whether the Dodgers’ deferral-heavy model offered hidden tax benefits that helped seal the deal.

Finally, they reflect on where the Cubs stand in relation to true World Series contenders—what’s in place, what’s missing, and how far they really are from being the next team to make a deep October run.

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Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-seventh episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They discuss the Cubs’ decision to decline Shota Imanaga’s option, what it means for his future, and whether a Qualifying Offer could still be in play. 

They also touch on Shane Bieber’s surprising one-year deal to stay in Toronto, how front offices are approaching short-term pitching contracts, and the Cubs’ new one-year agreement with Colin Rea heading into 2026.

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Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-eighth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! Not much movement yet in the Cubs’ offseason, but the big storyline remains Shota Imanaga’s qualifying offer decision, which must come by November 18.

Reports suggest Imanaga is expected to decline the $22 million offer, with his camp exploring what his market might look like if he does. If he accepts, he’ll return to the Cubs for 2026. If he declines, he could still re-sign in Chicago—but if he signs elsewhere, the Cubs would receive a compensatory draft pick after the second round.

Meanwhile, all signs point to the Cubs being active in the starting pitching market, with names like Tatsuya Imai, Dylan Cease, and others emerging as possible targets. The guys dig into Cease’s current career arc and discuss what kind of deal or trade value he might carry.

Finally, they ask the offseason question on everyone’s mind: could the Cubs bring back Cody Bellinger?

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Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-ninth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! It’s a busy week for roster logistics, with the 40-man roster deadline and the Qualifying Offer acceptance deadline both hitting. The guys walk through how the Rule 5 Draft works and what those roster decisions mean for the Cubs heading into the winter.

They also react to Shota Imanaga accepting the Cubs’ $22 million Qualifying Offer, keeping him in Chicago for 2026. It’s a strong short-term outcome for both sides and a reflection of how much the Cubs valued bringing him back on a one-year deal.

Finally, Brett and Michael look ahead at potential offseason priorities—including whether the Cubs could make a move to solidify third base before spring training.

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Brett and Michael are back for the fortieth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! With the offseason still in its early stages, the guys aren’t expecting a major wave of moves just yet—but the Cubs did make their first signing of the winter, adding veteran reliever Phil Maton on a two-year, $14.5 million deal with a 2028 club option and annual incentives.

They discuss what Maton brings to the bullpen, how the deal is structured, and why he could be the first of several relief additions this offseason. Plus, more Cubs offseason talk and where things could go from here.

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Brett and Michael are back for the forty-first episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! With the Winter Meetings a week away, the guys cover the latest Cubs news and rumors as the offseason slowly begins to take shape.

They talk about the Cubs’ minor league deal with infielder Scott Kingery, how it fits the team’s low-risk depth-building approach, and where things stand with potential extensions—particularly Pete Crow-Armstrong’s after his uneven rookie season.

The guys also discuss Kyle Tucker’s meeting with the Blue Jays, why the Cubs aren’t expected to be involved in those talks, and the expectation that bullpen additions are still coming soon.

Finally, they break down reports that the Cubs were in on Dylan Cease before backing out as the bidding passed $200 million, and what that says about the front office’s willingness to spend. Despite missing out, the Cubs appear poised to pursue other high-end arms such as Framber Valdez, Tatsuya Imai, Ranger Suárez, Michael King, and Zac Gallen as the market develops.

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Brett and Michael are back for the forty-second episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! It’s been a quiet Winter Meetings, but the Cubs have made another meaningful addition to the bullpen.

They break down Chicago’s signing of lefty Hoby Milner, a move that felt inevitable after last offseason’s near-miss. Milner profiles as an ideal fit for the middle innings, and paired with Phil Maton, represents a strong start to the Cubs’ bullpen rebuild.

The guys also talk about how quickly the closer market has dried up, with many top names already off the board, and what that means for the Cubs’ remaining relief plans.

