Cubs Talk Podcast

It's a big day for Cubs fans, as top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong will join the team for the stretch run. James Neveau and Peter Marzano discuss PCA's call-up, how he'll be used and what players could potentially be moved out to create room for an exciting new addition to the mix.

On this edition of the Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Peter Marzano discuss the reports that Cody Bellinger could be one of the most sought after free agents this winter after Shohei Ohtani and will the Cubs make it a priority to bring him back. They also discuss how HOT the Cubs are as they make their playoff push, the pitching performances of Justin Steele and Jordan Wicks, and Anthony Rizzo shutting down for the season after talking with David Ross. 1:10 - Cubs are rolling as they head to the playoffs 18:23 - Cubs pitching rotation is on fire 33:20 - The biggest free agent after Shohei Ohtani might be Cody Bellinger? 41:22 - Anthony Rizzo's season was shut down after David Ross talked to Rizzo about concussion

In this episode of Cubs Talk, James Neveau, Nate Poppen and Peter Marzano break down the Cubs' series win over the Brewers. They discuss how Cody Bellinger, Adbert Alzolay and many other Cubs are coming through in clutch moments, how confident they are in the ability of Jordan Wicks, and whether the Cubs should be active on the waiver wire.

On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, James Neveau, Nate Poppen and Peter Marzano discuss the Cubs' performance over the last few weeks and how the rest of the NL Central as the season winds down. Will the Cubs get that coveted playoff spot? Later, they break down the current struggles of pitcher Drew Smyly and discuss if they should keep him in the rotation. Finally, are the Cubs in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes? If so, what does that mean for Cody Bellinger? 2:02 - Cubs continue to fight for a playoff spot. Will they get there? 19:25 - Should David Ross pull Drew Smyly? 33:18 - How will the Cubs' pursuit of Shohei Ohtani impact Cody Bellinger?

On this edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi, Peter Marzano and James Neveau break down the CrossTown Classic and the epic walk-off by Christopher Morel. Will the win continue to propel the Cubs to the playoffs? Later, they discuss Marcus Stroman’s rib cartilage fracture and talk about if it will significantly impact the Cubs’ season. Finally, they dive into prospect Pete Crow-Armstong and debate if he will make his big league debut this season. 0:47 - CrossTown Classic recap 15:05 - Marcus Stroman injury. How will it impact the season? 24:30 - Is it time to bring up Pete Crow-Armstrong?

On the latest edition of the Cubs Talk pod, Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Nate Poppen discuss their optimism (and pessimism) for the Cubs as they try and make a run to the playoffs after breaking their series win streak. The crew also discuss the Cubs moving Drew Smyly to the bullpen and the impact it will have on the Cubs and they preview the next few series and if this team will take advantage of the softer schedule.

The Cubs didn’t make big moves but may have made the right moves as the trade deadline ends. On this edition of the Cubs Talk pod, Leila Rahimi and Nate Poppen break down the few moves the Cubs made at the deadline and talk about Jed Hoyer choosing to buy, not sell, and add players to help make a push for the playoffs this year. They also discuss the direction the Cubs are going in and if fans should be excited about the organization's future.

The Cubs are on a roll and leaving teams in their dust. On today's edition of the Cubs Talk Pod, Nate Poppen and Peter Marzano break down the first game of the Cardinals series. Did the Cards overreact to the Willson Contreras injury? The guys break down the Crosstown series win over the Sox and they discuss if the Cubs have done enough for Jed Hoyer to add to this team.

