A cold Chicago morning has a way of stripping things down to what matters, and that’s exactly how we tackle the Cubs. We open with the realities shaping the offseason: Wrigley’s wind, a pitching staff that leans contact, and a front office balancing ambition with budget. From there, we connect the dots between Marquee Network’s cost-cutting and the baseball moves fans actually care about, making a clear case for investing in swing-and-miss arms over splashy names that drain resources without moving the win column.

We dig into targets and timelines, explaining why Michael King’s profile fits the Cubs’ needs and how a creative approach—six-man rotation or multi-inning roles—could protect workloads for Cade Horton, Justin Steele, and the rest of the staff. The goal is simple: add a pitcher who forces hitters on their heels, not another arm that invites aggression. On the position side, we argue for value over vanity: keeping Matt Shaw’s upside and cost control beats chasing an expensive third baseman for a marginal upgrade. That surplus value can fund a deeper bullpen and the kind of frontline pitching that swings a series.

Along the way, we talk about the business backdrop the team can’t ignore. Marquee was supposed to be a revenue edge; instead, underperforming subscriptions and off-season content are forcing hard choices. That doesn’t mean waving the white flag; it means choosing the moves that yield the most wins per dollar. We even vent about the Hall of Fame’s selective morality—Jeff Kent in, Bonds and Clemens out—and how that shapes fan sentiment around “big names” versus actual on-field impact.

If you’re ready for a grounded plan to get back atop the NL Central—more strikeouts, smarter usage, and value that compounds—this one’s for you. Subscribe, drop a 5-star review, and tell us: would you trade for an ace or spend in free agency?

Thanks for tuning in!

- Carl & Mahoney