Cubs Talk Podcast

Can the Cubs make the playoffs this season?

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.

Why former Cubs manager Joe Maddon believes his team could have won again

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.

Are the Cubs a sleeper team for Shohei Ohtani?

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 return10:50 - David Ross on the plan for Seiya Suzuki and when he will return to play17:15 - 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?

Early reaction to the 2023 Cubs and MLB’s new rules

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.

Nico Hoerner gets contract extension, Cubs season preview

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 extension13:30 - Will Ian Happ get an extension?22:00 - Season preview predictions -Cubs win total-World Series matchup-NL Central winner-Bold Predictions

WBC recap, Cubs final roster and the top 100 players list

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 breakdown9:46 - Shohei Ohtani could be baseball's Michael Jordan15:44 - Cubs roster break down. Who should make the final roster37:35 - ESPN's top 100 players. Who is the lone Cubs player that made the list?

Cubs connections at WBC and optimism for this Cubs season

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.

World Baseball Classic, Dansby Swanson impact and Cubs spring training standouts

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.

Seiya Suzuki’s oblique injury, Cubs’ 5th starter debate

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.

Talking Cubs budget, another 3rd baseman? And where Manny Machado and Shohei Ohtani could land

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?