Chicago Cubs Central Podcast

Welcome back to Chicago Cubs Central ! In today’s episode we break down a bold offseason prediction from Marquee Sports Network host and analyst Cole Wright, who recently predicted the Chicago Cubs could reunite with star slugger Cody Bellinger and also sign veteran 3rd baseman Eugenio Suárez this offseason. We dive into how adding both power bats could reshape the Cubs’ lineup at Wrigley Field, i...

🎙️ On today’s episode of Cubs Central, we break down one of the most underrated arms on the North Side — Brad Keller. After a career revival with the Chicago Cubs in 2025, the big question is: Should the Cubs want to bring Keller back for 2026? And if they do… is he more valuable in the bullpen, or can he trust the process and return as a starter? We dive deep into his career path with the Kansas...

🔥 Could the Chicago Cubs swing a blockbuster trade for Byron Buxton from the Minnesota Twins? In today’s episode of Chicago Cibs Central, we break down Buxton’s career-defining 2025 season , highlight how healthy and dominant he was compared to past injury-shortened years, and explore what it would realistically take for the Cubs to land one of baseball’s most electrifying players. 📊 We analyze:...

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, we break down one of the biggest MLB free-agency bombshells — the Toronto Blue Jays signing Dylan Cease to a massive 7-year, $210M contract ($30M AAV) , and what it means for the future of the starting pitcher market. We also dive into how this deal sets the tone for other big-name free agent arms, and why the Chicago Cubs’ front-office philosophy — especia...

Can the Chicago Cubs pull off a major offseason trade and land Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan ? In today’s episode of Cubs Central , we break down why Ryan is one of the most intriguing starting pitchers on the market and how his strong 2025 performance — including a 3.42 ERA , 13–10 record , 194 strikeouts , and a 1.04 WHIP — could make him a perfect fit for the Cubs rotation. We’ll dive into w...

Is Sandy Alcántara on his way out of Miami? The Marlins are exploring trade options, but insiders say there may be major obstacles. In today’s episode, we break down why the Marlins are considering moving their former Cy Young winner, why the market has cooled, and what Cubs insider Bruce Levine has said about Chicago’s potential interest. We also dive into Sandy Alcántara’s 2025 stats , his secon...

Is Seiya Suzuki really a top trade candidate for the Chicago Cubs this offseason? In today’s episode, we break down why Bleacher Report listed Suzuki as a major trade possibility, what his 2025 stats say about his value, and whether he can repeat — or even improve on — his performance in 2026 . We cover: • Why the Cubs might consider trading Seiya Suzuki • How Suzuki performed in 2025 (HR, RBI, OP...

The Chicago Cubs front office is switching up their entire bullpen-building strategy — and this episode breaks down exactly why. For years, the Cubs have relied on one-year deals and low-risk rehab projects to patch together a bullpen, but that approach is no longer enough to land the big names. After losing out on reliever Kirby Yates last offseason — when he chose the Dodgers after Chicago repor...

The Chicago Cubs have officially added veteran right-handed reliever Phil Maton to strengthen their bullpen! In this breaking-news episode, we dive into everything Cubs fans need to know — including Maton’s 2025 stats , how he fits into Chicago’s pitching strategy, and what this move means for the Cubs’ future. Maton is coming off an impressive 2025 season, posting a 2.79 ERA , 81 strikeouts , and...

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , we break down the major offseason bombshell: Shōta Imanaga unexpectedly accepted the Cubs’ qualifying offer . We analyze why his decision reportedly stunned the front office — and what it means for the Cubs’ 2026 plans. Next, we look at three top bullpen targets the Cubs are reportedly eyeing: Ryan Helsley , Luke Weaver , and Raisel Iglesias . We go over t...

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , we break down why the Chicago Cubs can’t rely solely on their young talent heading into the next season — especially after losing Kyle Tucker in free agency. With a major impact bat now gone, the Cubs must decide whether to trust their promising prospects or make a move for another big-name hitter. We take an in-depth look at four key young players: Owen C...

In today’s episode, Mike dives into several major Chicago Cubs storylines heating up this offseason. Are the Cubs truly linked to Bo Bichette , and what would a potential trade mean for the future of the franchise? We break down the latest buzz, possible trade packages, and whether Bichette is the right fit at Wrigley. Mike also asks the big question: Should Cubs management shift their attention t...

Imanaga has officially accepted his Qualifying Offer , returning to the Cubs on a 1-year, $22 million deal . We dive into what this means for the rotation, whether this signals a bigger offseason plan, and how Imanaga’s 2024 performance sets the tone for a major comeback year. We also cover the growing buzz around the Cubs’ offseason strategy as Kyle Tucker declines his qualifying offer , official...

