Chicago Cubs Central Podcast

The catcher conversation in Chicago is HEATING UP! 🔥 With Carson Kelly playing some of his best baseball behind the plate — batting .249 with 17 HR and 50 RBI — has he locked down the Cubs’ starting catcher role for good? 🤔 Meanwhile, Miguel Amaya’s future is in question after another injury setback. The young backstop showed promise (.281 AVG, .348 wOBA), but durability remains the big question...

The Cubs are stacking hardware AND scouting big names — and we’ve got all the inside talk right here! 🔥 Michael King Declines His Option! Could the Chicago Cubs make a move for the former Padres ace? We break down his 2025 stats (3.44 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 9.8 K/9) , his 2026 contract projections , and why he might be a perfect fit in Wrigley’s rotation. 🥇 DEFENSIVE DOMINANCE IN CHICAGO! Pete Crow-Arm...

The Chicago Cubs tried FOUR different closers in 2025… and none of them stuck. 👀 Now, with 2026 approaching fast, the biggest question in Wrigleyville is simple: 👉 Who should take over the 9th inning? In today’s episode, Mike breaks down every option on the table: ✅ Is Daniel Palencia ready to claim the role after a breakout year? ✅ Could Brad Keller or Porter Hodge be internal solutions? ✅ O...

🚨 Chicago Cubs Central — Offseason ALERT! 🚨 The Cubs are rumored to be eyeing elite Japanese starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai — and today we break down why he could become Chicago’s next rotation star ! 🇯🇵🔥 ✅ We break down his dominant 2025 NPB stats ✅ His pitch mix & velocity (FAST!) ✅ How he fits next to Justin Steele & the Cubs rotation ✅ His age & risk coming to MLB ✅ And most...

Nico Hoerner just delivered a HUGE 2025 season for the Chicago Cubs — but with a contract year coming in 2026, should the Cubs think about trading him while his value is at its PEAK? 👀 In today’s episode of Chicago Cubs Central , we break down: ✅ Nico Hoerner’s full 2025 stats 📊 ✅ How his 2025 compares to past seasons ✅ What kind of contract he could demand next ✅ The pros & cons of trad...

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike Jones dives into the breakout season of Michael Busch for Chicago. After his 2024 rookie campaign, Busch stepped up big time in 2025 — but now the question is: What’s next for the Cubs’ rising slugger? 📊 Segments include: A look back at Busch’s 2024 stats (.248 AVG, 21 HR) and what rookie-growing-pains still showed. A full breakdown of his 2025 surge...

The season is over and NOW the pressure is on! Jed Hoyer, Craig Counsell, and Carter Hawkins have some HUGE choices to make as the Chicago Cubs enter a defining offseason. ⚾🔥 In today’s episode, Mike breaks down every major Cubs free agent — including Kyle Tucker , Brad Keller , Caleb Thielbar , Taylor Rogers , Michael Soroka , and Ryan Brasier — and dives into the tough question: 👉 Who deserve...

In today’s episode, Mike dives into a HUGE pitching target the Cubs could go after this offseason — Dylan Cease ! 👀⚾️ We break down his 2025 performance with the Padres, including his elite strikeout numbers , contract situation, and why the Cubs are one of the most intriguing landing spots for the former Cubs prospect. Could a reunion finally happen at Wrigley Field? 👀🐻 💰 What kind of contra...

🎙️ Cubs Big Moves & Rookie Spotlight! | Cubs Central In this power-packed episode, Mike dives into two major storylines shaking up the Cubs’ future: 🔹 Trade Radar Hot! The Cubs have emerged as potential suitors for ace Shane Bieber — the World Series-playing pitcher with a 2025 stat line of 4-2, 3.57 ERA, 37 Ks, 1.02 WHIP . ESPN.com+1 We explore how Bieber could fit Chicago’s rotation, the ri...

Dansby Swanson just wrapped up his third season with the Chicago Cubs , but the question remains — has he lived up to that massive $177 million contract? In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike Jones breaks it all down! We take a deep dive into Swanson’s 2025 season stats — a .244 batting average, 24 home runs, and 77 RBIs — and compare them to what the Cubs expected when they made him one...

In this episode, Mike Jones dives into one of the hottest offseason debates — should the Chicago Cubs reunite with Kyle Schwarber? 👀 Mike breaks down Schwarber’s Cubs career highlights , his massive power surge with the Phillies , and whether his bat could be the missing piece to spark the Cubs’ lineup in 2026. From World Series memories to monster home run stats , we look at what a potential reu...

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike Jones dives into the big international rumor heating up the offseason — could the Cubs make a serious run at Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto ? 🇯🇵💣 Mike breaks down Okamoto’s incredible 2025 stats with the Yomiuri Giants (.327 AVG / .416 OBP / .598 SLG) and explains how much money the Cubs could offer under the new posting rules. 💰⚾ Would Okamoto be...

