The Chicago Cubs front office is switching up their entire bullpen-building strategy — and this episode breaks down exactly why. For years, the Cubs have relied on one-year deals and low-risk rehab projects to patch together a bullpen, but that approach is no longer enough to land the big names. After losing out on reliever Kirby Yates last offseason — when he chose the Dodgers after Chicago reportedly wouldn’t go the extra year — the Cubs appear to be changing course.

In this episode, we dive into:
🔥 Why Jed Hoyer and the Cubs front office are finally willing to offer multi-year deals
🔥 How the Phil Maton signing signals a major shift in bullpen philosophy
🔥 What Michael Cerami of Bleacher Nation is hearing from his sources
🔥 Why the Cubs are NOT done building that bullpen
🔥 Which “bigger than Maton” bullpen arm could be the next domino
🔥 How previous misses (like Yates) may have forced this change
🔥 What this new strategy means for 2025 and beyond

The Chicago Cubs have officially added veteran right-handed reliever Phil Maton to strengthen their bullpen! In this breaking-news episode, we dive into everything Cubs fans need to know — including Maton’s 2025 stats, how he fits into Chicago’s pitching strategy, and what this move means for the Cubs’ future.

Maton is coming off an impressive 2025 season, posting a 2.79 ERA, 81 strikeouts, and a 1.06 WHIP across 63 appearances. After splitting time with the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers, the veteran setup man now brings his cutter-curveball mix and late-inning poise to Wrigley Field.

We break down:
✔️ Why the Cubs targeted Phil Maton
✔️ How he immediately improves the late-inning bullpen
✔️ What role he’s expected to play in 2026
✔️ How his 2025 performance projects with Chicago
✔️ What this signing says about the Cubs’ offseason strategy

Whether you’re a lifelong Cubs fan or an MLB news junkie, this episode gives you the full scouting report and roster impact analysis.

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, we break down the major offseason bombshell: Shōta Imanaga unexpectedly accepted the Cubs’ qualifying offer. We analyze why his decision reportedly stunned the front office — and what it means for the Cubs’ 2026 plans.

Next, we look at three top bullpen targets the Cubs are reportedly eyeing: Ryan Helsley, Luke Weaver, and Raisel Iglesias. We go over their 2025 stats, project how they could fit into the Cubs’ pitching staff, and evaluate the risk vs. reward for targeting each one.

✅ Imanaga’s 2025 performance & QO
✅ Helsley’s 2025 closer potential
✅ Weaver’s multi-inning upside
✅ Iglesias as a possible shutdown option
✅ What this all means for the Cubs’ strategy and payroll

If you care about Cubs offseason moves, pitching, and young vs. veteran balance — don’t miss this one.
Subscribe to Chicago Cubs Central for more prospect talk, trade rumors, and in-depth MLB analysis.

#ChicagoCubs #CubsCentral #CubsNews #CubsOffseason #ShotaImanaga #RyanHelsley #LukeWeaver #RaiselIglesias #MLBPitching #MLBFreeAgency #CubsPitching

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, we break down why the Chicago Cubs can’t rely solely on their young talent heading into the next season — especially after losing Kyle Tucker in free agency. With a major impact bat now gone, the Cubs must decide whether to trust their promising prospects or make a move for another big-name hitter.

We take an in-depth look at four key young players: Owen Caissie, Moisés Ballesteros, Matt Shaw, and Pete Crow-Armstrong (PCA). We review their full 2025 season stats, discuss their strengths, where they still need development, and what realistic expectations should look like for the Cubs’ lineup.

We also explore whether Rob Refsnyder, formerly of the Boston Red Sox, could be a smart platoon outfield piece to help stabilize the roster while the young core continues to grow.

If you’re a Cubs fan looking for real analysis, prospect breakdowns, and offseason strategy talk — this is the episode for you.

In today’s episode, Mike dives into several major Chicago Cubs storylines heating up this offseason. Are the Cubs truly linked to Bo Bichette, and what would a potential trade mean for the future of the franchise? We break down the latest buzz, possible trade packages, and whether Bichette is the right fit at Wrigley.

Mike also asks the big question: Should Cubs management shift their attention toward signing Zac Gallen? With the front office seeking pitching upgrades, we discuss how Gallen could transform the rotation and whether he should be the Cubs’ top priority.

Plus — should the Chicago Cubs bring back Christopher Morel? We explore his upside, roster fit, trade value, and what his role could look like in 2025.

If you’re a Cubs fan looking for the latest news, rumors, analysis, and offseason speculation, this is the episode you don’t want to miss!

