Chicago Cubs Central Podcast

The Chicago Cubs weren't finished making moves! In today's episode of Chicago Cubs Central, we're breaking down the Cubs' latest blockbuster deals with the Los Angeles Angels and everything they accomplished before the trade deadline.

⚾ In this episode:

• 🔥 Why the Cubs traded top prospect Moisés Ballesteros
• 💪 What Ryan Zeferjahn brings to the Cubs bullpen
• 👀 The addition of Reid Detmers and how he fits into the rotation
• 📊 Full breakdown of every Cubs trade at the deadline
• 🧢 Did Jed Hoyer make the Cubs legitimate World Series contenders?
• 🎯 My overall trade deadline grade for Chicago

The Cubs clearly pushed their chips to the middle of the table, adding proven pitching while parting with several talented prospects. Was it the right move? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

👇 COMMENT BELOW:
Did the Cubs win the 2026 trade deadline? Grade their moves from A–F!

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• Like the video 👍
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#ChicagoCubs #Cubs #MLB #MLBTradeDeadline #RyanZeferjahn #ReidDetmers #MoisesBallesteros #JedHoyer #CubsNation #WrigleyField #ChicagoCubsCentral #Baseball

The clock is ticking for the Chicago Cubs. With less than 24 hours until the MLB Trade Deadline, Jed Hoyer has one final opportunity to make a move that could reshape the Cubs' postseason hopes.

On this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, Mike Jones dives into the latest trade rumors and breaks down every realistic target linked to the Cubs. Is a blockbuster trade still on the table, or has Jed Hoyer already made his biggest moves?

Mike analyzes whether the Cubs could make a serious push for Mason Miller, one of baseball's most electric closers, or strengthen the rotation with George Kirby, Reid Detmers, José Soriano, or Emerson Hancock. Plus, could the Cubs shock the baseball world by pursuing one of the game's brightest young stars in James Wood?

With the deadline rapidly approaching, every rumor matters, every decision counts, and the Cubs' front office is officially on trade watch.

• 🚨 Cubs officially on trade watch
• ⏰ Just 24 hours until the MLB Trade Deadline
• 🔥 Latest Mason Miller rumors
• 💪 George Kirby trade possibilities
• ⚾ Reid Detmers, José Soriano & Emerson Hancock breakdowns
• 👀 Could James Wood become a surprise Cubs target?
• 📊 Mike Jones predicts what Jed Hoyer will do before the deadline expires

Will the Cubs make one more blockbuster move, or is the roster set for the stretch run? Drop your predictions in the comments below!

👍 Like this video if you're excited for the trade deadline!
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#ChicagoCubs #Cubs #MLBTradeDeadline #JedHoyer #MasonMiller #GeorgeKirby #ReidDetmers #JoseSoriano #EmersonHancock #JamesWood #TradeRumors #MLB #ChicagoCubsCentral #Baseball #GoCubsGo

⚾ In This Episode:

Could the Chicago Cubs have their next starting pitcher in Emerson Hancock?

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, Mike Jones takes a deep dive into one of the most intriguing trade targets ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline. While most fans are focused on the biggest names available, Emerson Hancock may be the perfect combination of talent, affordability, and long-term value for the Cubs.

We break down Hancock's outstanding 2026 season, his six-pitch arsenal, advanced metrics, and why he could fit seamlessly into Craig Counsell's rotation. We also discuss what a potential trade package might look like, why the Seattle Mariners could be willing to listen, and whether Jed Hoyer should prioritize a controllable starter over a short-term rental.

In this episode:

• Emerson Hancock's breakout 2026 season
• Why his pitch mix fits the Cubs perfectly
• The current state of the Cubs' starting rotation
• Potential Cubs-Mariners trade packages
• Is Hancock worth the prospect cost?
• Could this be Jed Hoyer's smartest move of the deadline?

Do you think the Cubs should make a move for Emerson Hancock? What would you be willing to give up to get him? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

If you enjoy Cubs news, trade rumors, roster analysis, game breakdowns, and daily Chicago Cubs coverage, be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Chicago Cubs Central!

#ChicagoCubs #Cubs #EmersonHancock #MLBTradeRumors #JedHoyer #CraigCounsell #Mariners #MLB #Baseball #ChicagoCubsCentral #TradeDeadline #CubsRumors

Is it finally time for the Chicago Cubs to move on from Jameson Taillon?

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, Mike takes an in-depth look at one of the toughest decisions facing Jed Hoyer and the Cubs front office. While Taillon has been a respected veteran and a true professional throughout his career, the question isn't about effort—it's about results.

With the Cubs fighting for a playoff spot and chasing a World Series, can they continue to rely on a starter who has struggled to consistently keep the team in games? Mike breaks down the numbers, the recent performances, and why the Cubs may need to make a difficult decision before it's too late.

