Advertise on podcast: Bricks and Bleachers Podcast

Here we go! Cubs vs Padres in the NL Wild Card Series. Game 1 is a few hours away. Here's a preview of what to expect and how the teams got here. Any surprises from the Cubs roster? Not likely. A couple names of who could take a hypothetical final roster spot. News and Notes with a few notes from around Major League Baseball. Plus, a look at (and predictions for) the other Wild Card Series matchups.

The Cubs are playing in October for the first time in many years. Today's win in Pittsburgh guarantees the team its first postseason since the short 60-game season in 2020. So, really, 2018 was the last time. A look back at March predictions show a pretty good success rate. PCA with an incredible year. He, Tucker and Suzuki established themselves as the 3 leaders of the offense. The starting rotation would face adversity, but depth would allow the team to continue on. The 87-win total has already been foiled, but that's a good thing in reality. Not mentioned in today's episode, but worth pointing out is the fact that Nico Hoerner has a shot at the National League batting title. His recent hot streak has raised his batting average to .301. Trea Turner, currently injured, leads the NL at .305. So, if Nico can go something like 16-for-40 the rest of the way, he'd overtake Turner. Unlikely, but still something. In an era of advanced metrics, there's still value in someone who gets a hit 30% of the time. News and notes from around Major League Baseball and more.

It's been a tough stretch for the Chicago Cubs. 2 months of .500 ball. A 15-game swing with Milwaukee over the last 2 months. But, there is hope. If the Cubs can take 4 of 5 from the Brewers this week at Wrigley Field, perhaps there's a reasonable shot at the division. If not, it's all about the wild card. Rotation reinforcements are back. Jameson Taillon should return for the Brewers series. Javier Assad returned this week and is on the bump today. Brewers have been on a ridiculous tear, but no one has won a World Series in early August.

The Chicago Cubs enter play today with the 3rd-best record in Major League Baseball, yet are in second place in the National League Central. Cubs and Orioles face off this afternoon at Wrigley Field. A recap of Cubs trade deadline deals, but are they enough? Bad news on the injruy front for the Brewers, while the Cubs expect key returns from injury. Tucker and Suzuki are mired in a slump. This and That with news from around Major League Baseball.

The Chicago Cubs enter play on Sunday with the best record in baseball. Big fan of the Cubs lineup shake-up! But, why is Michael Busch back to sitting against a left-handed starter? Why the Cubs have been hot yet only have a one-game lead in the NL Central. A preview of trade deadline moves. My top 2 starters and a couple third-base candidates. Plus, news and notes from around Major League Baseball.

The arrival of the month of July brings a lot of fun trade talk. First time in many years, it looks like the Cubs are ready to spend and make moves. I'll share the moves I am keeping an eye on. No one called this, but Matthew Boyd has been the Cubs best starter through the first half of the season. All Star Game fan voting, plus news and notes from around Major League Baseball.

It's early June and the Chicago Cubs sit atop the NL Central. Cubs are currently grinding through a tough road trip and are holding their own. Struggled to get much happening against top pitchers Mackenzie Gore, Tarik Skubal and Zack Wheeler. All the talk of the Cubs offense is well-deserved, but the defense has been impressive, too. Lineup suggestions for Craig Counsell (the Spring of Carson Kelly is over). A preview of the rest of the Phillies series, plus news and notes from around Major League Baseball.

The connection between being in 1st place on June 1 and making the postseason. Also, injury updates on Cubs pitchers and the likely return of Shota Imanaga. The Cubs lineup has proven productive from top to bottom this year. A preview of this afternoon's series finale with Cincinnati, plus news and notes from around Major League Baseball.

Coming into this season, I was most excited to see 2 Cubs prospects. Looks like they both get the call within a matter of days of each other. Cade Horton debuted over the weekend, Moises Ballesteros to be called up today. But, what's the corresponding roster move? No team needs 3 catchers, but the Cubs catching corps this year is unmatched. 3 things to watch: Ballesteros call-up, what's happening at third base and who exactly is Ryan Pressly? Plus, news and notes from around Major League Baseball.

Another MLB season is underway! The Chicago Cubs have now played on 2 Opening Days in 2025. A quick recap of the Japan series, plus last night's opener in Arizona. Lots of roster talk this spring, we'll get you up to speed with who made the cut. Share some news and notes from around Major League Baseball. Plus, a few Cubs predictions for the 2025 season. On X, connect and comment at bricksbleachers. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio and more.

After a long wait, it's time for the 2025 Chicago Cubs to hit the field! Pitcher and catchers are reporting today to the Cubs complex in Arizona. It's been a busy offseason for the Cubs front office. Cubs enter camp with way more bullpen arms than can be kept on the roster. Will talk about that and the starting rotation. Will the Cubs add anyone still (Bregman and Cease come to mind)? Only one is probably remotely close to happening. Pecota projections are already pretty favorable for the Cubs.

The Chicago Cubs pull off a big trade with the Astros. Kyle Tucker is now a Chicago Cub. Even though he has yet to play for the Cubs, I'm saying he's the best player on a Cubs roster in many years. A really solid all-around player. Under contract for just one year. Team's willingness to re-sign him will shape the club's future for several years. Also, other Cubs roster moves you may or may not have seen this offseason. A few moves worth mentioning from elsewhere in MLB. Plus, what's ahead for the Cubs. Is Bellinger here in 2025? Either way, what needs remain for this team to be competitive in 2025.

The season is over for the Chicago Cubs. Back-to-back years of 83 wins, but the 2024 Cubs team was better. I'll explain why. Also, I float a trade idea to boost the 2025 roster. Lots of year-end observations. Plus, a look around Major League Baseball with our News and Notes segment. A preview of the 2025 Cubs schedule. Predications for the MLB Postseason.

We're coming down the homestretch -- 16 games left for the Chicago Cubs. A brief recap of a successful series in Los Angeles. How the Cubs are outperforming on the road. Injury updates, the tiny (1.1%) chance of the postseason, plus news and notes from around Major League Baseball in our This and That segment.

The 4th no-hitter in MLB in 2024 belongs to the Chicago Cubs! A combined no-hitter, led by Shota Imanaga on Wednesday. A nice close to a disappointing series with the Pirates. Cubs remain 4 back in the NL Wild Card standings with just over 3 weeks to go. Props to Swanson, PCA and Amaya for continuing to deliver. There's no better 7-8-9 in baseball. A look ahead to what is likely the Cubs' most difficult week of the year (Yankees and Dodgers). Plus, news and notes from around Major League Baseball.