Chicago Cubs Central Podcast

Jed Hoyer has been busy reshaping the Chicago Cubs bullpen heading into the 2026 season — but the big question is: is it enough to contend?

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, we break down the Cubs’ newest bullpen additions Hunter Harvey, Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb, and Phil Maton, and analyze how effective these moves could be based on their 2025 MLB stats and performance.

We also take a deep dive into how these new arms fit alongside Caleb Thielbar, Daniel Palencia, Colin Rea, and Javier Assad. Does this group have enough swing-and-miss? Enough high-leverage reliability? And most importantly — what are the Cubs STILL missing in the bullpen?

🔥 Topics Covered in This Episode:

• 2025 stats & analytics for Hunter Harvey, Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb & Phil Maton

• How these bullpen additions impact the Cubs’ 2026 outlook

• Can Daniel Palencia anchor the back end as the closer?

• Are Thielbar, Rea, and Assad enough depth arms?

• What type of bullpen arm the Cubs still need to become World Series contenders

• Fan question: Is this bullpen built for October baseball?

📢 Cubs fans — we want to hear from YOU:
👉 Are you confident in this bullpen?
👉 Do the Cubs need one more elite reliever?
👉 Grade Jed Hoyer’s bullpen rebuild so far!

Make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more Chicago Cubs news, breakdowns, and offseason analysis all year long.

#ChicagoCubs #CubsBullpen #JedHoyer #ChicagoCubsCentral
#MLBBullpen #CubsOffseason #Cubs2026 #HunterHarvey
#PhilMaton #HobyMilner #JacobWebb #DanielPalencia
#CalebThielbar #JavierAssad #ColinRea #MLBAnalysis
#CubsTalk #CubsYouTube #MLBNews #CubsNation

The Kyle Tucker market is heating up… or is it slowing down? 🤔
In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, Mike breaks down why the longer Tucker remains unsigned, the more likely it becomes that “King Tuck” returns to Chicago on a short-term deal.

We dive deep into:
⚾ Why Kyle Tucker’s free-agent market may not be developing as expected
⚾ How timing is working in the Cubs’ favor
⚾ What a short-term reunion deal could realistically look like
⚾ The pros and cons of bringing Tucker back to Wrigley
⚾ And the BIG question — do Cubs fans want a King Tuck reunion? 👑🐻

With the Cubs still needing impact bats and front-office decisions looming, this could be one of the most important storylines of the offseason.

👇 Sound off in the comments:
Would YOU sign Kyle Tucker to bring him back to Chicago?
Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more Cubs coverage all offseason long!

#ChicagoCubs #KyleTucker #KingTuck #CubsNation #ChicagoCubsCentral
#MLBFreeAgency #CubsOffseason #WrigleyField #MLBHotStove
#CubsTalk #MLBNews #BaseballYouTube #NorthSide
#CubsRumors #CubsFans #MLB2025 #CubsBaseball

Jon Heyman dropped a major bombshell on December 23rd, reporting that the Chicago Cubs could be in on not just Tatsuya Imai — but ALSO Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto 👀🇯🇵

On this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, Mike breaks down:
⚾ Why the Cubs are suddenly linked to TWO elite Japanese stars
⚾ What it would mean if Kazuma Okamoto’s value plummets
⚾ Could the Cubs actually land Okamoto AND Imai on bargain deals?
⚾ Would YOU want the Cubs to sign the 29-year-old power bat if the price is right?
⚾ Is this the bold move Cubs fans have been waiting for this offseason?

Okamoto has been one of Japan’s most consistent power hitters, and pairing him with Imai could completely change the Cubs’ outlook for 2025 and beyond. Is this smart roster building… or another offseason gamble?

💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments:
👉 Would you sign Okamoto if his market crashes?
👉 Would landing BOTH players save the Cubs’ offseason?

🔔 Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for daily Cubs news, rumors, and analysis!

#ChicagoCubs #CubsNation #ChicagoCubsCentral #KazumaOkamoto #TatsuyaImai
#CubsRumors #MLBRumors #NPB #JapaneseBaseball #CubsOffseason
#MLBHotStove #JonHeyman #CubsNews #BaseballTalk #MLB2025

It’s almost Christmas — and Chicago Cubs fans are still waiting.

