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Brett and Michael are back for Episode 82 of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! With a little time to process the abrupt end to the season, the guys take a step back and look at the 2026 Cubs as a whole. There was plenty worth appreciating about this team, from stretches where the Cubs looked capable of competing with anyone to individual performances that made the season memorable. But there were also recurring problems that eventually caught up with them, whether it was an injury-riddled pitching staff, extended offensive droughts, or a late-season slide that turned what once looked like a comfortable postseason position into a short Wild Card trip to San Diego. Brett and Michael discuss where things actually went wrong, which shortcomings feel most important heading into the offseason, and why the disappointing finish shouldn't erase everything the Cubs accomplished along the way. It's a season-long look back at the highs, the frustrations, the missed opportunities, and what 2026 ultimately told us about where the Cubs stand. 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/cubsGet your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bearsGet your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bullsGet your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawksGet 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.

Brett and Michael are back for the eighty-second episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law). Unfortunately, the Cubs' season is over after dropping both games of their Wild Card series against the Padres while scoring just one run. The offense was the defining problem of the series, particularly when opportunities arose to deliver a big hit. Nico Hoerner did everything he could with four hits, but there simply wasn't enough around him to keep the season alive. Brett and Michael discuss how to evaluate such an abrupt ending without allowing two frustrating postseason games to rewrite everything that came before them. At the same time, the offensive struggles can't simply be dismissed. The Cubs went through extended stretches this season where the lineup failed to produce consistently, including another difficult run down the stretch, and seeing those issues resurface in October makes them impossible to ignore. The guys begin unpacking what went wrong, what actually carries significance into next season, and what shouldn't be overreacted to after a disappointing postseason exit. 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/cubsGet your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bearsGet your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bullsGet your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawksGet 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.

Brett and Michael are back for the eighty-first episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! After a much more stressful September than anyone expected, the Cubs have finally punched their ticket to the postseason. The guys take a broader look at the journey that got them here, from a season filled with significant injuries and dramatic swings to a late Wild Card race that became far tighter than anticipated. Now, the focus turns toward October, with home-field positioning still to be decided and plenty of questions surrounding how the roster and pitching staff will line up for the postseason. Bleacher Nation And amid all of it, Pete Crow-Armstrong officially reached 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases, putting another exclamation point on a remarkable season. Bleacher Nation With the playoff berth finally secured, Brett and Michael take stock of where the Cubs stand, what still needs to be sorted out, and what to expect when postseason baseball begins. 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/cubsGet your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bearsGet your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bullsGet your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawksGet 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.

Brett and Michael are back for the eightieth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! For most of the season, the question hasn't been whether the Cubs would make the playoffs, but where they would be seeded when they got there. Suddenly, that conversation has changed. After losing a series to the Brewers last week and getting swept by Milwaukee this time around, the Cubs' once-comfortable hold on the top Wild Card spot has turned into a much tighter race simply to reach October. They've played below .500 baseball over the last month while several of the teams chasing them have gotten red hot. But Brett and Michael discuss why the situation isn't quite as dire as the recent results might suggest. The Cubs have lost an unusual number of razor-thin games, and there are still plenty of reasons to believe this team can steady itself down the stretch. They also discuss Pete Crow-Armstrong's incredible season, the frustration of potentially watching it go to waste, and what the Cubs need to do to make sure their season doesn't end earlier than anyone expected. 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/cubsGet your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bearsGet your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bullsGet your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawksGet 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.

Brett and Michael are back for the seventy-ninth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! As the Cubs look to salvage a split against the Brewers, the guys take a broader look at what they're realistically playing for over the final weeks of the regular season. While an NL Central comeback isn't impossible, the more attainable goal is securing the top Wild Card spot and putting themselves in the best possible position for October. Brett and Michael discuss that shifting focus and what they'll be watching as the Cubs navigate the final stretch. A big part of that conversation is Daniel Palencia, whose return hasn't gone nearly as smoothly as hoped. But after so much time sidelined, the guys discuss why it's worth viewing this stretch almost like Palencia's April—a chance to rebuild velocity, regain his feel, and ramp back up for more important games ahead. The results have been frustrating, but September doesn't have to define what Palencia can provide in October. Plus, plenty more on the Cubs as the postseason picture begins to take shape. 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/cubsGet your Bears Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bearsGet your Bulls Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/bullsGet your Blackhawks Coverage at https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawksGet 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.

Brett and Michael are back for the seventy-eighth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! It was a road trip to forget, with the Cubs dropping series to both the Mariners and Diamondbacks before getting shut out 2-0 to finish a particularly brutal stretch. Unfortunately, the losses weren't the only bad news. Ben Brown suffered another setback with his neck just as he appeared ready to begin a rehab assignment, putting his potential return this season in serious doubt. The guys discuss what the latest setback means for Brown both this year and potentially longer term. They also revisit a painful collapse in Arizona, including the missed balk that had Pete Crow-Armstrong furious and a late-inning bullpen meltdown. Daniel Palencia is still trying to regain his form after returning from injury, while the Cubs' heavy reliance on Jacob Webb raises questions about how much longer they can continue leaning on him so aggressively. After a rough road trip and an even rougher final 36 hours, Brett and Michael assess where the Cubs stand as the stretch run 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Brett and Michael are back for the seventy-first episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! With the All-Star break providing a brief pause in the season, the guys take a step back to discuss where the Cubs stand heading into the second half. They reflect on a successful MLB Draft for the Cubs organization and Pete Crow-Armstrong's All-Star appearance, where he represented the club with a hit on baseball's biggest stage. From there, the conversation turns into a broader midseason check-in, looking at the highs and lows of the first half, the challenges the Cubs have battled through, and what still lies ahead as the postseason race begins to heat up. It's a relaxed, wide-ranging baseball conversation before the second half gets underway. 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.

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.

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.

Brett and Michael are back for the sixty-eighth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! The Cubs head into Thursday looking for a series sweep of the Mets, having won nine of their last 12 games behind an offense that's finally firing on all cylinders. Unfortunately, the injury bug refuses to let up. The rotation has been hit yet again, with Ben Brown landing on the injured list shortly after Edward Cabrera exited with what could be a lengthy hamstring/adductor injury. With six key pitchers currently sidelined, the guys discuss how the Cubs keep finding ways to win despite an increasingly threadbare staff—and whether this latest wave of injuries finally forced the front office's hand. It didn't take long to find an answer. The Cubs swung an early trade, acquiring David Peterson from the New York Mets to reinforce the rotation. While Peterson has endured an uneven season, Brett and Michael discuss why his ground-ball profile, recent track record, and fit in front of the Cubs' elite defense make him an intriguing addition for a club desperate for healthy innings. The guys break down what the move means for the rotation, the cost of acquiring Peterson, and whether the Cubs may still need to pursue additional pitching help before the trade deadline. 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.