Plus, the Alex Bregman rumor cycle continues—this time with word that Scott Boras has opened discussions with the Mariners—which naturally leads to more speculation about how the third-base market may shape up.

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Brett and Michael are back for the forty-third episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! With the offseason rolling along, the guys check in on the latest Cubs news, rumors, and roster questions as the front office continues shaping the team for 2026.

They discuss where things stand across the roster, what types of moves still feel likely in the coming weeks, and how the Cubs may be approaching the rest of the winter.

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Brett and Michael are back for the forty-fifth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law), and it’s been a very busy week.

The Cubs finally made their biggest move of the offseason—and one of the biggest in franchise history—signing third baseman Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million deal. With deferrals lowering the luxury tax hit, the Cubs pushed decisively into their contention window, adding a true middle-of-the-order presence and locking down third base. The guys discuss why the timing made sense, what it says about ownership and the front office, and how Bregman’s arrival reshapes the roster—most notably pushing Matt Shaw into a super-utility role that could benefit both the lineup and Shaw’s long-term development.

They also react to the other major news of the week: Kyle Tucker officially signing with the Dodgers. Once viewed as a potential long-term cornerstone after an MVP-caliber first half, Tucker’s Cubs tenure unraveled amid injuries, inconsistency, and a quiet finish. Brett and Michael reflect on how quickly the narrative shifted, why an extension never materialized, and what his departure means now that the Cubs have pivoted aggressively toward winning in the immediate future.

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Brett and Michael are back for the forty-fourth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law), returning after a brief holiday break. While the Cubs were mostly quiet during that stretch, the calm didn’t last long.

Right before recording, the Cubs finally made their long-anticipated move for a controllable starting pitcher, acquiring Edward Cabrera from the Marlins in a deal first reported by Bleacher Nation’s own Michael Cerami. The trade sends top prospect Owen Caissie to Miami, along with Cristian Hernández and Edgardo De Leon, as the Cubs land a high-upside arm for the front of the rotation.

The guys break down what Cabrera brings to the table, the obvious upside, and the real risks tied to health and performance. They also discuss how this move reshapes the roster—particularly in the outfield—and whether it could reopen the door to free agency, including the possibility of a Cody Bellinger reunion.

It’s a wide-ranging conversation about timing, roster construction, and what this trade signals about how aggressively the Cubs plan to move from here.

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Brett and Michael are back for the forty-sixth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! After a quick look back at the flurry of moves from the past couple of weeks, the guys zoom out to examine how the broader league landscape is taking shape—and what it means for the Cubs.

They discuss a busy stretch for the New York Mets, who have aggressively retooled their roster with multiple high-upside additions. While the Mets look formidable on paper, the guys debate whether the moves truly raise their floor or simply introduce more volatility—especially with Luis Robert Jr., whom they describe as a complete roll of the dice.

Attention then shifts to the Milwaukee Brewers, who completed a notable trade sending Freddy Peralta to New York. On one hand, the deal could make the NL Central more navigable for the Cubs in the short term. On the other, the Brewers’ long-term outlook remains strong, reinforcing their reputation as baseball’s ultimate “devil magic” organization.

Finally, the guys talk about how a busy January could jump-start the rest of the market—particularly for relievers—and whether the Cubs could still be involved in pitching talks as the offseason continues.

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Brett and Michael are back for the forty-seventh episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! The show opens with a fun announcement: Michael Cerami wrote a children’s book about Wrigley Field and Cubs fandom, inspired by bringing the next generation into the bleachers. The guys talk about the idea behind the project and what it means to pass down the Cubs experience.

From there, they dive deep into the Cubs’ starting rotation. Have the Cubs done enough to bolster it? They break down every arm, discuss possible Opening Day starter scenarios, and weigh the high-end outcomes against the very real risks—ranging from innings limitations to lengthy injury histories. It’s a thorough look at how strong this rotation could be, and where things could still go sideways.

