On today’s CHGO Cubs Podcast, we break down a loaded pitching staff that could power the Cubs to the top of the NL. With Cade Horton ready to take another leap, Shota Imanaga building off his dominant MLB debut, and the addition of Edward Cabrera, the upside in this group is undeniable. Add in the veteran stability of Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd, and suddenly this looks like one of the deepest rotations in baseball. And don’t forget — Justin Steele is expected to return in the first half of the 2026 season following elbow surgery. If Steele comes back looking like his All-Star self, does that officially make this the most dangerous rotation in the National League? We stack the Cubs up against the Dodgers, Braves, and Phillies, debate the biggest X-factors, and ask the big question: Is this finally the year Chicago’s pitching leads them back to October dominance? 

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With the first Chicago Cubs Spring Training game getting underway on Friday, Corey Freedman and Brendan Miller tee up the entire Cactus League slate and what fans should be watching from Day 1. The guys break down Jameson Taillon getting the ball in the opener and what a strong spring could mean for his role in the 2026 rotation. They’ll also dive into Matt Shaw getting reps in the outfield — what does that mean for his versatility and roster outlook? Plus, updates on Pete Crow-Armstrong’s offensive adjustments, Ben Brown’s upside as a breakout arm, and the early camp storylines that could shape the Cubs’ season. From rotation battles to position flexibility and breakout candidates, this episode sets the stage for everything to monitor as Cubs baseball officially returns.

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From early camp takeaways to the biggest roster battles, Matt dives into what really matters as the Cubs ramp up for the 2026 season. How is the starting rotation shaping up? Who needs a strong spring? And what should fans realistically expect heading into Opening Day? Is this the spring where PCA takes another leap? What are the expectations for his bat, defense, and overall impact on the lineup? Matt analyzes how Crow-Armstrong fits into the Cubs’ long-term vision — and whether this is the year he becomes a true difference-maker. Plus, a deep look at the Cubs’ starting pitching. Is the rotation strong enough to compete in the NL? How does Cade Horton factor into the conversation? Are there legitimate depth concerns, or is this staff being underrated heading into the season? 
 

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On today’s episode of the CHGO Cubs Podcast, hosts Luke Stuckmeyer, Joey Christopoulos, and Justin Roman debate where Suzuki truly ranks among NL right fielders. After another strong stretch at the plate, has the Cubs star officially entered the elite tier? The guys dive into his power numbers, on-base ability, advanced metrics, and overall impact compared to the rest of the league. Plus, how does Suzuki’s production complement key Cubs pieces like Pete Crow-Armstrong, Ian Happ, and Alex Bregman? Is this core strong enough offensively to make noise in the NL — and does Suzuki lead the charge? Is he underrated nationally? Or is it time to recognize Seiya Suzuki as the NL’s premier right fielder?

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On this episode of the CHGO Cubs Podcast, hosts Luke Stuckmeyer, Joey Christopoulos, and Justin Roman debate where Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson ranks among division rivals. How does Swanson stack up offensively and defensively against the rest of the NL Central? Is his glove still elite? Can his bat take another step in 2026? The guys dive into advanced metrics, defensive value, leadership impact, and how Swanson compares to other shortstops around the division. With big expectations for the Cubs this season, how important is Swanson’s performance to a potential NL Central title run?

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Can the Chicago Cubs REALLY win the NL Central in 2026? 👀 Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts believes this team has what it takes to finish on top — but is that confidence justified? On today’s CHGO Cubs Podcast, hosts Luke Stuckmeyer and Joey Christopoulos and guest Matt Cozzi break down Ricketts’ comments and what they mean for the direction of the franchise. Are the Cubs legitimate division contenders? How do they stack up against the rest of the NL Central? And does this roster truly have championship upside? We dive into the impact of Alex Bregman in the middle of the lineup, the continued rise of Pete Crow-Armstrong, the steady production of Ian Happ, and what a breakout season from Michael Busch could mean for the offense. On the mound, can top prospect Cade Horton make the leap and solidify the rotation?

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With Ian Happ continuing to be one of the most consistent two-way left fielders in baseball, Seiya Suzuki providing elite bat-to-ball skills and middle-of-the-order production, and Pete Crow-Armstrong flashing Gold Glove defense and game-changing speed in center field, the Cubs’ outfield might be as complete as any in the NL. On this episode of the CHGO Cubs Podcast, the crew breaks down how this trio stacks up against the Dodgers, Braves, Phillies, and the rest of the National League. Is PCA already the best defensive center fielder in the league? Can Suzuki take another offensive leap? And does Happ’s veteran presence put this group over the top? 
 

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Both players reached the top of their sport in Chicago. Derrick Rose became the youngest MVP in NBA history and looked ready to lead the Bulls back to championship glory before devastating injuries changed the trajectory of his career. Kris Bryant helped break the Cubs’ 108-year World Series drought, won NL MVP, and was on a Hall of Fame pace before injuries and roster changes reshaped his future. So which career leaves fans wondering more? What if D-Rose never tears his ACL? What if Bryant stays healthy and remains the face of the Cubs dynasty? How many championships are we talking about? How different does Chicago sports history look? 
 

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On this episode of CHGO Cubs Related, Corey Freedman and Brendan Miller break down the biggest storylines to monitor as the Cubs report to camp. How will Alex Bregman’s leadership impact the clubhouse — and especially young stars like Pete Crow-Armstrong? Where does Matt Shaw fit defensively as roster battles begin? Are the Cubs truly comfortable with their current outfield depth, or could moves still be coming? Plus, which hitters could be this year’s surprise standouts? From breakout candidates to position battles and leadership dynamics, Corey and Brendan cover everything fans need to know as the 2026 season gets underway. Don’t miss this full Cubs Spring Training preview packed with analysis, projections and key roster questions.

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Luke Stuckmeyer and Joey Christopoulos break down the latest 2026 Chicago Cubs projections and analyze how the North Siders stack up against the rest of Major League Baseball. How do the numbers view Alex Bregman’s impact in the middle of the lineup? Is Pete Crow-Armstrong projected to take another step toward stardom? What do projections say about Ian Happ’s consistency and overall value? And on the pitching side, can Cade Horton emerge as a front-line arm while Daniel Palencia locks down high-leverage innings? From projected win totals and playoff odds to offensive rankings and rotation outlook, Luke and Joey dive deep into where the Cubs rank in the NL Central — and whether they truly measure up against MLB powerhouses like the Dodgers, Braves, and Phillies. Are the Cubs a legitimate National League contender in 2026? Do they project as a top-10 team in baseball? And what needs to happen to outperform the models? 

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