Could a trade deadline acquisition, a younger arm, or a change within the organization give Chicago a better chance to compete in October?

• 🔹 Why Jameson Taillon may no longer fit the Cubs' championship plans
• 🔹 The biggest concerns with his recent performances
• 🔹 How his struggles impact the rest of the pitching staff
• 🔹 What options Jed Hoyer has moving forward
• 🔹 Should the Cubs replace Taillon before the playoff push?

This isn't about criticizing the player—it's about asking what's best for a team with World Series aspirations.

👇 We want to hear from Cubs Nation!

• Should Jameson Taillon stay in the rotation?
• Should the Cubs trade for another starting pitcher?
• Who would you replace him with?
• What should Jed Hoyer do before the trade deadline?

👍 If you enjoyed the video, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS for more Cubs news, trade rumors, game analysis, and breaking updates from Chicago Cubs Central!

⚾ In This Episode:

🚨 The Chicago Cubs have made a move—but is it the move fans have been waiting for?

On this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, Mike dives into one of the biggest questions surrounding the Cubs: Should Jed Hoyer make a blockbuster move at the trade deadline, or is standing pat the smarter play?

With the Cubs battling for postseason position, is it finally time for the front office to push all of its chips to the center of the table? Mike breaks down the risks, the potential trade targets, and whether the Cubs are just one impact player away from becoming legitimate World Series contenders.

⚾ Plus, James Triantos is officially getting the call to the big leagues!

What can Cubs fans expect from one of the organization's top young talents? Can Triantos provide an offensive spark? Where does he fit defensively, and could this promotion signal bigger roster moves to come?

In this episode:

• 🔹 James Triantos officially called up
• 🔹 What Triantos brings to the Cubs
• 🔹 Should Jed Hoyer make a blockbuster trade?
• 🔹 Is this roster good enough to compete for a World Series?
• 🔹 What the Cubs must do before the trade deadline

👇 Join the conversation in the comments!

• Should Jed Hoyer go all-in at the deadline?
• Who should the Cubs trade for?
• Can James Triantos make an immediate impact?
• Is this Cubs team built to win the World Series?

👍 If you love Cubs baseball, be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS so you never miss an episode of Chicago Cubs Central!

The Chicago Cubs are showing why they're one of the most dangerous teams in baseball, and Shota Imanaga is a huge reason why! After battling through inconsistency earlier this season, Imanaga is beginning to look like the dominant pitcher Cubs fans fell in love with. Has he officially turned the corner?In today's episode of Chicago Cubs Central, we break down Shota's recent performances, the numbers behind his resurgence, and why his return to form could completely change the Cubs' outlook for the remainder of the season.We also dive into one of the most intriguing names on the trade market: Clay Holmes of the New York Mets. Could Holmes be the missing piece in the Cubs' rotation? We analyze his pitch mix, why his elite ground-ball profile fits perfectly with Craig Counsell's philosophy, and what it might cost Jed Hoyer to bring him to Chicago before the trade deadline.If the Cubs are serious about winning the NL Central and making a deep postseason run, this may be the move that puts them over the top.⚾ Topics Covered:Shota Imanaga's recent turnaroundWhy his success changes the Cubs' playoff outlookIs Clay Holmes the perfect trade target?What Holmes would bring to the Cubs' rotationTrade deadline strategy for Jed HoyerCan the Cubs catch Milwaukee and make a World Series push?If you love Cubs baseball, be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS so you never miss an episode of Chicago Cubs Central!🐻 Join the conversation below:Should the Cubs trade for Clay Holmes, or should Jed Hoyer pursue another starting pitcher before the deadline?#ChicagoCubs #Cubs #MLB #ShotaImanaga #ClayHolmes #MLBTradeDeadline #JedHoyer #CraigCounsell #WrigleyField #Baseball #CubsNation #ChicagoCubsCentral

 BREAKING Cubs News! Could the San Diego Padres actually move All-Star closer Mason Miller? If the rumors become reality, the Chicago Cubs should be first in line.

In this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, Mike breaks down why Mason Miller could become one of the biggest names on the trade market and why Jed Hoyer should make an aggressive push to bring the flamethrowing closer to the North Side.

 In this episode:

• Why the Padres could consider trading Mason Miller
• What makes Miller one of baseball’s most dominant relievers
• How he would instantly transform the Cubs’ bullpen
• What a realistic trade package might look like
• Is this the move that could put Chicago over the top in the National League?

With the Cubs fighting for postseason success, adding an elite, game-changing closer could be the difference between an early exit and a deep October run.

Do you think the Cubs should go all-in for Mason Miller? Let us know your trade package in the comments!

 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS so you never miss breaking Cubs news, trade rumors, game recaps, and in-depth analysis right here on Chicago Cubs Central!

