On the seventh episode of Home Runs and Handshake, James Neveau and Frank Nova are back to discuss the state of the Cubs at All-Star break (2:00). They praise the team’s strengths and evaluate their weaknesses (5:45) and heap praise upon Pete Crow-Armstrong, the unquestioned MVP of the team’s season (9:00). Later, they discuss how Daniel Palencia has looked this season (16:45) before debating the Cubs’ biggest need at the trade deadline (19:45). Finally, they break down the Cubs selections in the 2025 MLB Draft (49:30) and the team’s schedule heading out of the break.

0:00 - Intro

2:00 - Thoughts on this Cubs team so far

5:45 - What they need to add at the deadline

9:00 - PCA’s impact on the team

16:45 - Has Daniel Palencia solidified himself as the Cubs’ closer

19:45 - What is the biggest need for the Cubs?

34:40 - Cubs MLB Draft selections

49:30 - All-Star game thoughts