Brett and Michael are back for the forty-first episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! With the Winter Meetings a week away, the guys cover the latest Cubs news and rumors as the offseason slowly begins to take shape.They talk about the Cubs’ minor league deal with infielder Scott Kingery, how it fits the team’s low-risk depth-building approach, and where things stand with potential extensions—particularly Pete Crow-Armstrong’s after his uneven rookie season.The guys also discuss Kyle Tucker’s meeting with the Blue Jays, why the Cubs aren’t expected to be involved in those talks, and the expectation that bullpen additions are still coming soon.Finally, they break down reports that the Cubs were in on Dylan Cease before backing out as the bidding passed $200 million, and what that says about the front office’s willingness to spend. Despite missing out, the Cubs appear poised to pursue other high-end arms such as Framber Valdez, Tatsuya Imai, Ranger Suárez, Michael King, and Zac Gallen as the market develops.A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast!Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.comRead more Cubs coverage ➡️ bleachernation.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
--------
50:48
--------
50:48
Cubs Sign Reliever Phil Maton, Offseason Moves Begin | Bleacher Nation Cubs
Brett and Michael are back for the fortieth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! With the offseason still in its early stages, the guys aren’t expecting a major wave of moves just yet—but the Cubs did make their first signing of the winter, adding veteran reliever Phil Maton on a two-year, $14.5 million deal with a 2028 club option and annual incentives.They discuss what Maton brings to the bullpen, how the deal is structured, and why he could be the first of several relief additions this offseason. Plus, more Cubs offseason talk and where things could go from here.A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast!Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.comRead more Cubs coverage ➡️ bleachernation.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-ninth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! It’s a busy week for roster logistics, with the 40-man roster deadline and the Qualifying Offer acceptance deadline both hitting. The guys walk through how the Rule 5 Draft works and what those roster decisions mean for the Cubs heading into the winter.They also react to Shota Imanaga accepting the Cubs’ $22 million Qualifying Offer, keeping him in Chicago for 2026. It’s a strong short-term outcome for both sides and a reflection of how much the Cubs valued bringing him back on a one-year deal.Finally, Brett and Michael look ahead at potential offseason priorities—including whether the Cubs could make a move to solidify third base before spring training.A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast!Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.comFollow Michael on Twitter ➡️ @michael_ceramiFollow Brett on Twitter ➡️ @brett_a_taylorFollow Bleacher Nation on Twitter ➡️ @bleachernationFollow Michael on Bluesky ➡️ @michael-cerami.bsky.socialFollow Brett on Bluesky ➡️ @brett-taylor.bsky.socialFollow Bleacher Nation on Bluesky ➡️ @bleachernation.bsky.socialVisit our Website ➡️ bleachernation.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-eighth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! Not much movement yet in the Cubs’ offseason, but the big storyline remains Shota Imanaga’s qualifying offer decision, which must come by November 18.Reports suggest Imanaga is expected to decline the $22 million offer, with his camp exploring what his market might look like if he does. If he accepts, he’ll return to the Cubs for 2026. If he declines, he could still re-sign in Chicago—but if he signs elsewhere, the Cubs would receive a compensatory draft pick after the second round.Meanwhile, all signs point to the Cubs being active in the starting pitching market, with names like Tatsuya Imai, Dylan Cease, and others emerging as possible targets. The guys dig into Cease’s current career arc and discuss what kind of deal or trade value he might carry.Finally, they ask the offseason question on everyone’s mind: could the Cubs bring back Cody Bellinger?A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast!Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.comFollow Michael on Twitter ➡️ @michael_ceramiFollow Brett on Twitter ➡️ @brett_a_taylorFollow Bleacher Nation on Twitter ➡️ @bleachernationFollow Michael on Bluesky ➡️ @michael-cerami.bsky.socialFollow Brett on Bluesky ➡️ @brett-taylor.bsky.socialFollow Bleacher Nation on Bluesky ➡️ @bleachernation.bsky.socialVisit our Website ➡️ bleachernation.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
--------
46:16
--------
46:16
Cubs Decline Imanaga Option, Bieber Stays in Toronto & Rea Returns | Bleacher Nation Cubs
Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-seventh episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They discuss the Cubs’ decision to decline Shota Imanaga’s option, what it means for his future, and whether a Qualifying Offer could still be in play. They also touch on Shane Bieber’s surprising one-year deal to stay in Toronto, how front offices are approaching short-term pitching contracts, and the Cubs’ new one-year agreement with Colin Rea heading into 2026.A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast!Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.comFollow Michael on Twitter ➡️ @michael_ceramiFollow Brett on Twitter ➡️ @brett_a_taylorFollow Bleacher Nation on Twitter ➡️ @bleachernationFollow Michael on Bluesky ➡️ @michael-cerami.bsky.socialFollow Brett on Bluesky ➡️ @brett-taylor.bsky.socialFollow Bleacher Nation on Bluesky ➡️ @bleachernation.bsky.socialVisit our Website ➡️ bleachernation.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast is your go-to source for smart, entertaining, and insightful Chicago Cubs talk. Hosted by Brett Taylor and Michael Cerami of Bleacher Nation, this show dives into everything Cubs fans need to know. New episodes Thursdays.
New Zealand