With how the Cubs have played so far this season, they aren't bad enough to get high draft picks and not good enough to make a playoff run. Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Nate Poppen talk about how Jed Hoyer has constructed this team and if they can start winning with this roster. Later, they discuss what questions need to be asked to the front office about what the hell is going on. 2:30 - What direction are the Cubs heading? 11:30 - Does "buying" or "selling" matter with the Cubs? 26:00 - Cub fans holding the front office accountable

Now that the All-Star game has come and gone, the real conversations are happening with the Cubs. Will they trade players away for future assets, or will they acquire players that can help them right now? The Cubs Talk crew of James Neveau, Nate Poppen and Peter Marzano break down the options the Cubs have and what direction they believe the Cubs should go in. Later in the podcast, the crew also discusses what they expect from the Cubs in the second half of the year. 1:47 - Will the Cubs be buyers or sellers? 6:47 - If the Cubs are going to trade Stroman, they need to trade others as well 15:22 - Which Cub players are you most excited to watch in the second half?

The Cubs end up splitting a much needed series with the Milwaukee Brewers. With the Cubs now sitting near the bottom of the NL Central, does that mean they will be sellers at the deadline? James Neveau and Nate Poppen break down the important series and what will it mean for this season. The crew also breaks down Marcus Stroman not pitching in the All-Star game and discuss if the Cubs are making the right decision to not give Stroman an extension right now. Later in the pod, they discuss the mounting injuries for the Northsiders.

Could the Cubs be buyers, not sellers, at the trade deadline this year? In a season where nobody expected them to be competitive, the Cubs currently sit just below .500 and only 3.5 games back from the first-place Cinncinati Reds. Leila Rahimi, Nate Poppen and James Neveau discuss whether Cubs should be sellers or buyers at the trade deadline. Who would the Cubs trade if they are sellers? Who would should the Cubs acquire if they are buyers?

The Cubs are on a streak after taking 2-of-3 against the Baltimore Orioles and sweeping the NL Central-leading Pittsburgh Pirates. Can they keep it up as they head to London? Leila Rahimi and James Neveau break down the Cubs' month of June. Later, they talk about Marcus Stroman's fantastic start to the season, in which he leads the National League with a 2.28 ERA. Although Stroman is likely in contention to be the starter representing the National League in this year’s All-Star game, could his beef with Rob Manfred stop it?

On the latest weekly Cubs Talk Podcast, the crew of James Neveau and Peter Marzano break down a couple of essential topics on the Cubs. The crew breaks down the return of Cody Bellinger and what it might mean for the roster. The guys also break down the Cubs' lack of engagement with Marcus Stroman on getting an extension done. Do they plan on trading him? Lastly, they discuss the trade rumors the Cubs might be involved in and whether they'll be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline.

NBC Chicago writer Peter Marzano joins Leila Rahimi and Nate Poppen to discuss the biggest question surrounding the Cubs right now, what is wrong with the offense? They talk about what's going on with the offense and whether or not they will be able to fix it. Later, they revisit Kyle Hendricks' first few starts this season and discuss if he is trending in the right direction. Finally, they discuss what they think the Cubs should do with Cody Bellinger at the trade deadline.

Pitcher Marcus Stroman is in the final year of his contract, and this season, he has shown how valuable he is to the Cubs rotation. Leila Rahimi and Nate Poppen discuss Stroman's stellar performance so far this season and if they think Jed Hoyer will want to make him a key piece in the rebuild or if he will trade him at the deadline for future assets. They also discuss whether the Cubs should be buyers, sellers, or stayers at the trade deadline.

On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi, Nate Poppen and James Neveau break down Christopher Morel's historic start at the plate and discuss if sending him to the minors to start the season was the wrong decision. Later, they talk about how close pitcher Kyle Hendricks is to returning to the mound and what his role will be when he returns.

The Cubs have hit a lull after a hot start. What’s been plaguing them and how can David Ross and the players get back? Joining Nate Poppen and James Neveau is Luis Medina, Cubs analyst for Bleacher Nation and former host of NBCS Chicago’s "Outside the Ivy." They discuss problems in the bullpen and the hitting lows of Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki. Later in the pod, the guys discuss the excitement around Christopher Morel and the other young Cubs prospects.

After a hot start to the season, the Cubs are sliding, losing 2 of 3 to the Cardinals, who were in disarray heading into the series. What is going wrong, and can they fix it? Leila Rahimi and James Neveau discuss the Cubs' losing skid, and they can get back on track. Later, they discuss the decision to bring up Christopher Morel and the Cardinals' decision to make Willson Contreras a DH instead of a catcher. Finally, the crew remembers Kerry Wood's 20-strikeout game.

