Cubs Talk Podcast

In a special Thanksgiving-themed edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss who was on the wrong end of the Cubs’ 2022 season and who didn’t get a fair shake. The guys also discuss some things Cubs fans should be thankful for heading into next season.

The Cubs are looking to improve this winter as their rebuild continues, but how likely is it they will land a big free agent? ESPN's Jesse Rogers joins Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer to discuss and debate how the Cubs will approach this offseason and if they will be significant players in landing a big fish. The crew also discusses potential landing spots for Willson Contreras, predict the biggest free agent the Cubs will land and a lot more!

On this edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins discuss the void left by Willson Contreras at catcher and who's out there for the Cubs to pursue.nnThe guys also discuss Friday's non-tender deadline and a potential pursuit of Cody Bellinger should the Dodgers part ways with him.

Willson Contreras' time with the Cubs appears over after he turned down the Cubs’ $19.65 million qualifying offer. How will you remember the Contreras era? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins discuss Contreras and his time with the Cubs ending, and what's next for the Cubs catching position. The guys also discuss one of the newest members of the organization acquired in a trade with the Rays: Miles Mastrobuoni.

MLB free agency is open for business, and on this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins go over the top 10 players available and predict where they will sign. Will the Cubs get any of them? How much are they willing to spend to get back in contention for the division?

On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Gordon Wittenmyer joins David Kaplan and Tim Stebbins from the GM Meetings in Las Vegas. The guys discuss news around the Cubs, including whether they're early favorites for Japanese pitcher Kodai Senga, plus Scott Boras' comments on the free agent shortstops he represents. Later, they debate if the Cubs will sign a free agent for more than five years.

Cubs outfielder Ian Happ receives his first Gold Glove for his outstanding defense in the 2022 season. With his impending free agency coming up, will the Cubs be able to re-sign him after not being able to keep any of the previous star bats? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins debate and discuss is it worth it for the Cubs to keep Ian Happ.

David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins discuss injury news around top Cubs prospects Alexander Canario and Brennen Davis and what it could mean for 2023. Later in the podcast, the guys discuss their favorite moments and funny, never heard stories from the 2016 World Series run six years later. Plus, as the 2022 World Series wraps up, will the Cubs reach out to Anthony Rizzo, who's expected to hit free agency?

What can Cubs fans reasonably expect from the team in 2023? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins discuss on this edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast. Plus, the guys discuss the Phillies' rise over the past few seasons as they get set to play in the World Series and compare it to the Cubs' process in this rebuild.

Hot Stove season is around the corner and the Cubs are expected to be active. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins discuss contract projections for some of the top MLB free agents and whether the Cubs should make those deals.

On this edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, former Cubs manager and 2016 champ Joe Maddon joins David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins. The guys discuss 2016 and the Cubs breaking up their core, the changing role of managers in today's game, Maddon's new book, his interest in managing again, and a whole lot more.

On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins discuss the free-agent shortstop class and debate who they think the team should sign. Later they discuss the possibility of José Abreu coming to the North Side.

David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins discuss takeaways from Cubs president Jed Hoyer's end-of-season press conference. What is the Cubs' biggest offseason need? Will they pursue top-of-the-rotation starting pitching? Plus, the guys discuss longtime White Sox slugger José Abreu as a potential fit.

The 2022 Cubs season is over and it's time to look at the season that was and project what the rebuilding Cubs can take from this season. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins break down everything in the 2022 season for the Cubs including the Cubs not trading Wilson Contreras, the up-and-coming pitching staff, was this year successful in knowing what you have in the farm system and a lot more.

Jason Heyward makes his final appearance before the Chicago media as the World Series champion and discusses his time in Chicago, his career as a Cub, and what may lie in his future. Give your final hat tips to Jason Heyward.

Cubs fans should be excited because the prospects for the South Bend Cubs won the High-A Championship. Could these prospects be ready to win one for the Big League club? David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer are joined by the play-by-play voice for the Midwest League Champion South Bend Cubs. They discuss the play of the Cubs minor league team and which prospects have the chance to bring their winning ways to the big league roster in the coming years.

David Kaplan is joined by Chicago Sun-Times Cubs beat reporter Maddie Lee, as they discuss the foundation and future of the Cubs. They discuss Hayden Wesneski's immaculate inning, the future of the pitching staff, are the Cubs gonna be players in free agency this off-season, and is David Ross the right leader for this team.

With the 2022 season winding down, it's not too early to look toward the Cubs' future in 2023 and beyond, especially with talent coming up through the farm system. To break down what the Cubs have and how they are performing in the minors, Iowa Cubs broadcaster, Alex Cohen joins David Kaplan to discuss prospects including Matt Mervis, Pete Crow-Armstrong and others.