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , we break down the latest rumors surrounding the Cubs’ search for everyday outfielders as the team prepares for a future that may not include Kyle Tucker. Three names have been buzzing around MLB insider circles — Jo Adell , Jarren Duran , and Steven Kwan — and we’re digging into why these players are reportedly available, how they performed in 2025 , and h...

Rumors are swirling again — could the Chicago Cubs actually consider signing Max Scherzer to a 1-year deal? In today’s episode, Mike breaks down why this move doesn’t make sense for the Cubs’ long-term pitching plan, the risks involved, and what fans should realistically expect. We also dive into the breaking news out of Washington : reports suggest MacKenzie Gore could be available via trade. The...

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , we dive deep into the Cubs’ rumored interest in Kansas City Royals left-hander Kris Bubic , a former first-round pick coming off season-ending surgery. The Cubs have reportedly checked in on Bubic as a potential buy-low pitching option — but is he a smart upside play, or another bargain-bin gamble when Chicago needs REAL rotation upgrades? We break down Bu...

The MLB offseason is heating up — and the Chicago Cubs are right in the middle of it! In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , we dive into TWO blockbuster trade rumors that could reshape the North Side: 💣 Could the Cubs trade for Ketel Marte? Reports out of Arizona say the Diamondbacks may be willing to move their All-Star infielder — and Jed Hoyer could be tempted to add a switch-hitting spark...

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , we break down Jed Hoyer’s headline-making comments from the MLB GM Meetings! Hoyer confirmed the Cubs aren’t closing the door on a possible Shota Imanaga return , but he also revealed the team’s main offseason focus is pitching . So what does that mean for the Cubs’ pursuit of Kyle Tucker , Kyle Schwarber , or any other big-name position players ? Are the...

🔥 In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central 🔥 Mike breaks down a wild week of Cubs news — and it starts with Cade Horton getting snubbed in the NL Rookie of the Year race! 😤 Horton finishes second to the Braves’ Drake Baldwin , sparking a major debate about MLB’s award system and how fan voting is skewing results. From PCA (Pete Crow-Armstrong) missing out on the Platinum Glove to Horton losing t...

🔥 In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central 🔥 Mike breaks down the 5 hottest topics heading into the MLB GM Meetings in Las Vegas ! 🏙️⚾ From Kyle Tucker trade buzz to Shota Imanaga’s contract drama , plus Cade Horton’s Rookie of the Year push , Mike covers everything Cubs fans need to know heading into a pivotal offseason. 💥 We’ll also dive into two major questions: ⚙️ How do the Cubs rebuild th...

Bleacher Report just dropped a list of potential pitchers the Chicago Cubs could target this offseason , and the names are loaded with star power — Ranger Suárez, Dylan Cease, Michael King, Framber Valdez, Brandon Woodruff, Zac Gallen, and Merrill Kelly. In this episode, Mike Jones breaks down every name on the list — their 2025 stats, strengths, weaknesses, and how each one fits the Cubs’ rotatio...

Free agency is officially open, and the Chicago Cubs are expected to make a huge move this offseason. MLB insider Jesse Rogers says the Cubs are due to sign a really big free agent — but who could it be? Mike Jones breaks down all the possibilities and what it means for the team heading into 2025. Plus, we dive into Shota Imanaga’s surprising offseason moves — could he return on a one-year deal be...

The Cubs leaned on Jameson Taillon in 2025, and he delivered when it mattered most — but can he step up even more in 2026? ⚾🔥 In this episode, we break down his 2025 campaign : Record: 11‑7 ERA: 3.68 Strikeouts: 98 WHIP: 1.06 Hard-hit % allowed: 39.7% Barrel % allowed: 8.6% 💡 We’ll cover: What made Taillon a reliable arm in the Cubs rotation Key areas for improvement: command, durability, and d...

The future of the Chicago Cubs’ rotation is HERE — and his name is Cade Horton . 🔥 After an impressive 2025 rookie campaign , Horton proved he’s not just hype — he’s a cornerstone in the making. In this episode, we break down his stellar debut and ask: What can Cade Horton do to take the next step in 2026? ⚾️ 2025 Season Highlights: Record: 11–4 ERA: 2.67 Innings: 118.0 Strikeouts: 97 WHIP: 1.08...

Host Mike Jones breaks down a shocking move out of Wrigley Field — the Chicago Cubs have rejected their team option to extend Shota Imanaga , and in response, Imanaga has declined his $15 million player option! 😱 What does this mean for the Cubs’ rotation heading into 2026? Could Imanaga be testing the free-agent market for a bigger payday — or is Chicago planning a new long-term deal? ⚾️ In thi...