With Spring Training right around the corner—Pitchers and Catchers report in just two weeks—the guys also discuss the likelihood of more free-agent movement soon, particularly on the pitching front. Jon Heyman continues to link the Cubs to Zac Gallen, alongside the Diamondbacks and Orioles, and Brett and Michael talk through how realistic that fit might be as the market enters its next phase.

A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast!
Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com

Read more Cubs coverage ➡️ bleachernation.com

Pre-order Michael Cerami’s children’s book here:
👉 https://amzn.to/3Z0WQQC

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Brett and Michael are back for the forty-eighth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! With Pitchers and Catchers reporting next week, activity around the league is starting to pick up—and a trio of notable moves sparks a wide-ranging discussion.

They react to Eugenio Suárez returning to the NL Central after signing with the Cincinnati Reds, the Boston Red Sox giving real money to Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and the Detroit Tigers making a massive splash by signing Framber Valdez.

The Kiner-Falefa deal in particular prompts a deeper conversation. At roughly $6 million plus incentives, it’s more than expected for a utility infielder—and may signal that Boston is less confident in pulling off a major infield trade this spring. That has implications for players like Nico Hoerner or Matt Shaw, and reinforces the Cubs’ decision to hold firm on their trade demands.

They also dig into the Tigers’ signing of Valdez and how it intersects with the ongoing arbitration situation involving Tarik Skubal. Whether Detroit feels confident in its arbitration outcome or is positioning itself for a possible Skubal trade, the move could have downstream effects on the starting pitching market—including the Cubs’ pursuit of top-end arms like Zac Gallen.

And, as always, more offseason talk as the calendar inches closer to Spring Training.

A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast!
Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com

Read more Cubs coverage ➡️ bleachernation.com

Pre-order Michael Cerami’s children’s book here:
👉 https://amzn.to/3Z0WQQC

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Brett and Michael are back for the forty-ninth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! Cubs camp is officially underway, with pitchers and catchers reporting and the front office holding its opening presser. The guys recap the first day at camp, including Alex Bregman taking Jameson Taillon deep (which absolutely counts as one regular season win), and note that there were no major injury concerns coming out of the initial media availability.

They also react to the news that the Baltimore Orioles signed Chris Bassitt to a one-year deal, potentially closing the book on most remaining free agent starters. But rather than shutting the Cubs out, the move may actually increase the odds that Zac Gallen remains in play. With three current members of the Cubs’ rotation set to hit free agency after the season, the long-term implications of adding another arm are front and center.

The conversation also turns to Matt Shaw’s super-utility role and how he might fit into a roster that suddenly feels deep — particularly in the rotation. For once, the Cubs aren’t scrambling to patch the back end of the staff; instead, they’re navigating something closer to an embarrassment of riches.

A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast!
Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com

Read more Cubs coverage ➡️ bleachernation.com

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Brett and Michael are back for the fifty-second episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! With Spring Training underway, baseball is officially back in the air, and the guys settle into the rhythms of camp and the early days of the preseason.

They talk about the World Baseball Classic, which continues to draw heavy interest around the league—including strong representation from the Cubs organization. The conversation touches on how teams and players balance tournament play with preparation for the MLB season, and what it means when elite pitchers try to maintain their routines during a mid-spring international event.

From there, the discussion opens up into a broader baseball conversation—what a hypothetical Team USA roster might look like over the course of a full MLB season, how talent concentration at that level would translate over 162 games, and how the sport continues to evolve.

The guys also react to recent comments from former Cubs manager Joe Maddon about advanced analytics—when they’re most useful, how managers can implement them effectively, and where the human element still matters most in decision-making.

With camp underway and the baseball calendar ramping up, it’s a wide-ranging conversation about the sport, the upcoming season, and everything that makes this time of year exciting.

A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast!
Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com

Read more Cubs coverage ➡️ bleachernation.com

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