Brett and Michael break down the Cubs’ choice to decline Shota Imanaga’s option, Shane Bieber’s unexpected return to Toronto, and Colin Rea’s new deal. They also look at how front offices might handle pitching contracts with the CBA looming.

Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-sixth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They talk about Trey Yesavage’s playoff dominance, the growing youth movement among pitchers, and whether teams should push their top arms faster to the majors. The guys also break down Jon Heyman’s reporting on the Cubs’ stance in Shohei Ohtani’s free agency and discuss how close Chicago really is to being a legitimate World Series contender.

Brett and Michael are back for another offseason episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They look into the Dodgers’ reported interest in Kyler Tucker, how it fits into the Cubs’ history of headline-making offseasons, and where the team could still look to add starting pitching. They also discuss why another big trade feels unlikely this winter and take stock of Dansby Swanson’s long-term deal three years in.

Brett and Michael are back for the first offseason episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They reflect on the 2025 season as a whole—one that ended just two runs shy of the NLCS—and discuss what made it special. From Kyle Tucker’s rollercoaster year and injury-plagued finish to Carson Kelly’s steady impact, the guys talk legacy, takeaways, and where this Cubs team stands heading into 2026.

Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-third episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! With the Cubs down 2-1 in the NLDS, they break down last night’s 4-3 win that extended the series and preview Game 4 at Wrigley. The guys discuss costly defensive errors, key players who’ve struggled in October, and the looming Peralta vs. Boyd pitching matchup that could decide the Cubs’ season.

Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-second episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! The Cubs knocked off the Padres in the Wild Card round to clinch their first postseason series win since 2017. The guys break down how the matchup played out, why both teams had to lean so hard on their pitching depth, and whether they're worried about Brad Keller at the end of games. Then, it’s on to the NLDS preview as the Cubs get set for a heated series with the Brewers.

Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-first episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They cover the latest injury updates on Kyle Tucker and Cade Horton, what the Cubs’ postseason rotation could look like, and whether Daniel Palencia will immediately regain his closer role. Plus, Michael Soroka’s bullpen success, the state of the relief corps, and how Chicago may shape the back end of their pitching staff heading into October.

Brett and Michael are back for the thirtieth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They celebrate the Cubs clinching their first postseason berth since 2020 and reflect on the season as a whole. The guys debate whether this roster can realistically chase a championship, break down the playoff rotation, and take a closer look at Matthew Boyd’s recent downturn after a strong start to the year.

Brett and Michael reunite for the twenty-ninth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They discuss the Cubs’ recent three-game skid, the challenges of closing ground on the Brewers, and the natural regression of an offense that isn’t getting the same clutch hits—or home runs—as earlier in the year. They also dive into Seiya Suzuki’s second-half power outage despite encouraging hard-hit rates, and what it all means for the stretch run.

Brett goes solo for the twenty-eighth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! He recaps back-to-back series wins against the Rockies and Braves, updates Kyle Tucker’s status after leaving with calf tightness, and highlights how the Cubs are creating distance in the Wild Card race. The focus, though, is on Cade Horton’s phenomenal second half—his improved command, rising strikeout rate, and Rookie of the Year case as he channels shades of Jake Arrieta’s dominant 2015 run.

Brett and Michael are back for the twenty-seventh episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They recap a tough couple of games to open the Giants series and talk about the Cubs’ shifting goals—from division champs to a Wild Card push. The offense continues to sputter, with Michael Busch struggling in the second half and the lineup faltering in key situations, but the Cubs still hold one of the best records in baseball. Plus, a look back at the sweep of the Angels.

Brett and Michael are back for the twenty-sixth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They recap the Cubs’ strong showing against the Brewers, winning three of five and reinforcing their belief that Chicago has the better team despite Milwaukee’s record. The guys also talk about the Brewers’ knack for exceeding expectations, and Kyle Tucker’s brief mental break after struggling at the plate—only to learn he’s been battling through a hand fracture.

Brett and Michael are back for the twenty-fifth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They cover Miguel Amaya’s ankle injury and what it means for the Cubs’ catching depth, plus Owen Caissie’s promotion and how he slots into the lineup fresh off a torrid hitting streak in Iowa. They also discuss Kyle Tucker’s ongoing slump, how his on-base skills are still helping, and why the Cubs need his bat to heat up down the stretch.

Brett and Michael are joined by Dave from Feldco for the twenty-fourth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They react to a quiet trade deadline and discuss how the Cubs are still staying competitive—remaining one of just two teams without a sweep all season. The crew also highlights clutch hitting woes finally breaking, Willi Castro’s immediate versatility, and Cade Horton’s continued growth on the mound as he hones his command and strikeout production.

Brett and Michael are back for the twenty-second episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They recap a frustrating series loss to the Royals and discuss the Cubs’ middling play in recent weeks, which has tightened the race in the NL Central. With the trade deadline approaching, the guys look at some of the names in the rumor mill and preview the high-stakes upcoming series against the surging Brewers.

Brett and Michael are back for the twenty-first episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They recap the All-Star Game, discuss the swing-off format and why it shouldn't make its way into regular-season play, and highlight PCA’s growing voice as a role model. Kyle Tucker’s perfectly flat All-Star demeanor gets a laugh, and the guys check in on the Cubs’ roster and their impressive spot in the standings as the second half begins—owning the third-best record in baseball despite a banged-up rotation.

Brett and Michael are back for the twentieth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They break down the Cubs’ explosive 8-1 win over the Twins and their historic eight-homer blowout against the Cardinals on July 4th. The spotlight shines on Michael Busch after a monster week that earned him national attention and co-NL Player of the Week honors. The guys also keep tabs on the red-hot Brewers, who are closing the gap in the Central—but may face a tougher road ahead than the Cubs.

Brett and Michael are back for the nineteenth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They cover the Cubs’ recent stretch, splitting with the Cardinals, dropping two of three in Houston, and an ongoing battle with Cleveland. They revisit the Kyle Tucker trade and Cam Smith’s big season for the Astros before celebrating the Cubs’ first pair of All-Star starters in six years, and look at which players might still make the team as reserves.

Brett and Michael are back for the eighteenth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! The Cubs have officially reached the halfway mark of the season with a three-game lead in the NL Central. The guys look at what’s gone right, what’s still being tweaked—especially in the batting order—and how lineup changes could help the Cubs stay ahead in a tight division race.

Brett and Michael go live this week to discuss the latest news, scores, and issues with the Cubs as we head into the end of June and nearing the All-Star break!