On the newest edition of the Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Nate Poppen review the first month of the season for the Cubs and discuss the reasons why they are playing so well. Later in the pod, the crew breaks down the dominant start for the team's pitching staff, and they get into when will Matt Mervis and Christopher Morel be brought up.

The Cubs have an above .500 record despite having a challenging schedule to start the season. Can they keep playing this way and make a push for the playoffs? Leila Rahimi, Nate Poppen and James Neveau discuss the teams’ chances and what they must address to make it happen.

The Cubs are on a heater right now. The pitching is electric and the bats are hot, but can they keep it up? Leila Rahimi, Nate Poppen and James Neveau break down how the first month of the season has gone for the Cubs. They also discuss former Cubs manager Joe Maddon's comments about how his tenure with the Cubs ended and why he believes his team had it in them to win another World Series.

On this edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, James Neveau and Leila Rahimi have injury updates on Kyle Hendricks and Seiya Suzuki and discuss will they might return to the team. The crew also examines a rumor that the Cubs could be a sleeper team for Shohei Ohtani and debate if the Cubs should try to re-sign Marcus Stroman. And are fans and Cubs players feeling the new lights at Wrigley? 2:31 - Kyle Hendricks update and status on return 10:50 - David Ross on the plan for Seiya Suzuki and when he will return to play 17:15 - Are the Cubs a sleeper team for Shohei Ohtani? 25:50 - Is it time for the Cubs to start thinking about keeping Marcus Stroman long-term? 33:34 - New lights at Wrigley. Yay? or Nay?

On this edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, James Neveau and Nate Poppen break down the first few games of the season. They discuss early bright spots, like Dansby Swanson, and problems the Cubs need to address. They also react to MLB's new rules and discuss if they have impacted how they watch baseball.

On this edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, the crew gets you set for the 2023 season. Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Nate Poppen break down Nico Hoerner contract extension and discuss how it impacts Ian Happ's chance to get one. They also preview and make some predictions about the upcoming season. How many games will the Cubs win this season? Who will win the NL Central? Who will be the next World Series Champions? And more. 2:26 - Nico Hoerner gets his extension 13:30 - Will Ian Happ get an extension? 22:00 - Season preview predictions -Cubs win total -World Series matchup -NL Central winner -Bold Predictions

The season is just one week away, and it’s time to wrap up the preseason. The full crew of Leila Rahimi, James Neveau, and Nate Poppen discuss the WBC championship game and the greatness of Shohei Ohtani. They break down the position battles on the Cubs as they set the final roster. They also discuss the Cubs having only one player on ESPN’s list of top 100 MLB players. 2:48 - WBC championship game and tournament breakdown 9:46 - Shohei Ohtani could be baseball's Michael Jordan 15:44 - Cubs roster break down. Who should make the final roster 37:35 - ESPN's top 100 players. Who is the lone Cubs player that made the list?

The Cubs are in a good place this off-season, and there are positive signs fans should be happy with how it’s gone this far. On this edition of the Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau discuss the current and former Cubs players impacting the World Baseball Classic. They also dive into why fans should be optimistic about the organization and the team this year.

On this edition of the Cubs Talk podcast, James Neveau and Nate Poppen give you the latest on Cubs' spring training. The two discuss the World Baseball Classic and some familiar faces playing in the tournament. They also break down the positive impact Dansby Swanson is already having on the team, and later, they discuss their spring training standouts.

The Cubs have suffered a little setback with Seiya Suzuki and Patrick Wisdom suffering injuries. When will they return? How will the Cubs prepare without them? Nate Poppen, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau discuss how the Cubs will work through those injuries. Later, the crew debates who they think should be the fifth starter. Finally, they break down the Cubs' pitching depth and discuss the organization's minor league pitching development.