#ChicagoCubs #Cubs #MasonMiller #MLBTradeRumors #JedHoyer #MLB #Baseball #MLBNews #CubsNation #ChicagoCubsCentral
:::

Mike Jones is joined by Cubs content creator Blake Cowell for one of the biggest conversations of the season as the Cubs prepare for the stretch run.

Despite the ups and downs of the first half, Blake explains why Cubs fans should still have confidence that this team can accomplish its biggest goals in 2026. Is a division title still within reach? Can Chicago finally get past Milwaukee? And what has to change if the Cubs want to become a legitimate postseason threat?

In this episode we discuss:
🔥 Why Blake remains extremely optimistic about the Cubs' second-half outlook
⚾ The biggest reasons this team can still make a deep playoff run
📉 Which Cubs players have disappointed the most this season
💪 Who absolutely MUST step up if Chicago wants to reach October
📊 Key storylines to watch after the All-Star break
🏆 Bold predictions for the remainder of the 2026 season

If you're a die-hard Cubs fan, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

👇 Let us know in the comments:
Can the Cubs win the NL Central? Who needs to step up the most in the second half?

👍 Like the video
🔔 Subscribe to Chicago Cubs Central
📢 Share this episode with every Cubs fan you know!

#ChicagoCubs #Cubs #MLB #CubsBaseball #GoCubsGo #NLCentral #BaseballPodcast #ChicagoSports #MLBPodcast #WrigleyField #PeteCrowArmstrong #SeiyaSuzuki #KyleTucker #ShotaImanaga #ChicagoCubsCentral
:::

Who's the biggest problem on the 2026 Chicago Cubs? 🤔

On this episode of Chicago Cubs Central, Mike is joined by Set Up Man Ty for an unforgettable midseason discussion as they break down everything from the Cubs' first half of the 2026 season.

The Cubs have shown flashes of being one of the National League's best teams—but why are they still chasing the Milwaukee Brewers? Is it the offense? The bullpen? The rotation? Or are bigger issues keeping this team from taking over the NL Central?

Mike and Ty don't hold back as they discuss:

• ⚾ The biggest problem facing the Cubs
• 🔥 Who deserves praise—and who deserves criticism
• 📉 Why Milwaukee continues to stay ahead
• 💥 What the Cubs MUST do at the trade deadline
• 🏆 Can Chicago still win the NL Central?
• 👀 Bold predictions for the second half of the 2026 season
• 🎯 Expectations for October and beyond

If you're a die-hard Cubs fan, this is the midseason conversation you don't want to miss. Join the debate and let us know in the comments:

Who do YOU think is the Cubs' biggest problem heading into the second half?

👍 Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS so you never miss another episode of Chicago Cubs Central!

#ChicagoCubs #Cubs #ChicagoCubsCentral #MLB #MLB2026 #CubsNation #GoCubsGo #Baseball #NLCentral #MilwaukeeBrewers #MLBTradeDeadline #PeteCrowArmstrong #WrigleyField #CubsTalk #BaseballPodcast

The first half of the season is officially in the books, and it's time to ask the biggest question facing the Chicago Cubs...

Are the Cubs built to make a legitimate World Series run in the second half?

On this special episode of Chicago Cubs Central, host Mike Jones is joined by Cody Delmendo of 312 Sports Chicago and the Off the Ivy Podcast for an in-depth first-half review that every Cubs fan needs to hear.

Together, they break down everything that has defined the Cubs' season so far—the highs, the lows, the biggest surprises, and what must happen if this team is going to play meaningful baseball deep into October.

🔥 In this episode:

• Our biggest surprises from the Cubs' first half
• The biggest disappointments that have held the team back
• Why Nico Hoerner's slow start became a major talking point
• Has Alex Bregman finally started to turn things around?
• How the Cubs managed to survive a brutal wave of injuries
• Does Craig Counsell deserve far more credit than he's receiving?
• Which players need to step up after the All-Star break?
• Can the Cubs hold off the competition and stay atop the division?
• Bold second-half predictions
• Playoff expectations and what success really looks like in 2026

The Cubs have dealt with adversity all season long, but they're still in the fight. Was the first half a sign of a championship-caliber team, or are there still too many questions to answer?

Mike and Cody give their honest opinions, disagree on several key topics, and explain what Cubs fans should be watching as the second half begins.

👇 We want to hear from YOU!

What was your biggest surprise of the first half?
Who has been your biggest disappointment?
Does Craig Counsell deserve Manager of the Year consideration?
How far will the Cubs go this season?

Drop your thoughts in the comments!

If you enjoy Cubs coverage all season long, hit that LIKE button, SUBSCRIBE to Chicago Cubs Central, and turn on notifications so you never miss another episode.

#ChicagoCubs #Cubs #MLB #CraigCounsell #AlexBregman #NicoHoerner #Baseball #CubsNation #MLBTalk #ChicagoSports #CubsCentral #GoCubs #312Sports #OffTheIvy