Cubs Talk Podcast

Thoughts on Cody Bellinger future with Cubs, Christopher Morel and more with Maddie Lee

On a post-convention edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi, Peter Marzano and James Neveau welcome Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times to talk about the North Siders. Cody Bellinger's future is first up to bat, with Shota Imanaga's pitch arsenal and potential adjustments to big league life next up. The group discusses the ongoing trade flirtations between the Guardians and Cubs over Emmanuel Clase, and then dives into how Craig Counsell will run the ship now that he's in the Chicago dugout. Finally, Pete Crow-Armstrong takes center stage, with Maddie breaking down his place on the roster pending the Bellinger decision, and how he's approaching his 2024 season.

BREAKING NEWS: Shōta Imanaga reportedly signs with Cubs

On a special "THEY FINALLY DID A THING" edition of Cubs Talk, Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Nate Poppen break down the reported signing of Shōta Imanaga (00:33). They examine how his pitch arsenal could play in the big leagues and if they have any concerns before wrapping up with a quick chat about how his contract could allow the Cubs additional flexibility in free agency. Later, they discuss the Cubs Convention's lineup poster, which drew plenty of attention on social media (18:11). Finally, they update their thoughts on how the Cubs can make their offseason a success, and which players are key to that effort (28:29).

New year, same quiet offseason for the Chicago Cubs

It may be 2024, but things are feeling an awful lot like 2023 for the Cubs, as Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Peter Marzano talk about the lack of action on the free-agent market for the North Siders. The trio talks about some minor league pitching signings, including Colten Brewer, but also discusses what avenues the Cubs still have to potentially add impact pieces. They also look at pitching coach Tommy Hottovy's wishlist and the realistic options the team has to fulfill those requests.

Bueller? Bueller? Evaluating Cody Bellinger’s status as Cubs continue quiet offseason

On this episode of the Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Peter Marzano discuss the Cubs' continued quiet offseason. With the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees adding outfielders, are the Cubs the best fit for Cody Bellinger, and how much could his contract cost? The trio also discusses other avenues for the Cubs' free agency plans and whether the team could still strike in the pitching market. Finally, the group addresses their New Year's resolutions for the Cubs as 2023 comes to a close

What is taking so long in MLB free agency, trade market?

Cubs fans are understandably feeling a bit Scrooge-like this holiday season, with the team biding their time before making any sort of freea gent moves. Leila Rahimi, Peter Marzano, Nate Poppen and James Neveau discuss the team's quiet offseason and discuss whether they're making a mistake in not being more aggressive in negotiating with players like Cody Bellinger or Matt Chapman. Later, the quartet discusses the trade market and whether the Cubs need to focus on pitchers like Shane Bieber or available position players to bolster their roster. Finally, the Cubs Convention and the absence of panels involving the Ricketts family and Crane Kenney is up for debate, and the crew throws some humorous ideas out to potentially spice up the yearly fan festival.

How do Cubs proceed after Shohei Ohtani signs with Dodgers?

In this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, James Neveau, Peter Marzano and Nate Poppen react to Shohei Ohtani landing with the Dodgers. Are the Dodgers the team to beat in the National League? What should the Cubs' priorities be after missing out on the superstar? Is a reunion with Cody Bellinger now a priority, or should they transition to other options at first base? Finally, should they be in the market for top-flight pitching free agents? Those answers, and more on how the Cubs will react moving forward from Ohtani.

Winter meetings a strikeout for Cubs, most of MLB

On a new Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau break down the news, or lack thereof, from baseball's winter meetings. With Shohei Ohtani still making a decision, the Cubs seemingly out on Juan Soto and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and still inquiring about Tyler Glasnow, there is plenty of uncertainty on the North Side, and the duo tries to make sense of an uneventful week.

Recapping our favorite moments from the Cubs’ 2023 season

In a special Cubs Talk podcast, James Neveau and Peter Marzano kick their feet up by the fire and recap their favorite moments from the 2023 season. Christopher Morel's walkoff against the White Sox, Ian Happ's defensive heroics against the Brewers, and Mike Tauchman's incredible catch against the Cardinals all get the memory lane treatment, but which one came out on top? We share our top moments, and ask that you share yours as well this Thanksgiving holiday season.

Will the Cubs make massive free agent splash at Winter Meetings?

Leila Rahimi, Nate Poppen and James Neveau have your full preview of baseball's Winter Meetings. The trio discusses the latest news connecting Shohei Ohtani to the Cubs and whether they think the biggest free agent in baseball history could actually call the North Side home (1:31). Later, they discuss other potential options for the Cubs, including reports that the team has explored trades for Tyler Glasnow and Shane Bieber (18:39), as well as a free-agent pact with closer Josh Hader (28:59). Finally, they discuss whether the Cubs, famed for their secrecy, could pull off a massive trade for a player like Houston's Alex Bregman or Toronto's Bo Bichette (32:32).

First impressions of new Cubs’ manager Craig Counsell

On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi and Peter Marzano recap Craig Counsell’s introductory press conference. They also discuss Craig Counsell finishing second in the NL Manager of the Year voting and how he can impact the Cubs in 2024. They also talk about who they think are the best managers in the MLB. Later, they discuss James Triantos winning Arizona Fall League Player of the Year. Finally, they talk about who the Cubs would have to give up to get Juan Soto.