Cubs Talk Podcast

Nick Castellanos’ fit with the Cubs, Kris Bryant returns

The Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss another potential fit with the Cubs and he just so happens to have already been here, Nick Castellanos. The guys discuss if the Castellanos will opt out of his contract and if he does, will the Cubs be a natural fit for the rising star. Later, the guys discuss the return of Kris Bryant to Wrigley Field and what kind of reception KB will get.(2:16) - Is Nick Castellanos a good fit for this current Cubs team?(7:40) - How much could Castellanos command from free agency?(15:30) - Do the Cubs need a culture change or is everything in the organization just ok?(23:00) - What will the reception be like for Kris Bryant as the Giants come to town

Frank Schwindel mania, Cubs win 7 straight

Not a lot of teams are on a roll like the Cubs are right now and Frank Schwindel is leading the way. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss Schwindel’s hot bat and if he could be a long-term piece for the Cubs. Later in the podcast, the crew discusses the Cubs’ management strategy and which position is the most important to address this offseason.(1:40) - Cubs are the hottest team in baseball right now and have the hottest hitter in baseball in Frank “The Tank” Schwindel(10:00) - Is Schwindel Rizzo 2.0?(16:00) - Should the Cubs prioritize pitching or shortstop in the offseason?(25:40) - MLB playoff picture

Could Theo Epstein be a candidate to run the Mets?

The man that helped bring a World Series to the Cubs might be coming back to running a team. Theo Epstein is being rumored as a possible candidate to run the Mets? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the baseball exec and the validity of this rumor. Later in the pod, the crew discusses the importance of Willson Contreras to the Cubs rebuild and how quickly the Cubs think they can turn it around to make the team competitive again.

What’s going on with Javy Báez and Mets fans

Cubs Insider Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins join host David Kaplan to discuss all the hubbub in New York surrounding Javy Báez's celebration in response to fans booing the Mets. The fallout from Báez's admission, the backlash, the pre-game apology, and the boos directed at Báez during his first at-bat. Then of course the El Mago heroics that won the Mets the game today and turned those boos into the cheers. The crew also discusses Gordon's column on the Cubs and the need for a rebuild after they dismantled the 2016 World Series core.

Cubs fans’ questions about team’s rebuild and future

In a mailbag episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Maddie Lee answer your questions and concerns about the Cubs' rebuild and future.(2:00) - How will the Cubs' surprise contributors, including Patrick Wisdom and Rafael Ortega, fit into the team's future?(5:45) - Will the Cubs jump-start the rebuild by spending on a couple of top free agents this offseason?(13:00) - Will there be wholesale changes to the coaching staff after this season?(15:50) - Has Dylan Cease already been better with the White Sox than José Quintana was with the Cubs?(22:20) - Which shortstop would be best for the Cubs: Carlos Correa, Trevor Story, or Corey Seager?

How will Cubs select infield of the future?

The Cubs have a lot of decisions to make to ensure fans have a playoff-contending team, including who will make up the everyday infield. David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the Cubs' infield options and what could be coming in the future. Later in the pod, the crew discusses the current Cubs roster and who could be part of the group in 2022 and beyond.(1:40) - Will Trevor Story be an option for the Cubs this offseason?(9:00) - What will the Cubs do with former White Sox infielder Nick Madrigal when he returns from injury?(17:20) - How much money should the Cubs allocate on free agent shortstops?(29:00) - Which pitchers on the roster or in the minors will be in the Cubs' future plans?

Will Cubs rebuild be delayed by CBA issues?

The Cubs are in a wait-and-see mode with their rebuild, which hinges on what the next Collective Bargaining Agreement looks like. Tim Stebbins, Gordon Wittenmyer, and David Kaplan break down what the road looks like for the Cubs' rebuild as CBA negotiations get underway. Later in the pod, the crew discusses Jake Arrieta being picked up by the Padres and his first start for San Diego.(2:00) - Early negotiations surface for the next CBA(7:34) - Will there be a labor stoppage in baseball due to the owners and players not agreeing?(13:20) - Will the Cubs' organizational value increase as sports betting gets involved with baseball?(21:35) - Why in the world did the Padres sign Jake Arrieta?

Does Cubs’ rebuild have light at end of the tunnel?

David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss topics surrounding the Cubs' rebuild. The crew discusses the recent lengthy losing streak, how the Yu Darvish trade will be remembered, whether the Cubs have a solid rotation for the future, if the Cubs will spend this offseason, what to do with Jason Heyward, and a lot more.(1:50) - Cubs continue to struggle. Was it supposed to be this bad after their trade deadline selloff?(4:40) - How will the Yu Darvish trade be remembered?(10:50) - Will the Cubs have a good starting rotation in the next couple of years?(16:50) - Will the Cubs spend on free agents this offseason?(20:00) - What should the Cubs do with Jason Heyward?

Cubs pull the plug on second stint with Jake Arrieta

The Cubs released Jake Arrieta after a rough few months, leaving only Jason Heyward, Kyle Hendricks, and Willson Contreras from the 2016 championship team. Gordon Wittenmyer and David Kaplan discuss the move and why the Cubs chose to do it now, and what Arrieta's second stint with the team means for his Cubs legacy.(1:55) - Cubs release Jake Arrieta after an awful outing and awkward exchange with a reporter(9:10) - Will the Cubs choose to do a quick turnaround and spend on free agents this offseason?(19:20)- Did Arrieta see how bad he was pitching?(27:20) - What led to Jed Hoyer making the final decision to release Arrieta?

Kris Bryant speaks about leaving Chicago and his relationship with the Cubs

It's been about 2 weeks since the trade deadline that sparked the rebuild for the Cubs and fans are still coping with the moves. Kris Bryant was one of those moves so Gordon Wittenmyer went to go see Kris to get his take on the way everything was handled and to get some answers right from the source. Kris talks about his feelings about being traded, if there's a possibility that he could return, did his group win enough with the Cubs, and a lot more.(2:00) - Bryant on Baez, Rizzo also hitting home runs in their first games with their new teams(6:00) - It wasn't a huge surprise that he was traded(11:00) - No hard feelings towards the Cubs(17:00) - Kris discusses coming back to Chicago to play against the Cubs(19:30) - Kris on if he would have done anything differently as a Cub