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, Mike asks the question every Cubs fan is thinking: What’s the hold up? Why haven’t the Cubs made a major move yet this offseason?

We break down the Cubs’ lack of urgency, evaluate the roster as it currently stands, and ask fans to grade the Cubs’ offseason so far. With clear needs still glaring, the clock is ticking.

The Cubs still need:
⚾ A middle-of-the-order bat
⚾ A shutdown closer
⚾ One or two starting pitchers

Names like Cody Bellinger, Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, Pete Fairbanks, and Tatsuya Imai are all discussed as potential targets — but will the Cubs actually pull the trigger?

Are the Cubs being patient… or cheap?
Is this front office waiting for bargains while the division improves?
And how much longer can fans be expected to wait?

Drop your offseason grade in the comments and tell us what move HAS to happen next.

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The Chicago Cubs may be exploring creative trade options to upgrade their starting rotation — and one name continues to stand out: Edward Cabrera.

In this episode, we break down how the Cubs could realistically trade for Miami Marlins starter Edward Cabrera, a controllable, power-armed pitcher with front-of-the-rotation upside. With the Orioles pivoting after trading for Shane Boz, does this open the door for Chicago to strike?

We dive deep into Cabrera’s MLB stats, pitch profile, contract control, and what it would take to get a deal done. Could the Cubs put together a package centered around Jordan Wicks and Ben Brown? Is Cabrera worth the cost, or would the Cubs be giving up too much pitching depth?

This episode covers:
⚾ Edward Cabrera trade rumors
⚾ Cubs rotation needs and urgency
⚾ Breakdown of a Wicks + Ben Brown trade proposal
⚾ Why Miami may (or may not) deal Cabrera
⚾ Risk vs reward for the Cubs
⚾ What this move means for the Cubs’ playoff chances

Let us know in the comments: Would YOU trade Jordan Wicks and Ben Brown for Edward Cabrera?
Make sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more Chicago Cubs Central coverage all offseason long.

#ChicagoCubs
#CubsTradeRumors
#EdwardCabrera
#CubsRotation
#MLBTradeRumors
#CubsOffseason
#MLBHotStove
#JordanWicks
#BenBrown
#Marlins
#CubsNews
#CubsCentral
#MLBAnalysis
#BaseballTalk
#NorthSide

Are the Chicago Cubs sleepwalking through the offseason?

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, we break down the Cubs’ lack of urgency this winter, their continued bargain-hunting approach, and why missing out on pitchers like Michael King, Devin Williams, and Brad Keller is pushing this offseason toward complete failure.

With Michael King re-signing with the Padres, the Cubs’ rotation options are shrinking fast — and now the pressure is on. If the Cubs don’t land Tatsuya Imai, one of the top international pitching targets available, what message does that send to fans?

We dive into:
⚾ The Cubs’ 2025 payroll and spending trends
⚾ Why Chicago keeps losing out on impact arms
⚾ How close the Cubs really are to the luxury tax
⚾ Why Tatsuya Imai is now a MUST-SIGN
⚾ Whether ownership is prioritizing profit over winning

This is a make-or-break offseason for the Cubs. Are they serious contenders — or stuck playing it safe while the rest of MLB spends big?

💬 Join the conversation:
Should the Cubs open the checkbook for Imai?
Is this offseason already a failure if they don’t?

#ChicagoCubs
#CubsOffseason
#CubsRumors
#CubsNews
#CubsCentral
#MLBHotStove
#MLBFreeAgency
#TatsuyaImai
#CubsPitching
#CubsRotation
#CubsPayroll
#MLBRumors
#BaseballTalk
#FlyTheW

Are the Chicago Cubs on the verge of a blockbuster trade? 👀 Reports say the San Francisco Giants have called about Nico Hoerner, and Cubs fans are already asking the big question — is a Nico trade incoming?On this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, we break down:⚾ Why Nico Hoerner’s name is suddenly in trade rumors⚾ Whether a blockbuster deal involving Rafael Devers is realistic or pure fan fantasy⚾ A full stat comparison between Hoerner and Devers and how each fits the Cubs’ long-term vision⚾ The Cubs’ quiet signing of Tyler Austin after his success in Japan — and whether his NPB numbers can translate to MLBIs Nico Hoerner too valuable to move? Would you trade elite defense and speed for middle-of-the-order power? And can Tyler Austin be a sneaky pickup for the Cubs bench or DH role?👇 Jump into the comments and tell us:👉 Is a Nico Hoerner trade coming?👉 Would YOU trade him for Rafael Devers?👉 What are your expectations for Tyler Austin this season?Subscribe for more Chicago Cubs news, trade rumors, analysis, and daily Cubs coverage!#ChicagoCubs#CubsTradeRumors#NicoHoerner#RafaelDevers#CubsNation#MLBTradeRumors#CubsOffseason#TylerAustin#CubsBaseball#ChicagoSports#CubsCentral

