CHGO Chicago Cubs Podcast

On today’s CHGO Cubs Podcast, we break down a loaded pitching staff that could power the Cubs to the top of the NL. With Cade Horton ready to take another leap, Shota Imanaga building off his dominant MLB debut, and the addition of Edward Cabrera, the upside in this group is undeniable. Add in the veteran stability of Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd, and suddenly this looks like one of the deepest rotations in baseball. And don’t forget — Justin Steele is expected to return in the first half of the 2026 season following elbow surgery. If Steele comes back looking like his All-Star self, does that officially make this the most dangerous rotation in the National League? We stack the Cubs up against the Dodgers, Braves, and Phillies, debate the biggest X-factors, and ask the big question: Is this finally the year Chicago’s pitching leads them back to October dominance? 

 

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With the first Chicago Cubs Spring Training game getting underway on Friday, Corey Freedman and Brendan Miller tee up the entire Cactus League slate and what fans should be watching from Day 1. The guys break down Jameson Taillon getting the ball in the opener and what a strong spring could mean for his role in the 2026 rotation. They’ll also dive into Matt Shaw getting reps in the outfield — what does that mean for his versatility and roster outlook? Plus, updates on Pete Crow-Armstrong’s offensive adjustments, Ben Brown’s upside as a breakout arm, and the early camp storylines that could shape the Cubs’ season. From rotation battles to position flexibility and breakout candidates, this episode sets the stage for everything to monitor as Cubs baseball officially returns.

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From early camp takeaways to the biggest roster battles, Matt dives into what really matters as the Cubs ramp up for the 2026 season. How is the starting rotation shaping up? Who needs a strong spring? And what should fans realistically expect heading into Opening Day? Is this the spring where PCA takes another leap? What are the expectations for his bat, defense, and overall impact on the lineup? Matt analyzes how Crow-Armstrong fits into the Cubs’ long-term vision — and whether this is the year he becomes a true difference-maker. Plus, a deep look at the Cubs’ starting pitching. Is the rotation strong enough to compete in the NL? How does Cade Horton factor into the conversation? Are there legitimate depth concerns, or is this staff being underrated heading into the season? 
 

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On today’s episode of the CHGO Cubs Podcast, hosts Luke Stuckmeyer, Joey Christopoulos, and Justin Roman debate where Suzuki truly ranks among NL right fielders. After another strong stretch at the plate, has the Cubs star officially entered the elite tier? The guys dive into his power numbers, on-base ability, advanced metrics, and overall impact compared to the rest of the league. Plus, how does Suzuki’s production complement key Cubs pieces like Pete Crow-Armstrong, Ian Happ, and Alex Bregman? Is this core strong enough offensively to make noise in the NL — and does Suzuki lead the charge? Is he underrated nationally? Or is it time to recognize Seiya Suzuki as the NL’s premier right fielder?

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On this episode of the CHGO Cubs Podcast, hosts Luke Stuckmeyer, Joey Christopoulos, and Justin Roman debate where Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson ranks among division rivals. How does Swanson stack up offensively and defensively against the rest of the NL Central? Is his glove still elite? Can his bat take another step in 2026? The guys dive into advanced metrics, defensive value, leadership impact, and how Swanson compares to other shortstops around the division. With big expectations for the Cubs this season, how important is Swanson’s performance to a potential NL Central title run?

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