#ChicagoCubs #CubsNews #CubsRumors #BoBichette #ZacGallen #ChristopherMorel #MLBRumors #CubsBaseball #CubsNation #FlyTheW #CubsOffseason #CubsTalk #CubsUpdates #MLBOffseason #GoCubsGo #CubsTradeRumors #WrigleyField #CubsCommunity #ChicagoSports #NorthSideBaseball

Imanaga has officially accepted his Qualifying Offer, returning to the Cubs on a 1-year, $22 million deal. We dive into what this means for the rotation, whether this signals a bigger offseason plan, and how Imanaga’s 2024 performance sets the tone for a major comeback year.

We also cover the growing buzz around the Cubs’ offseason strategy as Kyle Tucker declines his qualifying offer, officially hitting free agency. With this news, rumors are heating up that the Cubs are prepared to go ALL IN on superstar third baseman Alex Bregman. Could Chicago pull off one of the biggest splashes of the offseason?

Plus — we ask the big question: Can the Cubs rebound after last year’s late-season collapse? We look at key stats, roster needs, and how aggressive Jed Hoyer might be in reshaping this team for 2026.

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, we break down the latest rumors surrounding the Cubs’ search for everyday outfielders as the team prepares for a future that may not include Kyle Tucker. Three names have been buzzing around MLB insider circles — Jo Adell, Jarren Duran, and Steven Kwan — and we’re digging into why these players are reportedly available, how they performed in 2025, and how each one could fit into the Cubs’ 2026 blueprint.

We’ll break down:
🔹 Jo Adell’s massive power surge and why he could replace Tucker’s home run production
🔹 Jarren Duran’s elite speed and defense, and how his profile changes the Cubs’ lineup
🔹 Steven Kwan’s contact-first approach and why he might be the safest everyday outfield option on the market
🔹 What each player would cost, how they’d complement PCA, Happ, and the Cubs’ young core
🔹 Which outfielder gives the Cubs the best path forward if Tucker walks in free agency

If you’re a Cubs fan wanting to understand what the front office might do next, this is a must-watch breakdown packed with insight, stats, roster fits, and realistic trade scenarios.

#ChicagoCubs #CubsCentral #CubsRumors #MLBTrades #MLBRumors #JoAdell #JarrenDuran #StevenKwan #KyleTucker #CubsBaseball #WrigleyField #CubsNation #BaseballNews #MLB2026

Rumors are swirling again — could the Chicago Cubs actually consider signing Max Scherzer to a 1-year deal? In today’s episode, Mike breaks down why this move doesn’t make sense for the Cubs’ long-term pitching plan, the risks involved, and what fans should realistically expect.

We also dive into the breaking news out of Washington: reports suggest MacKenzie Gore could be available via trade. The Cubs checked in once before — but should they circle back now that the market is shifting? Mike analyzes Gore’s upside, injury history, cost, and what a potential deal might look like.

PLUS — we wrap up with another great Viewer Question from the Cubs Central community!

If you’re a die-hard Cubs fan and crave honest, intelligent, and passionate baseball talk… hit that LIKE button, subscribe, and join the conversation!

#ChicagoCubs #CubsCentral #MaxScherzer #MadMax #MacKenzieGore #CubsRumors #MLBTradeRumors #CubsNews #BleedCubbieBlue #GoCubsGo #MLBOffseason #BaseballTalk

🔥 Hashtags

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, we dive deep into the Cubs’ rumored interest in Kansas City Royals left-hander Kris Bubic, a former first-round pick coming off season-ending surgery. The Cubs have reportedly checked in on Bubic as a potential buy-low pitching option — but is he a smart upside play, or another bargain-bin gamble when Chicago needs REAL rotation upgrades?

We break down Bubic’s profile, his pre-injury improvements, his recovery timeline, and whether he could fit into the Cubs’ 2025 pitching plans.

Then we shift to a major topic stirring up the fanbase: Bruce Levine’s comments telling Cubs fans to “trust Jed and Carter” and ignore the noise.
Well… today we explain EXACTLY why Cubs fans should not blindly trust the front office right now.
From failed timelines to lack of big signings, to constantly “checking in” but never pulling the trigger — this episode lays out the truth.

The MLB offseason is heating up — and the Chicago Cubs are right in the middle of it! In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, we dive into TWO blockbuster trade rumors that could reshape the North Side:

💣 Could the Cubs trade for Ketel Marte? Reports out of Arizona say the Diamondbacks may be willing to move their All-Star infielder — and Jed Hoyer could be tempted to add a switch-hitting spark to the lineup.

🔥 Or will the Cubs swing BIG for Fernando Tatis Jr.? With the Padres facing serious financial trouble, Bob Nightengale reports Tatis could be on the market — and the Cubs might just have the prospects to pull it off.

🎙 Hosted by Mike Jones — your home for breaking Cubs news, bold offseason takes, and deep-dive analysis all winter long.

#Cubs #ChicagoCubs #CubsRumors #MLBOffseason #KetelMarte #FernandoTatisJr #KyleTucker #Dodgers #MLBRumors #CubsNews #GoCubsGo