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Published by Brett Taylor, Michael Cerami, Betsperts, Bleacher Nation
The Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast is your go-to source for smart, entertaining, and insightful Chicago Cubs talk. Hosted by Brett Taylor and Michael Cerami of Bleacher Nation, this show dives into everything Cubs fans need to know. New episodes Thursdays.
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Brett and Michael are back for the eightieth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! For most of the season, the question hasn't been whether the Cubs would make the playoffs, but where they would be seeded when they got there. Suddenly, that conversation has changed. After losing a series to the Brewers last week and getting swept by Milwaukee this time around, the Cubs' once-comfortable hold on the top Wild Card spot has turned into a much tighter race simply to reach October. They've played below .500 baseball over the last month while several of the teams chasing them have gotten red hot. But Brett and Michael discuss why the situation isn't quite as dire as the recent results might suggest. The Cubs have lost an unusual number of razor-thin games, and there are still plenty of reasons to believe this team can steady itself down the stretch. They also discuss Pete Crow-Armstrong's incredible season , the frustration of potentially watching it go to waste, and what the Cubs need to do to make sure their season doesn't end earlier than anyone expected. A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast! Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com Get your Cubs Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs Get your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bears Get your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls Get your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks Get Sports Betting Updates, Info, & Tips at https://www.bleachernation.com/betting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brett and Michael are back for the seventy-ninth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! As the Cubs look to salvage a split against the Brewers, the guys take a broader look at what they're realistically playing for over the final weeks of the regular season. While an NL Central comeback isn't impossible, the more attainable goal is securing the top Wild Card spot and putting themselves in the best possible position for October. Brett and Michael discuss that shifting focus and what they'll be watching as the Cubs navigate the final stretch. A big part of that conversation is Daniel Palencia , whose return hasn't gone nearly as smoothly as hoped. But after so much time sidelined, the guys discuss why it's worth viewing this stretch almost like Palencia's April—a chance to rebuild velocity, regain his feel, and ramp back up for more important games ahead. The results have been frustrating, but September doesn't have to define what Palencia can provide in October. Plus, plenty more on the Cubs as the postseason picture begins to take shape. A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast! Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com Get your Cubs Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs Get your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bears Get your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls Get your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks Get Sports Betting Updates, Info, & Tips at https://www.bleachernation.com/betting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brett and Michael are back for the seventy-eighth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! It was a road trip to forget, with the Cubs dropping series to both the Mariners and Diamondbacks before getting shut out 2-0 to finish a particularly brutal stretch. Unfortunately, the losses weren't the only bad news. Ben Brown suffered another setback with his neck just as he appeared ready to begin a rehab assignment, putting his potential return this season in serious doubt. The guys discuss what the latest setback means for Brown both this year and potentially longer term. They also revisit a painful collapse in Arizona, including the missed balk that had Pete Crow-Armstrong furious and a late-inning bullpen meltdown. Daniel Palencia is still trying to regain his form after returning from injury, while the Cubs' heavy reliance on Jacob Webb raises questions about how much longer they can continue leaning on him so aggressively. After a rough road trip and an even rougher final 36 hours, Brett and Michael assess where the Cubs stand as the stretch run approaches. A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast! Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com Get your Cubs Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs Get your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bears Get your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls Get your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks Get Sports Betting Updates, Info, & Tips at https://www.bleachernation.com/betting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brett and Michael are back for the seventy-seventh episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! With the trade deadline additions getting settled in, the guys share their early impressions of the Cubs' newest pieces, including Clay Holmes , whose extreme groundball profile has been on full display since joining the rotation. From there, it's time for a much-needed health check on a roster that still has plenty of important players working their way back. Daniel Palencia is nearing his return, although he may not immediately jump back into the closer role, while Dansby Swanson continues to rest and recover. There's also encouraging progress for Ben Brown , who is scheduled to face hitters in live batting practice as he takes another significant step toward a potential rehab assignment. Meanwhile, the outlook isn't as encouraging for Hunter Harvey , whose recovery has hit another snag. A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast! Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com Get your Cubs Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs Get your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bears Get your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls Get your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks Get Sports Betting Updates, Info, & Tips at https://www.bleachernation.com/betting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brett and Michael are back for the seventy-sixth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! The Cubs are coming off an ugly 7-0 loss to the Nationals, with Kevin Gausman getting hit hard and Cade Cavalli shutting down the offense. But unlike some losses earlier this season, the guys aren't particularly troubled by this one. Sometimes a good pitcher beats you, and their confidence in the Cubs' offense—and the team as a whole—hasn't changed. From there, they take a broader look at where the Cubs stand as the season moves deeper into August. The inevitable ups and downs feel a little different with a roster they believe is equipped to handle them, especially after the additions made at the trade deadline. They also discuss Ben Brown's eventual return and what his role could look like down the stretch. Brown showed plenty before his injury, including in higher-leverage situations, but how much will the Cubs trust him when games take on a postseason feel? And where does he fit within a pitching staff that suddenly has considerably more options? Plus, plenty more on the Cubs as the stretch run continues. A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast! Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com Get your Cubs Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs Get your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bears Get your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls Get your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks Get Sports Betting Updates, Info, & Tips at https://www.bleachernation.com/betting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brett and Michael are back for the seventy-fifth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! The Cubs are coming off a walk-off win over the Blue Jays, a sweep of the Dodgers, and perhaps most importantly, a trade deadline that made their intentions for the rest of 2026 very clear: they're going for it. The guys take a deep dive into the Cubs' deadline haul, headlined by starting pitchers Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes . Along with the earlier addition of David Peterson, the Cubs invested significant prospect capital into several rentals, signaling real confidence in the roster they've built and its ability to make a deep postseason run. They also discuss the rest of the deadline additions, including Ryan Zeferjahn, Tyrone Taylor, and Braxton Garrett, as the pitching staff begins to take its post-deadline shape. Garrett offers a slightly different wrinkle as a controllable arm who could factor into the rotation beyond this season. With new pitchers arriving, injured arms getting healthier, and the Cubs playing some excellent baseball, Brett and Michael break down what the revamped roster looks like for the stretch run—and just how much the expectations have changed. A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast! Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com Get your Cubs Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs Get your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bears Get your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls Get your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks Get Sports Betting Updates, Info, & Tips at https://www.bleachernation.com/betting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brett and Michael are back for the seventy-fourth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! With just four days until the MLB Trade Deadline , the rumor mill is finally heating up, and the guys dive into what could be a pivotal week for the Cubs. The biggest storyline centers around the Cubs' reported interest in Tigers ace Tarik Skubal , one of the most coveted starting pitchers on the market. Brett and Michael discuss why the connection feels more legitimate than the typical deadline smoke, what a deal of that magnitude could cost, and whether the Cubs are truly positioned to make an all-in move despite trailing in the division. The conversation expands into the broader starting pitching market, exploring why this deadline could be an ideal time for the Cubs to address their biggest weakness. From blockbuster possibilities to more realistic additions, the guys break down potential trade targets, what the Cubs can afford to part with, and how aggressive Jed Hoyer may be as the deadline approaches. A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast! Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com Get your Cubs Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs Get your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bears Get your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls Get your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks Get Sports Betting Updates, Info, & Tips at https://www.bleachernation.com/betting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brett and Michael are back for the seventy-third episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! With 10 days until the trade deadline , the focus shifts almost entirely to what the Cubs might do—and what they probably won't. The guys discuss why they don't expect the Cubs to subtract from their current lineup and why players like Matt Shaw still project as important pieces of the organization's future. Whether as a super utility option or a potential everyday player, they believe Shaw's long-term value outweighs what he might realistically return in a deadline deal. They also examine the Cubs' approach to buying. If the club can't make up meaningful ground in the NL Central over the next week, Brett and Michael wonder if the front office will prioritize controllable pitching over splashier additions for 2026. The conversation centers on balancing a postseason push with the long-term outlook, especially when quality starting pitching is so difficult to acquire. Along the way, they touch on Ian Happ's up-and-down offensive season, the value he continues to provide defensively, and another frustrating late-game loss that highlighted the Cubs' recent struggles to capitalize on scoring opportunities. A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast! Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com Get your Cubs Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs Get your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bears Get your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls Get your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks Get Sports Betting Updates, Info, & Tips at https://www.bleachernation.com/betting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brett and Michael are back for the seventy-first episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! With the All-Star break providing a brief pause in the season, the guys take a step back to discuss where the Cubs stand heading into the second half. They reflect on a successful MLB Draft for the Cubs organization and Pete Crow-Armstrong's All-Star appearance, where he represented the club with a hit on baseball's biggest stage. From there, the conversation turns into a broader midseason check-in, looking at the highs and lows of the first half, the challenges the Cubs have battled through, and what still lies ahead as the postseason race begins to heat up. It's a relaxed, wide-ranging baseball conversation before the second half gets underway. A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast! Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com Get your Cubs Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs Get your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bears Get your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls Get your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks Get Sports Betting Updates, Info, & Tips at https://www.bleachernation.com/betting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brett and Michael are back for the seventieth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! As the Cubs head into a three-game series against the Reds before the All-Star break, the guys look back on a mixed week that featured a tough series loss to the Cardinals—highlighted by a rough opener—but a bounce-back series win over the Orioles. The bulk of the conversation focuses on the state of the Cubs' pitching staff, particularly a bullpen that's being stretched to its limits. With injuries continuing to pile up in the rotation, the trickle-down effect has left both the major league bullpen and the relief depth at Triple-A feeling increasingly thin. Brett and Michael discuss how the Cubs can navigate the next few weeks, what options remain internally, and whether outside help may become a necessity. It's an honest look at one of the biggest challenges facing the Cubs as they try to carry momentum into the All-Star break. A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast! Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com Get your Cubs Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs Get your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bears Get your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls Get your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks Get Sports Betting Updates, Info, & Tips at https://www.bleachernation.com/betting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brett and Michael are back for the sixty-ninth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! The Cubs are rolling again after taking two of three from the Brewers and sweeping the Padres , punctuated by a jaw-dropping 23-3 victory to cap off a tremendous week. The guys break down the offense's resurgence, highlighted by Seiya Suzuki's clutch hitting against Milwaukee and Dansby Swanson's incredible power surge, including three home runs on July 1 and five over a two-day span. They also discuss Michael Busch , whose season remains an interesting mix of patience, production, and flashes of the power the Cubs know he possesses. A major portion of the show is dedicated to Pete Crow-Armstrong's remarkable evolution at the plate. From becoming more selective in hitter's counts to trusting himself with two strikes, the guys explore how PCA has elevated his offensive game—and just how high his ceiling might be after one of the most productive months by a position player in recent memory. They also look ahead to the trade deadline, discussing the latest reporting around the Dodgers' strategy and what it could mean for the Cubs and the rest of the National League as deadline season begins to heat up. A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast! Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com Get your Cubs Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs Get your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bears Get your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls Get your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks Get Sports Betting Updates, Info, & Tips at https://www.bleachernation.com/betting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brett and Michael are back for the sixty-eighth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! The Cubs head into Thursday looking for a series sweep of the Mets , having won nine of their last 12 games behind an offense that's finally firing on all cylinders. Unfortunately, the injury bug refuses to let up. The rotation has been hit yet again, with Ben Brown landing on the injured list shortly after Edward Cabrera exited with what could be a lengthy hamstring/adductor injury. With six key pitchers currently sidelined, the guys discuss how the Cubs keep finding ways to win despite an increasingly threadbare staff—and whether this latest wave of injuries finally forced the front office's hand. It didn't take long to find an answer. The Cubs swung an early trade, acquiring David Peterson from the New York Mets to reinforce the rotation. While Peterson has endured an uneven season, Brett and Michael discuss why his ground-ball profile, recent track record, and fit in front of the Cubs' elite defense make him an intriguing addition for a club desperate for healthy innings. The guys break down what the move means for the rotation, the cost of acquiring Peterson, and whether the Cubs may still need to pursue additional pitching help before the trade deadline. A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast! Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com Get your Cubs Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs Get your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bears Get your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls Get your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks Get Sports Betting Updates, Info, & Tips at https://www.bleachernation.com/betting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brett and Michael are back for the sixty-seventh episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! And after weeks of frustration, the mood is noticeably better. The Cubs have won back-to-back series and five of their last seven games, creating at least some optimism that the worst stretch of the season may finally be behind them. The offense remains a fascinating discussion point. The Cubs' struggles with runners in scoring position haven't disappeared, but the guys dig into why the issue feels so pronounced. The Cubs have actually done a great job creating offensive opportunities, which has only magnified their inability to cash them in consistently. They also discuss why the trade deadline outlook remains complicated. If the Cubs want to address the offense, where exactly would a new bat play? Pitching, on the other hand, feels like a much cleaner problem to solve, making rotation help a natural focus as the deadline approaches. Elsewhere, the guys examine encouraging signs from Matt Shaw , whose increased bat speed and improved play since returning may point to some early-season circumstances that held him back. They also discuss Craig Counsell's handling of Ben Brown , the importance of protecting an injury-thinned rotation, and where Moisés Ballesteros fits into the Cubs' plans moving forward. A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast! Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com Get your Cubs Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs Get your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bears Get your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls Get your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks Get Sports Betting Updates, Info, & Tips at https://www.bleachernation.com/betting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brett and Michael are back for the sixty-sixth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! And, frankly, they're not happy. The Cubs are on the verge of being swept by the Rockies and have now gone 10 straight series without a series win , a stunning stretch for a team that once looked like one of the best clubs in baseball. The guys discuss how quickly things have unraveled, why the current version of the Cubs feels stuck in neutral, and what has to change before this season slips away completely. With the trade deadline approaching, the conversation naturally shifts toward the front office. If this skid continues, what kind of decisions will the Cubs have to make? Are they still buyers? Could they pivot into something more complicated? And if the organization decides bigger changes are necessary, which players could become trade candidates and what sort of return might be available? It's a frustrated but honest discussion about where the Cubs stand, how they got here, and what the next few weeks could mean for the direction of the season. A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast! Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com Get your Cubs Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs Get your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bears Get your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls Get your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks Get Sports Betting Updates, Info, & Tips at https://www.bleachernation.com/betting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brett and Michael are back for the sixty-fifth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! The season is far from over, but there’s no denying the trend line has been pointing in the wrong direction lately. It’s now been a full month since the Cubs last won a series , and the guys discuss how a team that once looked like one of baseball’s best has found itself stuck in neutral. With 62 games in the books and 100 still to play , there’s plenty of time to turn things around. But the early success created enormous expectations, making this extended stretch of mediocrity all the more frustrating. Brett and Michael explore whether the Cubs have lost something that once made them dangerous—and whether the team currently has a clear identity at all. They also discuss the repeated failures in key offensive moments. Time and again, the Cubs have found themselves with runners in scoring position late in games, only to come up empty. Those missed opportunities have become a defining theme of the past month. The conversation eventually gets philosophical, touching on concepts like Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as a way to think about team building, confidence, and performance. What are the foundational elements this team is missing right now, and how do they get back to playing winning baseball? And then there’s Seiya Suzuki , who is enduring the deepest slump of his Cubs career. Despite remaining in the heart of the lineup, the results simply haven't been there. The guys discuss whether Suzuki's struggles are purely a slump, part of a larger offensive issue, or potentially indicative of broader age-related decline among several key Cubs hitters. A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast! Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com Get your Cubs Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs Get your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bears Get your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls Get your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks Get Sports Betting Updates, Info, & Tips at https://www.bleachernation.com/betting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brett and Michael are back for the sixty-fourth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! After a brutal stretch, the Cubs finally snapped their 10-game losing streak , and the guys react to what felt like a much-needed reset for the offense. It wasn’t just the win itself—it was how the Cubs won. The lineup finally started stringing together hits, drawing walks, and cashing in with runners in scoring position again after days of frustration. The guys discuss why the offensive approach looked much more like the version of the Cubs fans saw earlier in the season. They also spend some time on Ian Happ , whose recent struggles had become increasingly magnified during the skid. Back-to-back strong performances at the plate were encouraging, especially given that—even with the strikeout spike—his overall production still sits surprisingly close to his career norms. At the same time, the pitching concerns remain front and center. The Cubs are fortunate they banked so many wins earlier in the year during those long winning streaks, because the rotation continues to look increasingly thin. Jameson Taillon’s struggles are becoming harder to ignore, and the starting staff still feels like the clearest weakness on the roster—especially on nights when the offense isn’t carrying the load. It’s a conversation about relief, perspective, and the growing urgency surrounding the pitching staff as the season moves forward. A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast! Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com Get your Cubs Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs Get your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bears Get your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls Get your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks Get Sports Betting Updates, Info, & Tips at https://www.bleachernation.com/betting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brett and Michael are back for the sixty-third episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! It was a rough stretch for the Cubs, who followed a disappointing series loss to the White Sox by getting swept—and thoroughly outplayed—by the Milwaukee Brewers . Losing three straight to the team you’re chasing in the division always stings, and the guys don’t shy away from that reality. A big part of the conversation centers around just how consistently good the Brewers organization continues to be. It’s not simply “luck” anymore—they develop talent well, maximize their roster, continue producing prospects, and seem to stay competitive no matter who leaves town. Brett and Michael spend a good chunk of the episode digging into why Milwaukee keeps finding success year after year. On the Cubs side, the offensive frustrations are mounting. The lineup has repeatedly found itself in good run-scoring situations without capitalizing, and even the heart of the order hasn’t been coming through consistently. Strikeouts have piled up, RBI chances have gone wasted, and the offense has looked disconnected during this recent skid. There’s still plenty of season left, but this stretch served as a reminder that the Cubs still have things to clean up if they want to seriously chase down the division. A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast! Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com Get your Cubs Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs Get your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bears Get your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls Get your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks Get Sports Betting Updates, Info, & Tips at https://www.bleachernation.com/betting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brett and Michael are back for the sixty-second episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! The Cubs finally lost a Wednesday game before a Thursday morning recording, but the guys aren’t exactly panicking. They discuss the challenge of trying to avoid a sweep against the Braves—especially with Chris Sale looming—and why the recent offensive slowdown feels far more fluky than alarming. After all, the Cubs have run into some excellent pitching lately, and a four-game stretch isn’t enough to suddenly rewrite what this offense has been all season. On the pitching side, the conversation turns once again to the rotation and potential trade targets, but there’s also optimism around Ben Brown’s continued growth. His increased groundball rate and evolving profile suggest he may be turning into a much more complete pitcher than many expected heading into the year. The guys also preview the upcoming Crosstown Series against the Chicago White Sox , who have surprisingly hovered around .500 and become one of the more intriguing stories in baseball early this season. Much of that has been driven by Munetaka Murakami , whose arrival on the South Side has immediately made him one of the most entertaining players in Chicago baseball. A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast! Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com Get your Cubs Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs Get your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bears Get your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls Get your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks Get Sports Betting Updates, Info, & Tips at https://www.bleachernation.com/betting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brett and Michael are back for the sixty-first episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! The Cubs’ winning streak nearly came to an end last night—but instead, they found yet another way to pull off a comeback victory. The guys react to a stretch that now includes eight straight wins , multiple comeback victories, and a growing feeling that this team simply refuses to fold late in games. They also dive into a big-picture roster conversation: if extensions eventually come into play, would the Cubs realistically choose between Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki long term? Both are producing at a high level, but with payroll considerations and future roster construction looming, the guys debate whether both can realistically remain part of the core. On the injury front, the rotation took another hit with Matthew Boyd undergoing surgery . While the Cubs remain optimistic he’ll contribute again later this season, it’s another challenge for a staff already dealing with significant injuries. The immediate focus now becomes surviving the next month-plus while keeping the rest of the pitching staff healthy. Fortunately, the bullpen continues to step up. Phil Maton and Jacob Webb have both looked sharp recently, with Webb especially settling into valuable multi-inning work. Brett and Michael also workshop an interesting theory: all of these early wins may help preserve the pitching staff over the long haul by allowing Craig Counsell to avoid overtaxing key arms in high-stress situations. And with both the Boyd and Justin Steele situations lingering, the guys discuss whether the Cubs are increasingly trending toward making a meaningful move for starting pitching before the trade deadline arrives. A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast! Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com Get your Cubs Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs Get your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bears Get your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls Get your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks Get Sports Betting Updates, Info, & Tips at https://www.bleachernation.com/betting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brett and Michael are back for the sixtieth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! The Cubs have navigated a solid start to the season, but from an injury standpoint, it’s been a real test—headlined by a significant setback for Justin Steele . After appearing ahead of schedule earlier this spring, Steele has now suffered a flexor strain in his recovery and will be shut down and re-evaluated, pushing his timeline back significantly. At this point, a return before late June feels unlikely, and that raises real questions about how much he’ll be able to contribute this season—and whether he can be a meaningful piece for a potential playoff run. That conversation leads into a broader discussion about the rotation as currently constructed . The Cubs have built a group capable of eating innings and stabilizing the regular season, but does that profile translate as well in October? It’s an early question, but one worth considering given the current makeup of the staff. On the field, Jameson Taillon continues to provide steady value , turning in another quality outing while pairing his usual contact management with a noticeable uptick in strikeouts. That combination has made him a reliable piece of the rotation early on. Out of the bullpen, Ben Brown has been a major bright spot , stepping into high-leverage situations and delivering, including a recent bases-loaded escape on short rest. He’s starting to carve out a trusted multi-inning role as the Cubs lean on their depth. All in all, it’s a mix of encouraging performance and growing concern as the Cubs look to carry a strong April into an even better May. A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast! Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com Get your Cubs Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs Get your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bears Get your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls Get your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks Get Sports Betting Updates, Info, & Tips at https://www.bleachernation.com/betting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ranking source
Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed September 21, 2026. Cached outside the daily freshness window; the positions keep the date they were taken on.
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