The Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast

Brett and Michael are back for the seventy-fourth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! With just four days until the MLB Trade Deadline, the rumor mill is finally heating up, and the guys dive into what could be a pivotal week for the Cubs.

The biggest storyline centers around the Cubs' reported interest in Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, one of the most coveted starting pitchers on the market. Brett and Michael discuss why the connection feels more legitimate than the typical deadline smoke, what a deal of that magnitude could cost, and whether the Cubs are truly positioned to make an all-in move despite trailing in the division.

The conversation expands into the broader starting pitching market, exploring why this deadline could be an ideal time for the Cubs to address their biggest weakness. From blockbuster possibilities to more realistic additions, the guys break down potential trade targets, what the Cubs can afford to part with, and how aggressive Jed Hoyer may be as the deadline approaches.

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Brett and Michael are back for the seventy-third episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! With 10 days until the trade deadline, the focus shifts almost entirely to what the Cubs might do—and what they probably won't.

The guys discuss why they don't expect the Cubs to subtract from their current lineup and why players like Matt Shaw still project as important pieces of the organization's future. Whether as a super utility option or a potential everyday player, they believe Shaw's long-term value outweighs what he might realistically return in a deadline deal.

They also examine the Cubs' approach to buying. If the club can't make up meaningful ground in the NL Central over the next week, Brett and Michael wonder if the front office will prioritize controllable pitching over splashier additions for 2026. The conversation centers on balancing a postseason push with the long-term outlook, especially when quality starting pitching is so difficult to acquire.

Along the way, they touch on Ian Happ's up-and-down offensive season, the value he continues to provide defensively, and another frustrating late-game loss that highlighted the Cubs' recent struggles to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

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Brett and Michael are back for the seventy-first episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! With the All-Star break providing a brief pause in the season, the guys take a step back to discuss where the Cubs stand heading into the second half.

They reflect on a successful MLB Draft for the Cubs organization and Pete Crow-Armstrong's All-Star appearance, where he represented the club with a hit on baseball's biggest stage. From there, the conversation turns into a broader midseason check-in, looking at the highs and lows of the first half, the challenges the Cubs have battled through, and what still lies ahead as the postseason race begins to heat up.

It's a relaxed, wide-ranging baseball conversation before the second half gets underway.

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Brett and Michael are back for the seventieth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! As the Cubs head into a three-game series against the Reds before the All-Star break, the guys look back on a mixed week that featured a tough series loss to the Cardinals—highlighted by a rough opener—but a bounce-back series win over the Orioles.

The bulk of the conversation focuses on the state of the Cubs' pitching staff, particularly a bullpen that's being stretched to its limits. With injuries continuing to pile up in the rotation, the trickle-down effect has left both the major league bullpen and the relief depth at Triple-A feeling increasingly thin. Brett and Michael discuss how the Cubs can navigate the next few weeks, what options remain internally, and whether outside help may become a necessity.

It's an honest look at one of the biggest challenges facing the Cubs as they try to carry momentum into the All-Star break.

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Brett and Michael are back for the sixty-ninth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! The Cubs are rolling again after taking two of three from the Brewers and sweeping the Padres, punctuated by a jaw-dropping 23-3 victory to cap off a tremendous week.

The guys break down the offense's resurgence, highlighted by Seiya Suzuki's clutch hitting against Milwaukee and Dansby Swanson's incredible power surge, including three home runs on July 1 and five over a two-day span. They also discuss Michael Busch, whose season remains an interesting mix of patience, production, and flashes of the power the Cubs know he possesses.

A major portion of the show is dedicated to Pete Crow-Armstrong's remarkable evolution at the plate. From becoming more selective in hitter's counts to trusting himself with two strikes, the guys explore how PCA has elevated his offensive game—and just how high his ceiling might be after one of the most productive months by a position player in recent memory.

They also look ahead to the trade deadline, discussing the latest reporting around the Dodgers' strategy and what it could mean for the Cubs and the rest of the National League as deadline season begins to heat up.

A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast!

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