Chicago Cubs Central Podcast

The Cubs rotation is STACKED, but who should be the 2026 Opening Day starter? Let’s break down the numbers from the 2025 season for the top contenders:

⚾ Edward Cabrera (Cubs newcomer) – 8‑7 record, 3.53 ERA, 137.2 innings pitched, 150 strikeouts, and a 1.23 WHIP. Cabrera’s strikeout ability and control make him a strong candidate for the big stage.

⚾ Matthew Boyd – 14‑8 record, 3.21 ERA, 179.2 innings, 154 strikeouts, and 1.09 WHIP. Boyd led the Cubs rotation in innings and wins, showcasing veteran consistency and experience.

⚾ Cade Horton (rookie phenom) – 11‑4 record, 2.67 ERA, 118 innings, 97 strikeouts, and 1.08 WHIP. Horton’s rookie campaign was dominant, with elite run prevention and control, making him a dark horse for the top spot.

📊 Stats don’t lie, but who earns the nod for Opening Day? Is it the reliable veteran Boyd, the high-strikeout newcomer Cabrera, or the electric rookie Horton?

💬 Drop your vote in the comments and let us know who YOU think should start for the Cubs in 202

#ChicagoCubs #OpeningDay2026 #EdwardCabrera #MatthewBoyd #CadeHorton #MLBStats #CubsRotation #CubsPitching #MLBAnalysis #CubsNews

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, Mike breaks down the early Spring Training performances that have fans talking — and maybe even worrying. 👀

🚨 Should Cubs fans be concerned about Jameson Taillon and Shota Imanaga after slow starts this spring?
Is it just early-camp rust… or something bigger that could impact the 2026 rotation?

Mike dives deep into:

• 📉 What’s going on with Taillon’s command and velocity

• 🇯🇵 How Imanaga is adjusting this spring

• 🔍 Whether these struggles actually matter long term

But it’s not all bad news on the North Side 👏

🌟 Dylan Carlson is turning heads this spring.
💪 Kevin Alcántara is making a serious statement and pushing for a bigger role.

Could Carlson carve out meaningful at-bats?
Is Alcántara forcing the Cubs’ hand with his breakout performance?

Mike breaks down what’s real, what’s overreaction, and what this all means for the Cubs heading into the 2026 season.

👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments:
Are you worried about Taillon and Imanaga? Or is it way too early to panic?

🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications for more Cubs news, rumors, roster breakdowns, and season analysis!

#ChicagoCubs #CubsBaseball #CubsSpringTraining #JamesonTaillon #ShotaImanaga #DylanCarlson #KevinAlcantara #MLBNews #MLBSpringTraining #CubsNation #CubsCentral #BaseballTalk #MLBAnalysis #NorthSide

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, Mike breaks down the HUGE news that Cubs ace Justin Steele has officially been cleared by his doctors — and now the biggest question becomes: how soon will we see him back pitching in the majors?

Mike dives deep into what Steele’s return timeline could look like and analyzes how this development could completely reshape the Cubs heading into the 2026 MLB season.

🔎 In this episode:
✅ Justin Steele injury update & recovery progress
✅ When could Steele realistically return to the Cubs rotation?
✅ How does this impact the current pitching staff?
✅ Potential roster shakeups and tough decisions ahead
✅ What Steele’s return means for the Cubs’ playoff hopes in 2026
✅ Is this the move that changes the season outlook?

With the Cubs looking to compete in a tough NL Central, Steele’s health could be the X-factor that determines whether Chicago becomes a true contender. Mike breaks down the scenarios, rotation possibilities, and what fans should expect next.

⚾ If you’re a Cubs fan who wants real analysis, roster insight, and daily team discussion — this episode is for you!

👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more Chicago Cubs news, rumors, and analysis every week!

#ChicagoCubs #CubsBaseball #JustinSteele #ChicagoCubsCentral #MLBNews #CubsRotation #MLB2026 #CubsNation #MLBUpdates #BaseballTalk #CubsFans #NLCCentral #MLBAnalysis #BaseballYouTube #CubsPitching

The Chicago Cubs may already have their next breakout star — and most fans aren’t talking about him yet. In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, we break down why top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins could become a major difference-maker for the Cubs as soon as the 2026 season.

After a dominant minor league season featuring elite strikeout numbers, a power fastball touching triple digits, and rapidly improving command, Wiggins is climbing the Cubs’ system fast. Could he be the hidden ace behind the next Cubs playoff push?

⚾ In this episode:
✅ Jaxon Wiggins’ 2025 breakout stats explained
✅ Pitch arsenal breakdown (Fastball, Slider, Changeup)
✅ Why scouts believe his ceiling is higher than expected
✅ How he fits into the Cubs’ 2026 rotation plans
✅ MLB debut timeline prediction
✅ Why Wiggins could be Chicago’s ultimate X-factor

If you’re a Cubs fan looking ahead to the future, this is a prospect you NEED to know about.

🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for weekly Cubs news, rumors, analysis, and prospect coverage!

#ChicagoCubs #JaxonWiggins #CubsProspects #MLBProspects #CubsBaseball #MLBPipeline #CubsNation #ChicagoSports #MLB2026 #BaseballProspects #CubsCentral #MLBNews #BaseballYouTube #PitchingProspects #GoCubsGo

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, Mike Jones is joined by Rich Mercer to break down the Chicago Cubs’ latest move — signing veteran outfielder Michael Conforto.

Is this a savvy win-now addition? Or are the Cubs leaning too heavily on veteran talent instead of letting their young core develop?

We dive deep into:
⚾ What Conforto brings to the lineup
⚾ How this impacts the Cubs’ young players
⚾ Whether the front office is prioritizing experience over development
⚾ Are the Cubs blocking their own future stars?