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, we break down why bringing Caleb Thielbar back stabilizes the Cubs bullpen and what his 2025 regular season and playoff performance tells us about his role moving forward. From late-inning reliability to veteran leadership, Thielbar’s return could be a sneaky-important move for a Cubs team looking to contend.

We also take a deep dive into one of the most intriguing arms in the Cubs farm system — Jaxon Wiggins. We analyze his 2025 minor league numbers, pitch mix, velocity, and development path, and discuss whether Wiggins could realistically earn a call-up to the major league roster this season. Is he a future starter? A bullpen weapon? Or a name Cubs fans need to remember right now?

Plus:
⚾ Why Thielbar’s presence matters for young pitchers
⚾ What the Cubs need to see from Wiggins before promoting him
⚾ How bullpen depth impacts the Cubs’ long-term pitching plans

Let us know in the comments — should the Cubs give Jaxon Wiggins a shot in Chicago this year, or let him develop more in Triple-A?
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more Cubs coverage!

#ChicagoCubs #Cubs #ChicagoCubsCentral #CalebThielbar #JaxonWiggins #CubsBullpen #CubsProspects #MLB #MLBProspects #CubsFarmSystem #CubsPitching #NorthSide #CubsNation #BaseballTalk #MLBNews

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, Mike Jones breaks down a potential blockbuster trade scenario that could reshape the Cubs’ pitching staff for years to come.

The Cubs are in desperate need of bullpen help and another reliable starting pitcher, and two names stand out as possible solutions: Mason Miller and Nick Pivetta. Both pitchers faced the Cubs in the 2025 Wild Card Series, and both made a major impression.

💥 Could the Cubs trade for Mason Miller, one of the most dominant high-velocity bullpen arms in baseball?
💥 Is Nick Pivetta the rotation stabilizer the Cubs need to compete in October?
💥 What would the Padres demand in return, and are the Cubs willing to pay the price?

We dive into:

• Mason Miller’s electric 2025 season and postseason dominance

• Nick Pivetta’s ace-level performance and playoff start vs Chicago

• Realistic trade packages the Padres could ask for

• Whether the Cubs should cash in prospects to win now

• How these moves could set the Cubs up long-term

This episode asks the big question Cubs fans are debating right now — do you build patiently, or go all-in?

👇 Join the conversation in the comments:
Would YOU trade top Cubs prospects for Mason Miller or Nick Pivetta?

#ChicagoCubs #CubsNews #CubsRumors #MLBTradeRumors #MasonMiller #NickPivetta #CubsBullpen #CubsRotation #MLBHotStove #Padres #MLB2025 #CubsCentral #WinNow #BaseballTalk

In this episode, Mike Jones fires up a brand-new game with the viewers: “What Are The Odds?” — and today, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Chicago Cubs.

News has exploded out of Los Angeles that the Dodgers are unwilling to offer Kyle Tucker a long-term contract. Could this stunning development bring the Cubs back into the mix? Is a Kyle Tucker reunion suddenly a real possibility for Chicago?

And that’s not all…
Fresh reports say Tatsuya Imai could command a massive 6-year, $135 million contract. Is he worth ace-level money? Will the Cubs step up and pay it, or will another team beat them to the punch?

Mike breaks down the odds, the rumors, the numbers, and what these huge decisions could mean for the 2026 Cubs roster.

⭐ Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT your odds, and SUBSCRIBE for all Cubs updates!

#ChicagoCubs #CubsNews #CubsRumors #KyleTucker #TatsuyaImai #MLBOffseason #CubsCentral #MikeJones #GoCubsGo #MLBNews #BaseballRumors