Cubs Talk Podcast

2024 MLB Season Preview: Can the Chicago Cubs clinch the division?

The wait is over! Dive into the ultimate breakdown of the 2024 Cubs season with the Cubs Talk Podcast! Join James Neveau and Peter Marzano as they dissect every aspect of the team's potential triumph. From pitching prowess to batting brilliance, they leave no base untouched (2:30). Expect heated debates on strategic decisions and potential game-changers (15:37), plus bold predictions on homerun kings and divisional domination (20:45).

Craig Counsell sets Opening Day rotation, and what can we expect of Shota Imanaga?

On today's Cubs Talk podcast, James Neveau and Nate Poppen react to Craig Counsell's decision to include Jordan Wicks and Javier Assad in the team's Opening Day rotation. They set their expectations for both hurlers and share insight on why Assad nabbed the last job over Drew Smyly. The guys also discuss Shota Imanaga amid a strikeout-filled spring, and give their take on what they expect him to produce in his first Major League season. James and Nate also chat about Seiya Suzuki's hot spring and whether he can carry that into the season, and finally talk about the startling news surrounding Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani.

Jameson Taillon in doubt for Opening Day and other Cubs insights with Meghan Montemurro

On today's Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau talk to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune about all the latest happenings in Mesa. Meghan breaks down the latest injury news on Jameson Taillon (4:53), and evaluates the Cubs' options as they look to put together their 2024 rotation (13:18). Later, the crew discusses which players have stood out this spring, including the role Michael Busch could play on the squad and where he fits into the Cubs' lineup. Finally, Craig Counsell takes center stage, as Meghan reveals insight into his approach to managing, and why he may be just what the Cubs need to take steps forward in the new campaign (20:30).

Cody Bellinger’s debut, prospect breakdown and a David Bote return

On this edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau discuss Cody Bellinger's debut at Spring Training and the plan for him this season (1:07). Later on in the pod, they break down the Cubs prospects they are keeping an eye on including Alexander Canario, Owen Caissie and the biggest question mark of them all, Pete Crow-Armstrong (11:43). Leila and James dives into the injuries that are challenging the Cubs depth (27:20) and finally, they ask themselves what happened to David Bote (31:50).

Implications of Cody Bellinger signing with the Cubs

On a new Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi, Peter Marzano and Nate Poppen discuss the implications of Cody Bellinger's signing with the Cubs and how the deal got done (1:09). Later, they discuss Jed Hoyer's relationship with Scott Boras and his clients and how players' relationships with the teams are continuing to decline (7:26). Finally, the trio discusses the Cubs' bullpen and the need for a left-hander (17:00).

Cubs, Cody Bellinger agree to three-year deal

On a special episode of the Cubs Talk podcast, James Neveau and Peter Marzano discuss the return of Cody Bellinger. The duo chats about the structure of the deal, what it tells us about Jed Hoyer's negotiating and spending habits, and how they feel the process played out. The guys also get into what impacts it could have on the team's roster, including on the futures of Matt Mervis, Pete Crow-Armstrong and many others.

Cubs owner Tom Ricketts talks Cody Bellinger and spending

On a new Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Peter Marzano discuss and break down Cubs owner Tom Ricketts' media availability. They discuss the most glaring statements made by Ricketts (1:15), react to his comments about Cody Bellinger's free agency situation (8:54), and discuss the Cubs' lack of spending on free agents (13:45). They also discuss which players they are watching in spring training (31:30). All that and more!

Craig Counsell already making an impact at Spring Training

Cubs Spring Training is set to begin and to get you prepped and ready the Cubs Talk crew is joined by NBC 5 Sports anchor Mike Berman from Scottsdale, Arizona. The crew discusses new manager Craig Counsell's impact on the team so far (1:00), how will he manage the bullpen (10:16) and the young players like Pete Crow-Armstrong (13:40). They also dive into if the Cubs are missing Cody Bellinger and if the Cubs would look into bringing in Matt Chapman (24:48) and much more!

PECOTA unkind to North Siders, so is it time to hard-charge Bellinger signing?

In today's Cubs Talk podcast, James Neveau and Peter Marzano discuss Baseball Prospectus' PECOTA projections for the 2024 Cubs. Do they buy the Cubs as an 80-win team, and are they really second-best behind the Cardinals in the National League Central? Should Shota Imanaga and Hector Neris give them more of a boost? They discuss those questions, and also evaluate whether it's time to throw a bag of money at Cody Bellinger ahead of spring training, with the center fielder still on the market. Finally, the guys pick their favorite Cubs promo items of the year, as Pat Hughes and Christopher Morel both are immortalized in some unique ways.

As free agents sign, are Cubs missing chance to make impactful offseason additions?

On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi, Nate Poppen and Peter Marzano discuss the most recent free agent signings and what it means for the Chicago Cubs. They break down Rhys Hoskins signing with the Brewers (:30). They also lament the Cubs missing out on relief pitcher Robert Stephenson (10:00) and why they DFA’d Codi Heuer (15:48). Later, they examine the latest news about the Hall of Fame class and the players that were snubbed (27:27).