Cubs Talk Podcast

The Cubs Talk podcast takes a look at the 2024 season, evaluating the biggest successes, including the development of Michael Busch and the emergence of Shota Imanaga, and the biggest failures as the team once again misses the playoffs. The crew then evaluates the road ahead for 2025, with free agency and the trade market both serving as avenues for a team with postseason aspirations. Finally, the group says its farewells to NBC Sports Chicago and to the fans who made the network special.

It's been quite the ride for the Chicago Cubs this week, and James Neveau and Leila Rahimi break it all down on Cubs Talk. Shota Imanaga and the Cubs combine for a no-hitter, but did Craig Counsell make the right call in pulling him, and just how amazing has the hurler's season been? Leila and James then discuss the return of Anthony Rizzo to Wrigley Field, asking whether the decision to trade him in 2021 was the right one and whether he belongs on the Cubs' Mount Rushmore. Finally, they talk about a huge showdown against the Dodgers, and evaluate the Cubs' chances of a late-season playoff push

The Chicago Cubs are fresh off a sweep at the hands of the Cleveland Guardians, leaving Leila Rahimi and James Neveau to ask where things stand with a quarter of the season remaining. The duo chat about missed opportunities in Cleveland, how moral victories at this stage of the year have lost meaning, and whether there is any hope at all of the Cubs getting together a late-season surge. Leila and James then break down comments made by Jed Hoyer about the Cubs potentially exceeding the luxury tax this year, and whether it will have an impact on Jed Hoyer and company opening the pocketbook for the 2025 season. Finally, they talk about a proposed MLB rule to mandate minimum innings pitched for starters, and send well-wishes to Ryne Sandberg as the Cubs legend announces he's cancer free.

In a post-trade deadline edition of the Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau break down all the moves the Cubs made in the leadup to deadline. Isaac Paredes arrives on the North Side of Chicago, but is the upgrade worth the cost the Cubs gave up in losing Christopher Morel? And do Paredes' statistics paint a stark picture of what he can achieve in Wrigleyville? Later, the duo discusses Mark Leiter Jr. and whether the Cubs made the right choice in acquiring a pair of prospects from the Yankees. Finally, did the Cubs err in not trading Jameson Taillon or Hector Neris? Leila and James evaluate that decision as Jed Hoyer's regime moves forward from the deadline.

On the latest Cubs Talk Podcast, host James Neveau is joined by Greg Huss, host of the Cubs on Deck Podcast and co-founder of NorthsideBound.com, to dive deep into the Cubs' strategy and future. They discuss potential trade deadline moves (1:55), emphasizing that any decisions need to keep next year’s competition in mind. Greg breaks down why Pete Crow-Armstrong has struggled this season (4:15) and debates whether the Cubs handled his development properly (7:18). The duo highlights the positives in the Cubs farm system (10:00), noting that the team could soon have seven top 100 prospects in Triple-A (12:18). They explore if the Cubs are funneling all their top talent to Triple-A (13:04) and the power potential of Alfonsin Rosario (21:00). Finally, they provide a detailed breakdown of the Cubs' first-round pick, Cam Smith (29:21). Don't miss this in-depth look at the Cubs' current and future plans!

On the latest Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi and Nate Poppen dive into the Cubs' selection of Cam Smith from Florida State with the 14th pick and whether he's truly a third baseman (0:54). They tackle the issue of having too many young bats without a defensive position (4:00) and discuss the Cubs' draft strategy (5:25). Leila argues the importance of drafting players with a set position (6:54). Later, the duo debates their trust in the Jed Hoyer- Carter Hawkins regime (8:40), how Paul Skenes' rise impacts prospect development (12:59), and break down the Cubs' first-half performance (15:04). They also analyze the struggles of Dansby Swanson and Cody Bellinger (20:30), team stats (23:55), and what moves the Cubs should make at the trade deadline (27:21).

James Neveau and Leila Rahimi run through a jampacked week in Cubs baseball, starting with Shota Imanaga's selection to the All-Star Game. The duo chats about his incredible rookie season, and shares a surprising comp for Michael Busch's campaign so far. Later, Leila and James discuss the unfortunate injury for Brennen Davis, and react to Colten Brewer breaking his hand after punching a dugout wall, complete with a stroll down memory lane with Sammy Sosa's sneezes and Kerry Wood's hot tub. Finally, the tandem reacts to rumors of potential Cubs trade candidates, and offer a heated response to rumblings that Nico Hoerner could be among those eyed for a move out of Chicago.

Leila Rahimi and James Neveau break down the Cubs' series loss against the Milwaukee Brewers and the sad state of the team as July begins. They discuss the lackluster performances of key players, the team's failed free agent acquisitions and trades heading into the 2024 season, and whether the team can actually pull out of their current tailspin. They get into more upbeat news with injury updates on Javier Assad, Mark Leiter Jr. and others, but then evaluate whether or not the Cubs are the most disappointing team in the National League.

The Cubs Talk podcast takes another look at the struggling North Siders as they drop three-of-four to the Giants and hit the halfway mark of their season. James Neveau and Peter Marzano discuss the shoddy bullpen and the shocking resurgence of Kyle Hendricks before getting into their midseason awards. Shota Imanaga is likely the team’s first-half MVP, but James also offers up a couple of unexpected options. The guys also talk about the disappointing campaigns of Dansby Swanson and Hector Neris, relive their favorite moments of the 2024 season so far, and offer their hottest takes and boldest predictions on what could still unfold over the season’s final 80 games.

