The Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast

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.

  1. 4d ago

    Clay Holmes' Early Impact & Cubs Injury Updates | Bleacher Nation Cubs

    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.

  2. Aug 14

    Keeping One Loss in Perspective & Ben Brown's Stretch-Run Role | Bleacher Nation Cubs

    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.

  3. Aug 7

    Cubs Go All-In & The New-Look Rotation | Bleacher Nation Cubs

    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.

  4. Jul 30

    Tarik Skubal Rumors & Trade Deadline Targets | Bleacher Nation Cubs

    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.

  5. Jul 23

    Trade Deadline Decisions & The Cubs' Long-Term Plan | Bleacher Nation Cubs

    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.

  6. Jul 10

    Bullpen Concerns & One Last Push Before the Break | Bleacher Nation Cubs

    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.

  7. Jul 2

    Brewers Series Win & PCA's Incredible Rise | Bleacher Nation Cubs

    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.

4.8
out of 5
80 Ratings

About

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.

You Might Also Like