Off The Ivy: A Chicago Cubs Podcast

312 Sports
  • 4.8 (53)
  • Baseball
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Off the Ivy is your daily dose of Chicago Cubs talk. Dan Bernstein, Matt Abbatacola and Cody Delmendo bring you the hottest and most important stories from around the organization - every single day. Whether it's a walk-off win, a frustrating bullpen meltdown, a surprise call-up from Iowa, or the latest front office drama, we're reacting to it all with the passion and knowledge the Wrigley Field faithful deserve. New episode every day. Rain or shine. Win or lose. Subscribe, leave a review, and let's talk Cubs. Check out the full slate of 312 Sports podcasts at 312Sports.com

  1. 1d ago

    A Chicago Cubs fan nightmare: the Milwaukee Brewers are World Series champions in 2026

    The Milwaukee Brewers are champions after taking down the Tampa Bay Rays in five games. While Milwaukee celebrates a championship, the Chicago Cubs are left watching their division rivals reach the top of baseball. The gap between these two organizations feels bigger than ever, and it's time to ask some serious questions about the direction of the Cubs. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Brewers win World Series 21:37 The difference between Pat Murphy and Craig Counsell 27:50 Seiya Suzuki qualifying offer, Sonny Gray, Cubs catchers 36:48 Cubs offseason ahead and the risk factor The Cubs haven't finished ahead of the Brewers in the NL Central since the 2017 season ended. That's years of Milwaukee consistently finding ways to develop talent, build a winning culture, and compete at a high level while Chicago continues searching for answers. Craig Counsell came to Chicago with a reputation as one of baseball's best managers after years of success in Milwaukee. But so far, he hasn't produced the same results with the Cubs that Pat Murphy has delivered with the Brewers. How much of that comes down to managerial decisions, and how much falls on the front office, roster construction, player development, and ownership? In this episode, we're breaking down what separates these two organizations and what it will take for the Cubs to close the gap and other Cubs news and notes. 312 SPORTS PRO SHOP: https://bit.ly/4e7bqyv Go to https://312sports.com/Kern today to nominate a deserving veteran, active-duty military member, or surviving military spouse in Lake County, IL to win a BRAND-NEW FURNACE Make sure to subscribe to... ✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered ✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈 ✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀 ✅ Jason Goff Unscripted See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  2. 3d ago

    How will Jed Hoyer & Chicago Cubs operate with the MLB lockout looming after the World Series | Brewers playoff domination

    With a much-anticipated MLB lockout looming, how will Jed Hoyer approach the offseason, and will the Cubs look to make their biggest moves before a potential work stoppage? TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Brewers one win away from first World Series 18:50 Jed Hoyer's offseason approach 33:50 Tommy Hottovy and John Mallee return to coaching staff 47:20 John Schriffen officially out as White sox broadcaster The Cubs have navigated this situation before. In 2021, Chicago signed Marcus Stroman before the lockout began, then made a major splash by signing Seiya Suzuki in the spring after the lockout ended. Could we see a similar strategy this time around? Will Hoyer be aggressive early, or will Cubs fans have to wait for the market to reopen? We also discuss the Cubs' decision to retain Tommy Hottovy and John Mallee on the coaching staff and what that means. And with the World Series near it's end, we have to ask: How must Craig Counsell be feeling watching the Brewers compete for the championship? What can the Cubs learn from watching baseball's biggest stage, and how close are they to building a team capable of getting there themselves? 312 SPORTS PRO SHOP: https://bit.ly/4e7bqyv Go to https://312sports.com/Kern today to nominate a deserving veteran, active-duty military member, or surviving military spouse in Lake County, IL to win a BRAND-NEW FURNACE Make sure to subscribe to... ✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered ✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈 ✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀 ✅ Jason Goff Unscripted See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  3. Oct 22

    Why Chicago Cubs trade for Reid Detmers before MLB Trade Deadline fell apart | Break down of Michael Busch's disappointing 2026 season