🔥 CUBS TRADE FOR TYRIQ SKUBAL? WOULD YOU DO IT?! 🔥 In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike Jones breaks down the latest trade buzz as the Cubs eye Detroit Tigers ace Tyriq Skubal. 👀 ⚾ What potential trade packages could the Cubs offer — and would YOU make the deal for a one-year rental of an elite starter? 💎 Plus, Mike dives into the Arizona Fall League to highlight Cubs top prospects...

🔥 Cubs Linked to Framber Valdez?! Dodgers Coming for Kyle Tucker! 🔥 In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike Jones breaks down a huge free agent opportunity that could change the Cubs’ pitching rotation — could Framber Valdez be on his way to Chicago? 👀 ⚾ Mike also reacts to the Kyle Tucker news , as the Dodgers are rumored to make a serious push for the Cubs star. 💰 Plus, Mike sounds o...

🔥 Cubs & Cody Bellinger Reunion? Don’t Count On It! 🔥 In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike Jones dives deep into the rumors of a Cody Bellinger–Cubs reunion — and explains why he doesn’t think it’s happening. ⚾ Are the Cubs focused on building for the future instead of chasing old stars? 🔥 Mike also addresses the growing Cubs vs. Brewers rivalry and calls out why Cubs fans need t...

🎙️ Jed Hoyer Speaks! Kyle Tucker’s Future & Cubs Offseason Plans Revealed! 🔥 In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike Jones breaks down every headline and hidden message from Jed Hoyer’s end-of-season press conference. 👀 What did Jed say about the future of Kyle Tucker in Chicago? 💰 How will the Cubs approach free agency this winter — big splash or quiet rebuild? ⚾ Plus, what Jed’s c...

⚾ TOUGH CALLS AHEAD! | Cubs Face Shota Imanaga Contract Dilemma + Alex Bregman Rumors Heat Up! 💥 In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike Jones breaks down the tough offseason decisions facing the Cubs front office. 🚨 The latest on Shota Imanaga’s contract situation — will the Cubs keep their breakout star? 💣 Alex Bregman declines his player option with the Red Sox... could he be Chicago...

💥 NO CLASS BREWERS? MIKE CALLS THEM OUT! 💥 In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike Jones goes OFF on the Milwaukee Brewers organization after their classless display following Game 5. From the players to the fanbase — Mike calls out the lack of respect shown toward the Chicago Cubs after an incredible postseason battle. ⚾ Mike also takes a moment to thank Cubs fans for their amazing supp...

🔥 CUBS MYSTERY STARTER?! | Craig Counsell’s Bold Game 5 Move! ⚾ In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike breaks down the latest drama as Craig Counsell refuses to name a Game 5 starter for the Cubs! 😱 💬 Mike asks — who should take the mound in the biggest game of the season? 🔥 Counsell makes a bold statement heading into the winner-take-all matchup. 💣 And can the Cubs carry over their...

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike breaks down the massive Cubs win that ties up the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers! 🔥 💣 The Cubs bats EXPLODE at Wrigley — Kyle Tucker, Ian Happ, and Michael Busch all go deep to send this series back to Milwaukee! 💪 Matthew Boyd delivers a terrific outing when Chicago needed it most, and now the pressure is on the Brewers to close it out at home...

⚾ CUBS SURVIVE! | Busch & Taillon Keep Playoff Hopes ALIVE 💥 In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike breaks down the Cubs’ thrilling 4-3 victory that keeps their postseason dream alive! 💪 🔥 Michael Busch delivers in the clutch and Jameson Taillon shines on the mound when it mattered most. 😤 But Mike says Ian Happ and Matt Shaw have to be better if the Cubs want to advance. 👀 Plus...

⚾🔥 Do or Die for the Cubs! 🔥⚾ In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike breaks down Game 3 of the NLDS as the Cubs fight to avoid elimination and a brutal sweep at the hands of division rival Milwaukee Brewers . 😤 👉 What must the Cubs do to stay alive? 👉 Who needs to step up when it matters most? 👉 Can Chicago find the clutch hitting and pitching to force a Game 4? It’s all on the lin...

💀 Cubs on the Brink! 💀 In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike breaks down the Cubs’ 7–3 loss in Game 2 of the NLDS — and it wasn’t pretty. The offense looked completely lost , and Shota Imanaga struggled badly , with reports that his pitches were being tipped . 😬 Now down to their final chance, Craig Counsell is scrambling for answers as the Cubs face elimination. Can they find their sp...

🔥 Cubs Face Must-Win Game 2! 🔥 In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike breaks down the decision to start Shota Imanaga in Game 2 of the NLDS against the Brewers. 👉 What Shota must do to keep the Cubs alive. 👉 How Chicago’s hitters can adjust and get their offense going. 👉 The keys for the Cubs to bounce back after a tough Game 1 loss . It’s do-or-die time in Milwaukee — can the Cubs ev...

😱 Disaster in Game 1! 😱 In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central , Mike Jones breaks down the Cubs’ tough Game 1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS. Starter Matthew Boyd didn’t even make it out of the first inning , putting Chicago in an early hole. But the big question remains: 👉 Did Craig Counsell make a huge mistake with his Game 1 decision? We dive into: ⚾ What went wrong in Milwauke...