The Cubs are re-tooling the roster and that means finding and building talent. Matt Mervis could be one of those players who becomes a building block. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss Mervis and if he could be the first baseman the Cubs need to replace Anthony Rizzo. The guys also discuss the future of the starting rotation and why Drew Smyly should be in those plans.

The Cubs' 2022 season is almost over, but an interesting winter could be ahead. Tom Ricketts and the Cubs could be major players in the offseason. David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the upcoming offseason and what they think the Cubs might do as they set their sights on making a splash. Make sure to check out the Cubs Talk Podcast on YouTube. You don’t want to miss it!

Baseball is making big changes and will implement three major rule changes next season: a pitch clock, larger bases, and restricting the shift. How will these changes impact the game? David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss each rule and how they feel about them. Get ready, Cubs fans, a new era is on its way in baseball.

As we enter the last month of the season, the Cubs are bringing up and working out prospects on the big league stage and the newest member is pitcher Hayden Wesneski. The Cubs are also analyzing rising first basemen, Matt Mervis. Who are they and what are they projected to be on the big league stage? Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the young prospects and where they fit in the future of the Cubs. (1:50) - Gordon interviews first basemen slugger Matt Mervis (5:30) - Mervis went from unranked to the 21st-ranked prospect (12:00) - Cubs' top pitching prospect Hayden Wesneski gets called up to the big leagues (18:08) - Goodbye and good riddance Albert Pujols

With Willson Contreras set to become a free agent, could the St. Louis Cardinals come calling this winter? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins discuss whether Cubs fans could see Contreras in Cardinal red next season. Plus, the guys discuss Ian Happ as an extension candidate this offseason and what that deal could look like. Finally, the guys debate if the Cubs will set a record for players used in a single season.

The trade deadline is over but that doesn't stop speculation. There have been rumors around the league that the Angels could be willing to part ways with superstar pitcher and hitter Shohei Ohtani. With a rare star rumored to be attainable, should the Cubs place their bid? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins debate the legitimacy of the rumor and if the Cubs should make a bid for one of the best players in baseball.

Live from Wrigley Field Cubs beat writers, Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the latest on the Cubs including their review of the Cardinals series and how the Cubs handled 700 home run chaser, Albert Pujols. They also discuss the new faces the Cubs are bringing up, and they discuss Jed Hoyer meeting the media.

The Cubs' biggest rival has a hitter approaching a rare feat: 700 home runs. With Albert Pujols nearing the milestone, David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss if we will see anyone outside of Pujols hit the 700-mark soon or if anyone ever will again. Later in the pod, the guys discuss the future bats for this team, including the infield beyond Nico Hoerner, and Cubs top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong. (1:30) - Will we see anyone hit 700 home runs if Albert Pujols gets there? (8:06) - All-time Cubs killers (14:15) - Is there something there with Nick Madrigal? (21:40) - How soon could we see Pete Crow-Armstrong in the big leagues?

As the season winds down on the Cubs season a position that needs to be addressed is shortstop. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the options for the Cubs and if Trea Turner could be the guy that can fix their shortstop problems. They also discuss the Cubs adding more pitching to the organization.

It has been a rough season for Cub fans everywhere but there are things fans should be taking note of as the season winds down. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins break down what every fan should be looking out for this season including which players to watch, what will Jed Hoyer say in the coming days, how will David Ross manage the final games, who will the Cubs bring up from the minors and a lot more.

The Cubs get a premiere win in a premiere game against the Cincinnati Reds in the Field of Dreams game. David Kaplan and Tim Stebbins break down the game and some positives fans can take from it. Later in the pod, the guys discuss what's next for the Cubs this year as they continue to rebuild for the future.

David Kaplan and Tim Stebbins discuss the newest Cub, Franmil Reyes, and what the Cubs want to do with him in the last stretch of the season. The guys also discuss the prospects in the minor leagues and who's ready to come up to the Bigs, they look at the future, the chances the Cubs can get an impactful player in the draft, and a lot more. (1:42) - Reaction to the Cubs claiming Franmil Reyes (7:50) - What does the future of the Cubs look like? (11:43) - The Cubs have its highest ranked farm system in ten years (14:40) - Field of Dreams game preview

If you are a Cubs fan, you need to get to know these two prospects that plan on one day leading the big league squad to another World Series win. David Kaplan goes to South Bend Indiana to interview outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and starting pitcher Kohl Franklin. Later in the pod, Kap interviews the owner of the South Bend Cubs, Andrew Berlin.

