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. NOV 20

    Imanaga Accepts QO, Cubs 40-Man Decisions & Offseason Outlook | Bleacher Nation Cubs

    Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-ninth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! It’s a busy week for roster logistics, with the 40-man roster deadline and the Qualifying Offer acceptance deadline both hitting. The guys walk through how the Rule 5 Draft works and what those roster decisions mean for the Cubs heading into the winter. They also react to Shota Imanaga accepting the Cubs’ $22 million Qualifying Offer, keeping him in Chicago for 2026. It’s a strong short-term outcome for both sides and a reflection of how much the Cubs valued bringing him back on a one-year deal. Finally, Brett and Michael look ahead at potential offseason priorities—including whether the Cubs could make a move to solidify third base before spring training. A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast! Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com Follow Michael on Twitter ➡️ @michael_cerami Follow Brett on Twitter ➡️ @brett_a_taylor Follow Bleacher Nation on Twitter ➡️ @bleachernation Follow Michael on Bluesky ➡️ @michael-cerami.bsky.social Follow Brett on Bluesky ➡️ @brett-taylor.bsky.social Follow Bleacher Nation on Bluesky ➡️ @bleachernation.bsky.social Visit our Website ➡️ bleachernation.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    59 min
  2. NOV 14

    Imanaga’s Decision Looms & Cubs Eye Pitching Market | Bleacher Nation Cubs

    Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-eighth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! Not much movement yet in the Cubs’ offseason, but the big storyline remains Shota Imanaga’s qualifying offer decision, which must come by November 18. Reports suggest Imanaga is expected to decline the $22 million offer, with his camp exploring what his market might look like if he does. If he accepts, he’ll return to the Cubs for 2026. If he declines, he could still re-sign in Chicago—but if he signs elsewhere, the Cubs would receive a compensatory draft pick after the second round. Meanwhile, all signs point to the Cubs being active in the starting pitching market, with names like Tatsuya Imai, Dylan Cease, and others emerging as possible targets. The guys dig into Cease’s current career arc and discuss what kind of deal or trade value he might carry. Finally, they ask the offseason question on everyone’s mind: could the Cubs bring back Cody Bellinger? A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast! Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com Follow Michael on Twitter ➡️ @michael_cerami Follow Brett on Twitter ➡️ @brett_a_taylor Follow Bleacher Nation on Twitter ➡️ @bleachernation Follow Michael on Bluesky ➡️ @michael-cerami.bsky.social Follow Brett on Bluesky ➡️ @brett-taylor.bsky.social Follow Bleacher Nation on Bluesky ➡️ @bleachernation.bsky.social Visit our Website ➡️ bleachernation.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    46 min
  3. OCT 30

    Cubs’ Path to Contention, Young Pitchers Rising & Ohtani Offer Insight | Bleacher Nation Cubs

    Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-sixth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! With the baseball season nearing its end, the guys talk through a range of topics—from dominant postseason pitching performances to what lies ahead for the Cubs. They start by discussing Trey Yesavage’s breakout playoff and World Series run, and where a pitcher with his stuff would have finished the year if he were a Cubs prospect—Double-A? Triple-A? The conversation expands into the growing league-wide trend toward promoting talented young pitchers earlier. With more arms entering pro ball already polished, are teams ready to embrace a true youth movement on the mound? And could future CBA changes accelerate that timeline even more? The guys also dive into Jon Heyman’s report about the Cubs’ unwillingness to structure a Shohei Ohtani contract the same way the Dodgers did—with 97% of his record $700 million deferred. They unpack how that shaped the final bidding process, what the Cubs’ reported $500 million offer says about their strategy, and whether the Dodgers’ deferral-heavy model offered hidden tax benefits that helped seal the deal. Finally, they reflect on where the Cubs stand in relation to true World Series contenders—what’s in place, what’s missing, and how far they really are from being the next team to make a deep October run. A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast! Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com Follow Michael on Twitter ➡️ @michael_cerami Follow Brett on Twitter ➡️ @brett_a_taylor Follow Bleacher Nation on Twitter ➡️ @bleachernation Follow Michael on Bluesky ➡️ @michael-cerami.bsky.social Follow Brett on Bluesky ➡️ @brett-taylor.bsky.social Follow Bleacher Nation on Bluesky ➡️ @bleachernation.bsky.social Visit our Website ➡️ bleachernation.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1 hr
4.8
out of 5
68 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.

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