On this edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi, Nate Poppen and James Neveau discuss Tom Ricketts' comments about how the first half of the season will impact the Cubs' spending. The group also discusses the Cubs signing third baseman Edwin Ríos. Finally, should the Cubs go after Shohei Otani or Manny Machado, and if not, where could they land? 1:51 - Tom Ricketts speaks on the budget of the Cubs 13:42 - Manny Machado is going to opt out. Should the Cubs be interested? 21:44 - Shohei Otani will explore free agency. Is he worth a half billion dollars? 30:30 - The Cubs add Edwin Ríos to the roster. What can he bring?

It smells like baseball is in the air, as pitchers and catchers report, it's time for baseball. On this week's episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, James Neveau, Leila Rahimi and Nate Poppen discuss the news of the day in Arizona for the Cubs. Jed Hoyer speaks to the media about a potential contract extension for Ian Happ and Nico Hoerner. He also reacts to the PECOTA record projections for the Cubs. Finally, the crew reacts to the new rule changes and discusses whether they agree with them. 2:12 - Ian Happ and Nico Hoerner contract extension 17:31 - New MLB rules going into effect 27:15 - PECOTA projections for the Cubs

On the latest episode of the Cubs Talk podcast, James Neveau and Nate Poppen discuss Jon Morosi reporting that Cubs minor league star Pete Crow-Armstrong could be in the majors before the end of the 2023 season. Later in the pod, the guys also discuss their biggest storylines before pitchers and catchers report next week, and they break down the possibility of an MLB realignment that would put the Cubs and Sox in the same division. 2:17 - Biggest storylines headed into spring training 11:20 - Big league timeline for Pete Crow-Armstrong 22:02 - Could MLB be gearing up for expansion and realignment? Could the Cubs and Sox be in the same division?

The Cubs find themselves in the news this week, and Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Nate Poppen are here to keep you up to date. They discuss Dexter Fowler retiring from baseball and his impact on the Cubs' World Series win. They react to Jed Hoyer speaking candidly about the breakup of the 2016 Cubs, and then grade the Cubs 2023 offseason so far. 1:09 - Dexter Fowler retires. What was his impact as a Cub? 9:47 - Jed Hoyer speaks on the 2016 Cubs and the current state of the Cubs 23:07 - The Athletic gives the Cubs a "B" for their offseason. What grade would you give the Cubs?

In this episode of the Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi, Nate Poppen and James Neveau break down the newest Cub, Trey Mancini and what he can bring to the team. The crew also discusses Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks and what they think his role will be this season and if the Cubs are looking to trade Nick Madrigal and if they are, will they trade him to the White Sox. All that and much more on the Cubs Talk Podcast. 1:14 - Trey Mancini signs with the Cubs 15:22 - What role will Kyle Hendricks play on the 2023 Cubs 27:22 - What about Nick Madrigal?

Introducing the new Cubs Talk podcast team: Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Nate Poppen! They react to everything that went down at the Cubs Convention and break down Leila’s one-on-one with Cubs owner Tom Ricketts. They also discuss the rest of the offseason and what they think the Cubs roster will look on Opening Day. All that and much more on the Cubs Talk Pod!

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Chicago Cubs, Tom Ricketts, sat down with NBC Chicago's Leila Rahimi for a one-on-one interview at the Cubs Convention. Ricketts talked about the upcoming season, the new additions to Wrigley Field, and more. You can watch this episode on our YouTube channel by clicking HERE.

The Cubs made another offseason addition, agreeing to a deal with veteran first baseman and World Series champion Eric Hosmer. Tim Stebbins and James Neveau break down the move and what it means for Matt Mervis and the Cubs' first base situation. The guys also discuss whether the Cubs are done in free agency, what new catcher Tucker Barnhart brings to the table and much more!

The new year has just started and spring training is six weeks away, but it's never too early to look ahead. On the first episode of the new-look Cubs Talk Podcast, hosts Tim Stebbins and James Neveau discuss some of the biggest questions around the 2023 Cubs, including Kyle Hendricks' status, what's in store for Cody Bellinger, the potential for an Ian Happ contract extension, and much more!

