Chicago Cubs Central Podcast

The future of the Cubs roster is starting to take shape, and some tough decisions may be on the horizon. In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike breaks down the growing possibility that Ian Happ could leave the Cubs in free agency if the organization decides to move in a different direction. After years of being a key piece of the lineup and clubhouse leader, Happ is now facing the reality...

The future of the Chicago Cubs might already be making noise in Spring Training, and his name is Jefferson Rojas . In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike breaks down why the 20-year-old shortstop prospect is turning heads in Arizona and why Cubs fans should be excited about what’s coming next. Rojas has been one of the most electric young players in camp, showing off elite bat speed, surpr...

The Chicago Cubs pitching staff might be leveling up in a big way heading into the 2026 MLB season , and in this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike breaks down the latest developments coming out of Cubs camp . First, we look at Edward Cabrera and the major improvements to his fastball . Early reports suggest his velocity and movement are turning heads, which could make him a serious weapon in...

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike dives into the hot topics surrounding the Cubs lineup! ⚾ Moises Ballesteros is facing the ultimate test — can he live up to the pressure of being the everyday DH , hitting 3rd, 4th, or 5th in the lineup? We break down his 2025 stats, power potential, and what Cubs fans should expect this season. 📰 Plus, Mike covers Jed Hoyer’s candid interview with...

The Cubs rotation is STACKED, but who should be the 2026 Opening Day starter ? Let’s break down the numbers from the 2025 season for the top contenders: ⚾ Edward Cabrera (Cubs newcomer) – 8‑7 record, 3.53 ERA, 137.2 innings pitched, 150 strikeouts, and a 1.23 WHIP. Cabrera’s strikeout ability and control make him a strong candidate for the big stage. ⚾ Matthew Boyd – 14‑8 record, 3.21 ERA, 179.2...

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike breaks down the early Spring Training performances that have fans talking — and maybe even worrying. 👀 🚨 Should Cubs fans be concerned about Jameson Taillon and Shota Imanaga after slow starts this spring? Is it just early-camp rust… or something bigger that could impact the 2026 rotation? Mike dives deep into: 📉 What’s going on with Taillon’s comm...

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike breaks down the HUGE news that Cubs ace Justin Steele has officially been cleared by his doctors — and now the biggest question becomes: how soon will we see him back pitching in the majors? Mike dives deep into what Steele’s return timeline could look like and analyzes how this development could completely reshape the Cubs heading into the 2026 MLB s...

The Chicago Cubs may already have their next breakout star — and most fans aren’t talking about him yet. In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , we break down why top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins could become a major difference-maker for the Cubs as soon as the 2026 season. After a dominant minor league season featuring elite strikeout numbers, a power fastball touching triple digits, and rap...

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike Jones is joined by Rich Mercer to break down the Chicago Cubs’ latest move — signing veteran outfielder Michael Conforto . Is this a savvy win-now addition? Or are the Cubs leaning too heavily on veteran talent instead of letting their young core develop? We dive deep into: ⚾ What Conforto brings to the lineup ⚾ How this impacts the Cubs’ young play...

Is there reason for Cubs fans to be concerned? In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, Mike and Big Kev break down the growing buzz around Seiya Suzuki and his relationship with Murakami of the Chicago White Sox. Could that connection actually matter in the future? And the big question — is there ANY scenario where Seiya could end up signing on the South Side? We dive into: • The Suzuki–Murakami...

Spring Training is heating up, and the Chicago Cubs have some BIG decisions to make. In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, Mike Jones breaks down the FINAL THREE roster spots that are still up for grabs. With young talent pushing for opportunities and veterans fighting to stay relevant, these competitions could shape the Cubs’ entire 2026 season. Who has the edge? Who’s on the outside looking i...

🔥 Chicago Cubs Central | Spring Training Expectations & The Alex Bregman Effect! 🔥 Baseball is BACK and the expectations are HIGH on the North Side! ⚾🐻 In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike is joined by Cody Delmendo from the Wrigleyville Forever Podcast to break down everything you need to know heading into Spring Training and the 2026 season. We dive into: ✅ What realistic expe...

Join Mike Jones and Big Kev as they break down all the latest on this weekly conversation between Cubs fans and Sox fans!

