Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-ninth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! It’s a busy week for roster logistics, with the 40-man roster deadline and the Qualifying Offer acceptance deadline both hitting. The guys walk through how the Rule 5 Draft works and what those roster decisions mean for the Cubs heading into the winter.

They also react to Shota Imanaga accepting the Cubs’ $22 million Qualifying Offer, keeping him in Chicago for 2026. It’s a strong short-term outcome for both sides and a reflection of how much the Cubs valued bringing him back on a one-year deal.

Finally, Brett and Michael look ahead at potential offseason priorities—including whether the Cubs could make a move to solidify third base before spring training.

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Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-eighth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! Not much movement yet in the Cubs’ offseason, but the big storyline remains Shota Imanaga’s qualifying offer decision, which must come by November 18.

Reports suggest Imanaga is expected to decline the $22 million offer, with his camp exploring what his market might look like if he does. If he accepts, he’ll return to the Cubs for 2026. If he declines, he could still re-sign in Chicago—but if he signs elsewhere, the Cubs would receive a compensatory draft pick after the second round.

Meanwhile, all signs point to the Cubs being active in the starting pitching market, with names like Tatsuya Imai, Dylan Cease, and others emerging as possible targets. The guys dig into Cease’s current career arc and discuss what kind of deal or trade value he might carry.

Finally, they ask the offseason question on everyone’s mind: could the Cubs bring back Cody Bellinger?

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Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-seventh episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They discuss the Cubs’ decision to decline Shota Imanaga’s option, what it means for his future, and whether a Qualifying Offer could still be in play. 

They also touch on Shane Bieber’s surprising one-year deal to stay in Toronto, how front offices are approaching short-term pitching contracts, and the Cubs’ new one-year agreement with Colin Rea heading into 2026.

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Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-sixth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! With the baseball season nearing its end, the guys talk through a range of topics—from dominant postseason pitching performances to what lies ahead for the Cubs.

They start by discussing Trey Yesavage’s breakout playoff and World Series run, and where a pitcher with his stuff would have finished the year if he were a Cubs prospect—Double-A? Triple-A? The conversation expands into the growing league-wide trend toward promoting talented young pitchers earlier. With more arms entering pro ball already polished, are teams ready to embrace a true youth movement on the mound? And could future CBA changes accelerate that timeline even more?

The guys also dive into Jon Heyman’s report about the Cubs’ unwillingness to structure a Shohei Ohtani contract the same way the Dodgers did—with 97% of his record $700 million deferred. They unpack how that shaped the final bidding process, what the Cubs’ reported $500 million offer says about their strategy, and whether the Dodgers’ deferral-heavy model offered hidden tax benefits that helped seal the deal.

Finally, they reflect on where the Cubs stand in relation to true World Series contenders—what’s in place, what’s missing, and how far they really are from being the next team to make a deep October run.

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Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-fifth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! It’s that tricky part of the offseason where storylines are just starting to form, but there’s still plenty to dig into.

The guys discuss the Dodgers’ rumored interest in Kyler Tucker, and how it fits the trend of big-name players being tied to big Cubs offseasons—though major fireworks haven’t arrived just yet. They also look at the current roster structure and how few obvious openings the Cubs actually have.

Starting pitching remains an area of need, and the conversation turns to how the Cubs might approach it. Some of the arms discussed back in July could resurface as trade or short-term free-agent targets, as none of those pitchers ended up being moved at the deadline. While the team would likely prefer shorter deals, there’s also recognition that cost-controlled options could be appealing through trade. That said, it’s tough to imagine another big December splash just a year after the last one.

They also take a longer view, discussing Dansby Swanson’s performance three years into his seven-year, $177 million deal and what that contract looks like now that the first half of his tenure is in the books.

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Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-fourth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)—the first episode of the offseason. They reflect on what was a memorable 2025 campaign, one that ended just two runs short of the NLCS after falling 3–1 to the Brewers in Game 5 of the NLDS.

The guys talk through the sense of closure following the season, the excitement of five postseason games at Wrigley Field, and the legacy this team leaves behind. It was a year defined by progress, competitiveness, and the kind of energy fans have been waiting for.

They also look back on individual storylines—especially Kyle Tucker’s season, which started at a superstar level before injuries and inconsistency took the shine off his overall numbers. Even though his production wasn’t disastrous, the narrative of his season ended up being dominated by injuries, slumps, and a late-summer benching in Milwaukee.

In contrast, they highlight the steady impact of players like Carson Kelly, whose reliability and clutch performances became defining moments down the stretch.

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Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-third episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! The Cubs are fighting to stay alive as they head into NLDS Game 4 tonight (Thursday) at Wrigley Field, trailing the Brewers 2-1.

They recap last night’s thrilling 4-3 win that kept the series alive and take a hard look at the defensive miscues that cost the Cubs in their two losses. The guys also discuss a few key players who’ve been crucial all season but haven’t yet delivered in the postseason. Plus, a preview of the pivotal Game 4 matchup between Freddy Peralta and Matthew Boyd, and what the Cubs will need to do to force a decisive Game 5.

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Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-second episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! The Cubs are moving on after taking down the Padres in the Wild Card round—their first playoff series victory in seven years—and the guys are amped.

They reflect on the Padres series, noting how close it really was and how both teams leaned heavily on their bullpens and matchup management. Aggressive moves from both dugouts were amplified in the short three-game format, with San Diego’s bullpen, in particular, standing out.

The guys also ask the big question: are we trusting Brad Keller in the ninth inning? before turning the page to preview the upcoming NLDS showdown with the Brewers, which kicks off in Milwaukee this weekend.

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Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-first episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! With the postseason right around the corner, the guys cover a number of key injury and pitching storylines.

Kyle Tucker could return as soon as this weekend in a DH role after meeting with his personal PTs in Tampa, but questions remain about whether he’ll be at full strength. Cade Horton’s status for the Wild Card round is also up in the air, with the Cubs potentially considering resting him if they can get through the opening series in two games—giving him added rest ahead of the NLDS. Meanwhile, Michael Boyd delivered a “decent” outing the day after Horton’s back issue surfaced, adding some intrigue to the rotation plan.

In the bullpen, Daniel Palencia has returned quickly from a shoulder strain and looked sharp, but will Craig Counsell immediately give him the closer role back? Michael Soroka has also continued to impress out of the bullpen—his latest one-inning burst showed how dominant he can be when pounding the zone. The guys also talk through what the back end of the Cubs’ bullpen should look like as the team gears up for October.

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Brett and Michael are back for the thirtieth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! The Cubs have officially clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2020 after sweeping the Pirates, and the guys reflect on how far this roster has come. They debate whether this team has the pieces to make a deep October run and what a realistic championship path looks like.

They also break down the projected playoff rotation, how the Cubs will set it up, and the confidence level in the arms leading the way. Matthew Boyd’s recent struggles are also on the table—after making hitters look foolish earlier in the season, his command has been shaky, his wildness has crept up, and his whiff rate has fallen dramatically.

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