Make sure to watch this episode on our YouTube page by clicking HERE! In a frustrating turn of events for all involved including fans, the trade deadline has come and gone and the two players that were predicted to be traded are awkwardly still in Chicago, Willson Contreras and Ian Happ. David Kaplan relays some harsh words about the Cubs with Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins about the Cubs being unable to move Contreras and breaking down the other move the Cubs did make. (1:50) - It's a joke the Cubs didn't move Willson Contreras (6:36) - Will they give Contreras the qualifying offer? (12:05) - What was Jed's thought process behind not trading Contreras or Happ (19:30) - Are the Cubs building up the arms in the organization?

On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the latest rumors and reports on the Cubs as the trade deadline gets closer including updates on potential trade partners, who are the Cubs willing to move and will Jason Heyward be transitioned to a non-playing role with the Cubs. Later in the podcast, the crew discusses if left-hander Carlos Rodón would be a good fit as a Cub and Gordon goes 1-on-1 to discuss his free agency.

Watch this episode on YouTube HERE to see all the shenanigans in our brand NEW PODCAST STUDIO! Subscribe to the page HERE to watch all of our video content. Willson Contreras was given multiple standing ovations at Wrigley Field on Tuesday — likely his last home game with the Cubs. Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss Contreras and Ian Happ as they most likely will be traded before Tuesday's 5 p.m. deadline. The guys also discuss who else could be dealt and how the Cubs will build after the deadline. Plus, is a peanut butter and jelly Uncrustable a sandwich? (2:30) - Willson Contreras and Ian Happ soak up their final days with the Cubs (13:30) - How did the Cubs go from one of the youngest teams to win a World Series to this? (20:50) - Should the Cubs keep Happ? (27:40) - How many players will the Cubs trade? (35:45) - Is an Uncrustable a sandwich?

David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the upcoming trade deadline and give updates on Willson Contreras and Ian Happ's trade possibilities, could the Cubs go after Juan Soto, and other rumors and tidbits. Later in the pod, the crew previews the second half of the season and where they think the Cubs will finish.

In the 2022 MLB Draft, the Cubs selected right-handed pitcher Cade Horton 7th overall. Are they looking to correct past mistakes by building up the pitching talent? David Kaplan and Tim Stebbins break down the Cubs draft class and what the organization is trying to build. Later in the pod, the guys discuss if the Cubs should trade for Washington Nationals superstar Juan Soto. (2:00) - Are the Cubs healthier as an organization today than when Theo Epstein took over in 2011? (8:22) - Should the Cubs pursue a Juan Soto trade? (15:00) -What would it take to get Soto? (20:00) - Fixing the pitching in the organization

The first half is done and its time to recap what the Cubs have done so far and predict what the expectations should be for the second half. David Kaplan and Tim Stebbins discuss what they saw from the Cubs in the first half including have the Cubs underperformed and if so how can they be better. They also predict what will happen in the second half of the season.

Willson Contreras has had one of the best seasons of his career this year and it could be his last with the Cubs. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss Willson's season and predict where he could be as the trade deadline looms closer. The crew also discusses the anniversary of the Jose Quintana trade to the Cubs for Eloy Jimenez and Dylan Cease, and the upcoming MLB Draft.

After Monday’s tragedy in Highland Park, members of the Cubs spoke out on gun violence. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss what the team said as it processed the tragedy. Later in the pod, the guys discuss the trade deadline and what the Cubs should do with Ian Happ. (1:42) - Cubs players on the Highland Park tragedy (13:37) - Will the Cubs trade Ian Happ for pitching? (17:47) - Is there a chance Happ stays with the Cubs? (22:47) - Who are the Cubs looking at in the draft?

There are pros and cons to a rebuild. Among the pros, you get to build the foundation for long-term success. Among the cons, well, you may miss out on star talents in free agency, i.e. Carlos Correa. Gordon Wittenmyer — who caught up with Correa — David Kaplan and Tim Stebbins discuss the shortstop's thoughts on the Cubs during his free agency last winter, and if such sentiments will hinder the Cubs from landing top free agents this coming offseason as well. (2:00) - Cubs are playing a lot better as of late (10:00) - Potential starting pitchers available in free agency (14:30) - Who would you sign: Carlos Correa or Xander Bogaerts? (22:06) - How will the Cubs pitch a rebuild to star free agents?