The Cubs didn’t make the playoffs but a lot happened in 2022. On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins look back the 2022 season, including Jed Hoyer’s performance as team president and the Cubs’ free agent moves this offseason. The guys also discuss their favorite moments from 2022 and projections for 2023 and beyond. Later in the pod, David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer reminisce about their time on the Cubs Talk Podcast.

Carlos Correa remains a free agent amid a second team's concerns over an old injury. What's next for him, and if he reenters the market, could it open the door for a long-shot deal with the Cubs? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins discuss on this episode of the Cubs Talk podcast. The guys also discuss if the Cubs were in an NCAA bowl game, which one would they play in. Plus, what's next for the Cubs this offseason?

The Cubs officially introduced Dansby Swanson to the media, but are there more moves to be made this offseason? David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the Cubs' signings and if there's more for the front office to do. The guys also talk about what the future looks like for Dansby Swanson in Chicago.

The Cubs officially introduced Cody Bellinger to media Tuesday and Jameson Taillon on Monday. What should we expect of the 2023 Cubs with the new additions? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins discuss Bellinger and Taillon's introductory press conferences. The crew also discusses the San Francisco Giants postponing Carlos Correa's introductory press conference after an issue with his physical. If he becomes a free agent again, should the Cubs go after him? All that and more on the Cubs Talk Podcast.

The Cubs got their shortstop. Dansby Swanson, formerly of the Atlanta Braves, has agreed to a seven-year, $177 million deal to come to Chicago. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins react to the news and discuss what it mean for the Cubs going forward.

The shortstop Cubs fans had their eye on chose another team. Carlos Correa reached a long-term deal with the San Francisco Giants, and according to Gordon Wittenmyer, the Cubs didn't make him an actual offer. Oh boy! On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, David Kaplan and Tim Stebbins join Gordon to discuss exactly what the Cubs are doing this offseason and whether they're seriously trying to compete in 2023.

The Cubs are still in the market for Dansby Swanson or Carlos Correa, but are they having a hard time getting players to join the Cubs? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins discuss and debate the Cubs offseason so far, and if there is a growing concern that big-time free agents aren’t considering the Cubs because of a lack of a long-term plan, money, or other reasons.

Willson Contreras has officially moved on, but Cubs fans will see him often after he signed a long-term deal with the rival St. Louis Cardinals. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins discuss the move and the Cubs signing starting pitcher Jameson Taillon. The guys also discuss the latest on the shortstop market as the Winter Meetings come to a close.

The Cubs made their first big signing of the offseason on Day 2 of the Winter Meetings. Former Dodgers outfielder and first baseman Cody Bellinger agreed to a one-year deal worth $17.5 million. How can Bellinger help the Cubs next season? Live from the Meetings, Gordon Wittenmyer joins David Kaplan and Tim Stebbins to discuss Bellinger, what could be the next move for the Cubs and if they are still in the mix for Carlos Correa. They also discuss Willson Contreras' market and much more.

Day 1 of the Winter Meetings is in the books and one of the top free agents available, Trea Turner, has agreed to a deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. Will that speed up the rest of the market? David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss what the Cubs are up to and if they are in the mix for Carlos Correa or Dansby Swanson. They also discuss the rumors floating around the Winter Meetings and much more.

With the Winter Meetings starting this week, David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins preview the festivities and discuss what happens at the Winter Meetings, their expectations for Jed Hoyer and the Cubs during the week, and if you were an MLB star free agent what would you be looking for in a team. Let us get you prepped and ready for the week!

NBC Sports Chicago’s Gordon Wittenmyer is 2-for-2 so far in his top free agent predictions, but most of the big names remain on the market. Will we see a signing frenzy at next week’s Winter Meetings? Gordon, David Kaplan and Tim Stebbins discuss on the latest Cubs Talk Podcast.