For the first time in a month, the Cubs have won a three-game series, and James Neveau, Nate Poppen and Peter Marzano break it all down. Kyle Hendricks’ dramatic improvement in June is showcased, along with Ian Happ’s recent surge in extra-base hits and impactful moments. The guys then discuss swing tweaks made by Dansby Swanson, and evaluate whether Hector Neris should remain as the team’s closer after multiple blown saves. Finally, they pay tribute to the incredible legacy of Willie Mays, and reveal his stunning stats against the Cubs.

In a subdued Cubs Talk podcast, James Neveau and Peter Marzano ask the question that's on everybody's minds: Can the 2024 Cubs pull out of their tailspin and make the playoffs? The guys break down the loss to the Rays, question Jed Hoyer's decision-making in constructing this year's roster, and wonder if the team's offense can break out of its slump. The guys then make predictions for the Cardinals series, and explain how guys like Dansby Swanson and Cody Bellinger must bring the star power if the Cubs have any hope this summer.

On the latest Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi and Peter Marzano review and break down the Brewers series and the issues that are being exposed including the lack of consistent hitting (1:00). Have the Cubs prioritized defense too much in building this team and not enough offense (10:39)? Leila and Peter also discuss Pete Crow-Armstrong's return to the Cubs and if the Cubs will find him consistent at-bats (13:00). Later in the podcast, the duo debate if this is an offensive slump or if this is who they are before previewing a weekend series against the Cincinnati Reds (29:30).

In this edition of the Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau discuss the offensively challenged Cubs after a painful week against the Pirates and Braves. Cody Bellinger, Ian Happ and Michael Busch are all under the microscope as Craig Counsell's lineup faces scrutiny, but are the team's struggles reversible like they were in May 2023? The duo also discusses Kyle Hendricks' demotion to the bullpen, but ends the show on a positive note as they examine whether or no the Dunkin-loving Shota Imanaga should be the frontrunner for the National League Cy Young Award.

On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi and Peter Marzano dive into the Cubs' injury woes, highlighting their impact on the team's performance. From Dansby Swanson's placement on the injured list to the importance of depth in navigating a challenging season, they explore the team's struggles and potential moves to be made upon players' return (4:00). Additionally, they review the Cubs vs. Braves series, discussing its significance as a measuring stick for the team (18:09). They also discuss Jed Hoyer's perspective on evaluating team performance beyond one-run games (27:00) and analyze the wins and positives for the Cubs amidst their challenges this season (28:25).

In today's episode of the Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau try to figure out what to think of the team after a homestand of mixed results. They praise the team's dominant starting pitching, but also ask questions about the struggles of players like Ian Happ and Dansby Swanson. The duo also talks about the improving health of the Cubs, with Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki aiming to make an impact, but they also heap praise upon Shota Imanaga and Javier Assad, and discuss how their incredible performances have provided a firewall as the Cubs look to address issues with their lineup and bullpen.

The Cubs split a riveting four-game series in New York against the Mets that exposed some of the team's most notable strengths and weaknesses. Peter Marzano and Leila Rahimi recap four games in the Big Apple while breaking down struggles within the Cubs bullpen. Leila and Peter then discuss how the Cubs can use more out of Dansby Swanson amid recent injury woes before getting into an historic start to the season for Shota Imanaga ahead of a pivotal series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Peter Marzano and Nate Poppen talk recent roster moves that include Kyle Hendricks heading to the injured list and a callup of first base prospect Matt Mervis as the Cubs wrap up their homestand, while discussing Hendricks' potential role on the team once he returns. The guys then discuss which players have caught their eyes with the hot and cold starts before breaking down the Cubs' upcoming schedule and how the team can best position themselves in the NL Central before taking on the Milwaukee Brewers early next month.

The Cubs are back home, and James Neveau and Peter Marzano are breaking down their recent West Coast road trip. Series victories over Seattle and Arizona are broken down, as is the performance of the team's starting rotation and bullpen amid a series of injury concerns (1:15). The guys then discuss the latest on Kyle Hendricks' poor start to the year, and debate how much wiggle room the veteran hurler has (10:00). Injury woes mount as Seiya Suzuki hits the IL, but which Cubs injury poses the biggest issue to the team (20:04)? Finally, Peter and James break down Michael Busch's strong April, and whether he can continue his hot hitting (28:30).

In today's Cubs Talk podcast, James Neveau and Peter Marzano discuss the team's 5-1 homestand, with big wins over the Rockies and Dodgers (1:00). They evaluate the team's plate approach so far this season, and heap praise on Michael Busch, Seiya Suzuki and other contributors (4:00). The guys also discuss Shota Imanaga's first two starts, and how the team's pitching has been a key to their success (11:00). Injuries are still impacting the Cubs, with updates on Patrick Wisdom, Julian Merryweather and Jameson Taillon emerging this weekend (16:00). Finally, the guys talk about Shane Bieber and Spencer Strider's injuries, and how the Cubs should approach their pitching development amid an uptick in injuries to pitchers (19:40).

On a special edition of Cubs Talk, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau are live from Wrigley Field ahead of Opening Day. They discuss the Cubs' rotation after Justin Steele's injury, and break down the opening series against the Rangers. They also discuss Shota Imanaga's debut, Christopher Morel's hot start and the opening homestand against the Rockies and Dodgers.