As the Cubs rebuild, the remaining pieces of the 2016 World Series team are slowly going away. With Jason Heyward landing on the injured list, will this be the last time we see him in a Cubs uniform? David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer break down the Heyward IL move and whether he'll be a Cub going forward. The guys also discuss the status of pitcher Kyle Hendricks and if a decision is looming on him at the trade deadline. (1:40) - Jason Heyward heads to the injured list, has he played his last game with the Cubs? (6:00) - How will fans remember Jason Heyward? (15:04) - Will any of Kyle Hendricks, Jason Heyward, or Willson Contreras still be here after the trade deadline? (20:00) - Should the Cubs keep Hendricks as a veteran presence?

On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the future of Jason Heyward with the Cubs, the series win over the rival St. Louis Cardinals, and the increasing possibility William and Willson Contreras each make the All-Star team. (1:30) - Reaction to the series win vs. the Cards (9:15) - Willson Contreras leads NL catchers in All-Star votes. Are he and his brother William headed to the Midsummer Classic? (23:00) - Jason Heyward's future as a Cub (30:00) - What will the Cubs do at the trade deadline?

The Cubs lost another series, this time to the Pirates, and it's looking like they're headed into another selloff at the trade deadline. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss their takeaways from the Pirates series and the trade speculation around Kyle Hendricks, Willson Contreras, and David Robertson. (1:55) - Takeaways from the series loss to the Pirates (9:16) - If the Cubs spend more, does it fix the issues? (14:20) - What trade will bring back a haul for the Cubs? (21:00) - Should the Cubs wait until close to the deadline to trade Willson Contreras?

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer joined David Kaplan on his radio show to discuss the struggling Cubs and the process of rebuilding a big market team. Kap, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins react to the Hoyer interview and if he is going about the rebuild the right way. (3:15) - Is Jed Hoyer being transparent about the rebuild? (8:35) - Were the Ricketts withholding money from Theo Epstein and now Hoyer? (14:00) - Is the chance to re-sign Willson Contreras down to zero? (20:20) - What should the Cubs get in return for Willson Contreras if they trade him?

The Cubs are spiraling right now after losing another game and increasing the losing streak to 9. What is being done to fix the issues? Cubs President of Baseball Jed Hoyer sits at the dugout with the local media to discuss the Cubs' failings this season, injury issues, ownership concerns, and a lot more.

The Cubs have lost 8 straight and seem to be in a spiral they can't shake and fans are not happy. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the current state of the Cubs and where they think the team is headed as the trade deadline gets closer, and are the Cubs in danger of losing the fan. Later in the pod, David Kaplan has been suggesting that Yankee star Aaron Judge might be a target for the Cubs in the offseason, so Gordon Wittenmyer went to New York to discuss with Judge his upcoming free agency. (2:00) - Expectations for the Cubs for the rest of the season (5:30) - How are fans reacting to the slumping Cubs (11:40) - Could the Cubs have been more competitive this year? (21:22) - Gordon goes 1-on-1 with Aaron Judge

Willson Contreras is a Cub, for now after he and the Cubs agree on a deal that will pay the All-Star catcher $9.625 million dollars for this season but can they agree on a long-term deal? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the settlement and if this means that the Cubs will extend Contreras. (1:50) - Why did it take so long for the Cubs to settle with Contreras? (6:30) - Cubs pitching prospects review (12:30) - Are there any other prospects that will make their MLB debut?

The Cubs are looking to get younger and grow talent as they rebuild for another run at a World Series and they might have a couple of starting pitchers to help get them there. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the debuts of pitching prospects Caleb Killan and Matt Swarmer and if they are the building blocks for the Cubs' future. Later in the pod, the guys discuss the injuries to other Cub prospects, Willson Contreras' contract negotiations, and other Cub's moves. (1:50) - Caleb Killian handled himself well in his first start (9:20) - Breaking down Matt Swarmer's debut (17:20) - Is there a better chance the Cubs will keep Willson Contreras? (21:00) - Will the Cubs sign a star at shortstop this offseason?

David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the hottest rumor in the Cubs world, the best pitching prospect in the organization, Caleb Kilian could be on his way to the big leagues sooner rather than later. The guys break down the prospect and if he's ready to take the next step and their thoughts on how good Kilian is. (1:49) - When will we see Caleb Kilian play in the big leagues? (6:42) - Who will be the core pieces for the Cubs going forward? (12:30) - Will the Cubs be looking to compete next season?

The Cubs are in s slump losing 3 straight. Which, depending on how you look at it is a horrible stretch for a team with expectations or a learning process for a young rebuilding team. Which perspective do you think Cubs management has? David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss and debate the Cubs season and if Jed Hoyer will ever admit that the Cubs are under construction and in the midst of a rebuild. (4:30) - Is Jed Hoyer ever going to admit that this is a rebuild? (16:36) - What should the Cubs do with Jason Heyward? (23:00) - If you were Jed Hoyer, how would you address Cubs fans