The Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast

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-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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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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