    The Chicago Cubs’ reported pursuit of left-handed pitcher Reid Detmers was real and we’re breaking down the fallout from the deal that reportedly never happened after new information has emerged online. We dive into why the trade reportedly fell apart, with pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins’ medicals emerging as the main reason the deal didn’t get across the finish line. 0:00 World Series Preview 7:28 Why the Reid Detmers trade to the Cubs didn't happen 18:50 Breakdown of Michael Busch's struggles in 2026 33:24 Why Cubs should sign Japanese pitcher Kaima Taira We’re also taking a closer look at Michael Busch’s disappointing 2026 season. After high expectations, what went wrong for the Cubs first baseman? We break down the potential reasons behind his struggles and discuss what Busch needs to improve heading into 2027 to bounce back and become a more consistent force in Chicago’s lineup. Finally, we discuss why the Cubs should be in on Japanese pitcher Kaima Taira. Could he be an intriguing option to strengthen the pitching staff? We explore why Chicago should consider pursuing him and what adding another arm could mean for the Cubs’ rotation and overall pitching depth. 312 SPORTS PRO SHOP: https://bit.ly/4e7bqyv Make sure to subscribe to... ✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered ✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈 ✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀 ✅ Jason Goff Unscripted See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  4. Oct 20

    Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays highlight 2026 World Series | Chicago Cubs news and notes

    The World Series matchup is officially set, and it’s a perfect opportunity to examine what the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers have done to build successful organizations without relying on the biggest payrolls in baseball. We break down why this series matters beyond the championship, focusing on how both teams excel at scouting, developing talent, and building sustainable contenders. What can the Chicago Cubs take from the way these organizations operate? TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Brewers and Rays advance to World Series 5:00 MLB's latest CBA proposal 16:09 Freddy Peralta's impressive stint with Rays continues 21:14 Cubs poach Steve Miller from Rays to lead International Scouting Dept 25:21 Teruaki Sato could be an option for Cubs 31:10 Dansby Swanson's contract value Speaking of the Rays, we also discuss the Cubs hiring Steve Miller to oversee the International Scouting Department with hopes to improve their international free agency (IFA) efforts and why this is such an important move for the organization’s future. With international scouting and player development playing a massive role in building a championship-caliber roster, can the Cubs improve their ability to identify and sign the next generation of impact talent? Plus, we look at two potential Japanese players the Cubs could target and discuss how they might fit into the organization’s plans this offseason. Later in the show, we revisit the 2022 offseason and evaluate the value Dansby Swanson has brought to the Cubs compared to Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts, and Carlos Correa. All four were available as free agents that winter, but how does Swanson’s production, defense, and overall impact stack up against the other star shortstops? Did the Cubs make the right decision? 312 SPORTS PRO SHOP: https://bit.ly/4e7bqyv Make sure to subscribe to... ✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered ✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈 ✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀 ✅ Jason Goff Unscripted All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  5. Oct 15

    Jed Hoyer's Chicago Cubs roster needs to get younger in 2027! | Brewers go up 3-0 on Dodgers

    The Chicago Cubs have some important questions to answer this offseason, and one of the biggest is how to get this roster younger, more athletic, and better positioned for the future. We break down the Cubs' roster construction and take a closer look at where the players who contributed this season came from. 0:00 Brewers go up 3-0 on the Dodgers in NLCS 15:03 Cubs roster breakdown in how players were acquired 30:31 Cubs catchers and how they implement Owen Ayers in 2027 38:26 Freddy Peralta's free agency & the salary cap MLB desperately wants How many players were drafted and developed by the Cubs organization? How many were acquired through free agency? And how many came to Chicago through international free agency or trades? We examine the breakdown and what it reveals about the Cubs' ability to develop talent, build from within, and supplement the roster with outside acquisitions. What needs to change for the Cubs to build a younger, more sustainable contender? Later in the podcast, we dive into the latest article from ESPN's Jeff Passan about MLB owners' unwavering push for a salary cap, regardless of who wins the World Series. With small-market teams making noise in October, why are owners still determined to implement a cap-and-floor system? We discuss what this fight means for the future of baseball, the players, and the possibility of a labor stoppage. Plus, what should Cubs fans expect from the front office this offseason? Join the conversation as we examine the Cubs' future and the growing battle over the economics of Major League Baseball. 312 SPORTS PRO SHOP: https://bit.ly/4e7bqyv Make sure to subscribe to... ✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered ✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈 ✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀 ✅ Jason Goff Unscripted All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  6. Oct 13

    Should Chicago Cubs fans cheer for the Brewers to stick it to MLB owners need for a salary cap?