Michael Busch put together a huge 2025 season , but is he still flying under the radar? On this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , we take a deep dive into Michael Busch’s breakout year , examine his 2025 stats, and discuss why manager Craig Counsell has already hinted at an even bigger role for Busch in 2026 . As the Cubs continue to shape their core, one big question needs to be asked: 👉 Is Mich...

The Chicago Cubs are facing a major decision — and it all centers around Seiya Suzuki . With Suzuki set to become a free agent after the 2026 season , this year could determine whether he remains a core piece of the Cubs’ long-term plans or becomes another tough front-office decision. On this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , we break down why this season is absolutely huge for Seiya, what he must...

Chicago Cubs Central is back with a must-watch episode as Mike Jones is joined by Ced the Great for a deep dive into some of the Cubs’ biggest upcoming decisions! 🐻🔵🔴 In today’s episode, we tackle the Ian Happ contract extension debate — should the Cubs lock him up long-term, or is it time to explore other options? Happ has been a key piece of the lineup, but with a crucial offseason ahead, the...

The Chicago Cubs offseason just took a MASSIVE turn. According to Bruce Levine , the Cubs have signed Zac Gallen , and if true, this move could completely reshape the NL Central 👊⚾ On this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike Jones is joined by SetUp Man Ty to break down ALL the hottest Cubs topics , including: 🔥 What Zac Gallen brings to the Cubs rotation 🧠 How this signing impacts the Cubs...

Pete Crow-Armstrong enters Year 3 as one of the most talked-about players in baseball. After being ranked MLB.com’s No. 1 center fielder , the pressure is officially on. Was PCA’s 2025 breakout season real — and more importantly, is it sustainable ? In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , we break down: Pete Crow-Armstrong’s 2025 stats and advanced impact Why MLB.com ranked PCA as the top center...

Could the Chicago Cubs make one of the biggest trades in baseball by landing Tarik Skubal ? In this episode of Cubs Central , we break down a massive trade proposal that would send ace left-hander Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers to the Cubs — in exchange for Matt Shaw, Jaxson Wiggins, and Ethan Conrad . This is a true win-now vs future value debate, and we dive into stats, impact, and fit for...

Chicago Cubs Central | Should the Cubs Sign Eugenio Suárez? The Chicago Cubs are running out of time — and so is the free-agent market. Eugenio Suárez is the last true power bat still available , and he won’t be unsigned for much longer. With money freeing up and the Cubs already expected to push past the luxury tax to chase pitching , the real question becomes simple: why not go all-in? In this e...

🔵⚾ Chicago Cubs Central | Could Framber Valdez Be the Pivot if Zac Gallen Stays in Arizona? Cubs fans are locked in on Zac Gallen , but what if the real move is flying under the radar? 👀 In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , we dive deep into Framber Valdez , the former Houston Astros ace who remains a free agent — and ask the big question: 👉 If Zac Gallen re-signs with the Diamondbacks, c...

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , we dive deep into one of the most important long-term decisions facing the Cubs front office. Nico Hoerner is approaching a critical point in his contract, and his future in Chicago could directly impact the career path of top prospect Matt Shaw . We break down: Why Nico Hoerner’s contract situation matters right now Whether the Cubs should extend Nico lon...

The Chicago Cubs are projected to win the NL Central… while losing MORE games than last season?! 🤯 FanDuel’s season predictions have Cubs fans split, and in this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , we break down how that scenario is even possible. Is the NL Central really that weak? Are the Cubs built to win ugly? And most importantly — who has to step up for this team to actually take the division...

🔵🔴 CUBS READY TO SPEND?! | Zac Gallen, Cody Bellinger & 2026 Expectations | Chicago Cubs Central 🔵🔴 Chicago Cubs Central is back with a must-watch episode as Mike is joined by Kyle Stanley from The SetUp Man Podcast to break down the latest Cubs rumors and front-office buzz heading into the new season. ⚾🔥 🚨 Zac Gallen to the Cubs? Are the Cubs seriously considering adding another frontl...

🚨 Chicago Cubs Central: Alex Bregman & Edward Cabrera Injury Update! 🚨 In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike dives deep into the latest injury concerns surrounding Alex Bregman and Edward Cabrera . What does this mean for the Cubs’ 2026 season? Will the team need to make moves to stay competitive? We break down how these injuries could impact lineups, pitching rotations, and the Cub...