With so much young talent ready to take the next step, this move raises a big question — Can the Cubs truly trust the kids? Or are they playing it too safe?

Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇
Are these veteran signings helping Chicago compete — or slowing down the youth movement?

🔔 Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications for more Cubs coverage all season long!

#ChicagoCubs
#CubsBaseball
#CubsNation
#MichaelConforto
#MLBFreeAgency
#CubsRumors
#CubsOffseason
#MLBNews
#NorthSide
#WrigleyField
#CubsProspects
#MLBHotStove
#BaseballTalk
#ChicagoSports
#CubsCentral

Is there reason for Cubs fans to be concerned?

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, Mike and Big Kev break down the growing buzz around Seiya Suzuki and his relationship with Murakami of the Chicago White Sox. Could that connection actually matter in the future? And the big question — is there ANY scenario where Seiya could end up signing on the South Side?

We dive into:
• The Suzuki–Murakami connection and what it really means
• Contract implications and long-term Cubs outlook
• Would the Chicago Cubs ever risk losing Seiya to their crosstown rivals?
• Cubs vs. White Sox Spring Training opener recap
• Overreactions or real concerns after the early loss?

Plus, we discuss whether this Spring Training matchup is just baseball in February — or an early tone-setter for the Chicago rivalry in 2026.

Is this harmless speculation… or something Cubs fans should keep an eye on?

🔥 Don’t miss this heated Crosstown conversation!

Make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for weekly Cubs news, analysis, rumors, roster breakdowns, and everything Chicago baseball.

#ChicagoCubs #Cubs #ChicagoCubsCentral #SeiyaSuzuki #WhiteSox #CrosstownClassic #MLB #SpringTraining #CubsSpringTraining #MLBRumors #CubsNation #NorthSide #SouthSide #BaseballTalk #MLBNews #CubsPodcast #ChicagoBaseball #MLBAnalysis

Spring Training is heating up, and the Chicago Cubs have some BIG decisions to make. In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, Mike Jones breaks down the FINAL THREE roster spots that are still up for grabs. With young talent pushing for opportunities and veterans fighting to stay relevant, these competitions could shape the Cubs’ entire 2026 season.

Who has the edge? Who’s on the outside looking in? And which players could surprise everyone and force their way onto the roster?

Plus, we dive into a HUGE mailbag question that Cubs fans can’t stop talking about: Should the Cubs sign Trevor Bauer? Would Bauer strengthen the rotation and give the Cubs the edge they need to compete for a division title — or would the move bring too much risk?

Mike gives his honest analysis on Bauer’s upside, the Cubs’ current pitching depth, and whether a move like this makes sense for the organization right now.

If you're a die-hard Cubs fan, this is an episode you CAN’T miss.

🔥 Topics Covered:
• Final 3 Cubs roster spots — who wins the battle?
• Which young Cubs players are making serious noise
• Rotation depth analysis heading into 2026
• Mailbag: Should the Cubs sign Trevor Bauer?
• What these decisions mean for the Cubs’ playoff chances

Make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for weekly Cubs coverage, breaking news, roster analysis, and everything Cubs baseball.

#ChicagoCubs #Cubs #ChicagoCubsCentral #CubsBaseball #MLB #SpringTraining #CubsSpringTraining #TrevorBauer #CubsRoster #MLBRumors #Baseball #MLBNews #CubsNation #NorthSiders #CubsFans #MLBAnalysis #BaseballTalk #MLBUpdates #CubsPodcast #BaseballYouTube

🔥 Chicago Cubs Central | Spring Training Expectations & The Alex Bregman Effect! 🔥

Baseball is BACK and the expectations are HIGH on the North Side! ⚾🐻

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, Mike is joined by Cody Delmendo from the Wrigleyville Forever Podcast to break down everything you need to know heading into Spring Training and the 2026 season.

We dive into:

✅ What realistic expectations look like for the Cubs this spring
✅ Who needs to step up in camp
✅ Key position battles to watch
✅ The leadership and clubhouse impact of Alex Bregman
✅ How Bregman’s presence could elevate this roster to contender status

Is this the year the Cubs take the next step? Can this mix of veterans and young talent make a serious NL run? And just how big of a difference is Bregman making already?

If you're a diehard Cubs fan, this is the episode you don't want to miss.

👉 Make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more Cubs coverage all season long!

#ChicagoCubs
#CubsSpringTraining
#AlexBregman
#CubsBaseball
#WrigleyField
#MLB
#NorthSide
#CubsNation
#CubsPodcast
#ChicagoSports

Join Mike Jones and Big Kev as they break down all the latest on this weekly conversation between Cubs fans and Sox fans!

Michael Busch put together a huge 2025 season, but is he still flying under the radar?

On this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, we take a deep dive into Michael Busch’s breakout year, examine his 2025 stats, and discuss why manager Craig Counsell has already hinted at an even bigger role for Busch in 2026. As the Cubs continue to shape their core, one big question needs to be asked:

👉 Is Michael Busch on the verge of becoming a star?

We break down:

• Michael Busch’s impactful 2025 season

• Why his production may be more impressive than it looks

• Craig Counsell’s comments and what they signal for 2026

• What Busch needs to improve to take the next step

• Whether he’s becoming a true cornerstone player for the Cubs

With expectations rising and opportunities expanding, 2026 could be the season that officially puts Michael Busch on the map as one of the Cubs’ most important players.

💬 Do you think Michael Busch is becoming a star, or does he still have another level to reach? Let us know in the comments!

👍 Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more Chicago Cubs news, analysis, debates, and breakdowns all season long.

#ChicagoCubs #MichaelBusch #CubsBaseball #ChicagoCubsCentral #CubsNation #MLB #MLBAnalysis #CubsTalk #NorthSide #CubsFuture #BaseballPodcast #CubsContent