    Should Cubs fans be rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers to stick it to MLB owners? TIMESTAMPS 0:00 MLB postseason reaction and recap 12:34 Josiah Hartshorn's future with the Cubs 21:40 Could Michael Busch play left field? 30:30 MLB notes 38:30 Better future. Cubs or White Sox? Cody Delmendo, Dan Bernstein, and Matt Abattacola break down the massive payroll gap between the Los Angeles Dodgers and teams like the Brewers, Cleveland Guardians, and Tampa Bay Rays. What does the difference in spending say about baseball’s competitive balance, and should Cubs fans be pulling for Milwaukee to prove MLB doesn't need a salary cap. Later in the show, we turn our attention to the Cubs’ future and discuss Josiah Hartshorn’s potential impact in 2027. Could he become an important piece of the organization’s plans? Plus, we ask an intriguing roster question: Could Michael Busch make the move to left field? We examine what that possibility could mean for the Cubs’ lineup and offseason decisions. To close things out, we look at the future of baseball on the South Side and the North Side of Chicago. Who has the brighter future: the Chicago Cubs or the Chicago White Sox? We debate the direction of both organizations, their young talent, and which team is better positioned to compete in the years ahead. 312 SPORTS PRO SHOP: https://bit.ly/4e7bqyv Make sure to subscribe to... ✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered ✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈 ✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀 ✅ Jason Goff Unscripted All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  7. Oct 8

    NL Championship Series is set | MLB getting petty ALREADY before the lockout

    The MLB postseason delivered another wild day of October baseball, with the Rays, Dodgers and Brewers all punching their tickets to the League Championship Series while the Guardians stayed alive against the White Sox. We recap all of Wednesday’s playoff action and look at the biggest storylines from around the league. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 MLB Postseason Recap 26:00 MLB getting petty already before the lockout 37:00 Cody's Top 5 Cubs in 2026 41:40 Cubs Assistant GM candidate for Athletics executive role We also dive into MLB’s reported plans for a potential lockout, including the league removing player images and videos from its websites once the work stoppage begins. Why would MLB choose to essentially erase the players who are the face of the sport? We discuss why that decision could be another terrible look for the league as labor negotiations heat up. Plus, Cody reveals his Top 5 individual Chicago Cubs players of the 2026 season — who made the list, who just missed it, and which performances stood out the most. And we discuss Cubs Assistant GM Jared Banner emerging as a candidate for the Athletics' vacant top baseball executive position. What would Banner potentially leaving mean for the Cubs organization, and what does his candidacy say about the work he's done in Chicago? 312 SPORTS PRO SHOP: https://bit.ly/4e7bqyv Make sure to subscribe to... ✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered ✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈 ✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀 ✅ Jason Goff Unscripted All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  8. Oct 6

    A break down and reaction to Jed Hoyer's season ending press conference

    Jed Hoyer’s season-ending press conference made one thing crystal clear: the Chicago Cubs know their biggest problem is pitching. After a disappointing Wild Card sweep by the Padres, Hoyer admitted the Cubs’ pitching struggled from the beginning of the season and acknowledged that injuries, poor performances and poor acquisitions all played a role. He also pointed directly at the Brewers’ pitching infrastructure, saying the Cubs need to “double down” in that area. Hoyer also took responsibility for the bullpen, saying, “I did a poor job in the bullpen this year — full stop.” He emphasized that the Cubs need to improve not just the pitching staff, but the entire pitching infrastructure — from scouting and player development to major-league acquisitions. So what does that mean for the offseason? With multiple pitchers potentially hitting free agency and major questions surrounding the rotation and bullpen, how aggressive should the Cubs be? Do they need to make major additions through free agency and trades? And can they finally build a pitching infrastructure capable of matching the strength of their position-player group? We break down Jed Hoyer’s comments, what they mean for the Cubs’ offseason strategy, and what needs to change if Chicago wants to take the next step in 2027. 312 SPORTS PRO SHOP: https://bit.ly/4e7bqyv Make sure to subscribe to... ✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered ✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈 ✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀 ✅ Jason Goff Unscripted All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Off the Ivy is your daily dose of Chicago Cubs talk. Dan Bernstein, Matt Abbatacola and Cody Delmendo bring you the hottest and most important stories from around the organization - every single day. Whether it's a walk-off win, a frustrating bullpen meltdown, a surprise call-up from Iowa, or the latest front office drama, we're reacting to it all with the passion and knowledge the Wrigley Field faithful deserve. New episode every day. Rain or shine. Win or lose. Subscribe, leave a review, and let's talk Cubs. Check out the full slate of 312 Sports podcasts at 312Sports.com

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