It took Jed a whole year to find his guy but he did. The Cubs and Jed Hoyer officially welcome Carter Hawkins as the new GM, taking over Jed's old job as number 2 in baseball operations. Who is Carter? Was he the best available candidate? What's next for Jed as he fills out his executive roster? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the new hire and will he be a major piece in making another championship roster. (2:20) - Impressions of Carter Hawkins (7:20) - Will Hawkins fix...
Oct 20, 2021•30 min•Ep. 535
As the MLB playoffs continue, the Cubs are in rebuild mode to get back there. The Cubs Talk crew breaks down the next potential free-agent candidate, Houston Astros star shortstop Carlos Correa. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer breakdown what would it take to get Correa in the Blue and Red. Later in the pod, Gordon gets a 1-on-1 interview with Correa to discuss his impending free agency. (2:50) - Should Carlos Correa be a big target for the Cubs? (10:00) - How will Correa fit on...
Oct 13, 2021•47 min•Ep. 534
Jed Hoyer spoke to the media about the 2021 Cubs season and upcoming offseason. On today's episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer have the battle of the century as they discuss which path Hoyer and the Cubs should take for an efficient rebuild. Cubs beat reporter Tim Stebbins was on the pod as well but soon melted from the sheer fire of the takes. ENJOY! (2:05) - Should Jed Hoyer take a more aggressive approach to free agency than he's letting on? (6:40) - Round 1: ...
Oct 08, 2021•36 min•Ep. 533
The Cubs season is over and boy, did a lot of things happen. The Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the 2021 Cubs and how they will remember them, whether there's a core on this roster to build around, how Jed Hoyer will build this team back up, what's in the farm system, and a lot more. (2:00) - How will fans remember the 2021 Cubs? (9:40) - Will the Cubs compete in 2022? 2023? (24:20) - Will Cubs fans watch the team during a rebuild? (33:00) - Which pla...
Oct 06, 2021•46 min•Ep. 532
As the season winds down, the Cubs suffer another stumbling block. 2 players head to the injured list presumably due to COVID. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss how the Cubs are handling the situation and how will they end the season. Later, the crew breaks down how vaccines mandates may impact the new CBA, and Gordon Wittenmyer sits with a potential Cubs free agent target Marcus Stroman as they discuss his free agency and fi the Cubs are on his radar. (2:30) - Patrick Wi...
Oct 01, 2021•29 min•Ep. 531
In a jam-packed episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the shortstop options for the Cubs and how they can replace Javy Baez. They also discuss Jed Hoyer's comments on how the Cubs will treat free agency this year and how they will get back to competing. The crew also discuss Jed's comments on a potential David Ross extension and the overall job Ross has done this year in a rebuilding season for the Cubs, and in the second half of the podcast,...
Sep 29, 2021•41 min•Ep. 530
Jason Heyward suffers a concussion that will sideline him for the remainder of this season. Does Heyward still bring value to the Cubs during a rebuild? Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the injury to Heyward, and break down what his role could be going forward as the Cubs rebuild for the future. Later in the pod, the guys break down the Cubs pitching rotation and what it could look like in the future. (2:44) - Jason Heyward is likely out for the remainder of the season (9:10) - Will Ja...
Sep 24, 2021•39 min•Ep. 529
Jon Lester has accomplished a lot in his time in the Show and after getting his 200th win, weirdly enough in a Cardinals uniform, the crew discusses his career and debates if it's enough to get him into the Hall of Fame. Later in the podcast, the guys discuss the Cubs' shortstop depth in the organization and if the position will be settled by next year, and a spirited debate on the Yu Darvish trade that you're not going to want to miss. (2:10) - Is Jon Lester a Hall of Famer, and if he is, will ...
Sep 22, 2021•37 min•Ep. 528
The Joe Maddon Cubs era was one for the ages, but how should we remember his time in Chicago and that core's legacy? David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Tony Gill discuss Maddon's importance to the Cubs and why he ultimately left if he wanted to stay. The crew also discusses the players on those teams the Cubs parted ways with after Maddon. (2:40) - Joe Maddon returns to Chicago and says he didn't want to leave the Cubs (10:00) - How should the Joe Maddon Cubs era be remembered? (19:00) - Is it disa...
Sep 17, 2021•39 min•Ep. 527
As the Cubs recoup assets and build the farm system for the future, who is the one guy the organization can build around to get back to World Series contention? Ladies and gentlemen, Brennen Davis might be that guy. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss Davis' potential and the chance he leads the next Cubs core. Later in the pod, Gordon sits down with Davis to discuss his path to the big leagues, the growing expectations on him, and if he is ready to be the key piece for the...
Sep 15, 2021•39 min•Ep. 526
The Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss another potential fit with the Cubs and he just so happens to have already been here, Nick Castellanos. The guys discuss if the Castellanos will opt out of his contract and if he does, will the Cubs be a natural fit for the rising star. Later, the guys discuss the return of Kris Bryant to Wrigley Field and what kind of reception KB will get. (2:16) - Is Nick Castellanos a good fit for this current Cubs team? (7:40) -...
Sep 10, 2021•33 min•Ep. 525
Not a lot of teams are on a roll like the Cubs are right now and Frank Schwindel is leading the way. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss Schwindel’s hot bat and if he could be a long-term piece for the Cubs. Later in the podcast, the crew discusses the Cubs’ management strategy and which position is the most important to address this offseason. (1:40) - Cubs are the hottest team in baseball right now and have the hottest hitter in baseball in Frank “The Tank” Schwindel (10:...
Sep 08, 2021•35 min•Ep. 524
The man that helped bring a World Series to the Cubs might be coming back to running a team. Theo Epstein is being rumored as a possible candidate to run the Mets? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the baseball exec and the validity of this rumor. Later in the pod, the crew discusses the importance of Willson Contreras to the Cubs rebuild and how quickly the Cubs think they can turn it around to make the team competitive again.
Sep 03, 2021•26 min•Ep. 523
Cubs Insider Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins join host David Kaplan to discuss all the hubbub in New York surrounding Javy Báez's celebration in response to fans booing the Mets. The fallout from Báez's admission, the backlash, the pre-game apology, and the boos directed at Báez during his first at-bat. Then of course the El Mago heroics that won the Mets the game today and turned those boos into the cheers. The crew also discusses Gordon's column on the Cubs and the need for a rebuild after ...
Sep 01, 2021•28 min•Ep. 522
In a mailbag episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Maddie Lee answer your questions and concerns about the Cubs' rebuild and future. (2:00) - How will the Cubs' surprise contributors, including Patrick Wisdom and Rafael Ortega, fit into the team's future? (5:45) - Will the Cubs jump-start the rebuild by spending on a couple of top free agents this offseason? (13:00) - Will there be wholesale changes to the coaching staff after this season? (15:50) - Has Dylan Cease al...
Aug 27, 2021•28 min•Ep. 521
The Cubs have a lot of decisions to make to ensure fans have a playoff-contending team, including who will make up the everyday infield. David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the Cubs' infield options and what could be coming in the future. Later in the pod, the crew discusses the current Cubs roster and who could be part of the group in 2022 and beyond. (1:40) - Will Trevor Story be an option for the Cubs this offseason? (9:00) - What will the Cubs do with former...
Aug 25, 2021•43 min•Ep. 520
The Cubs are in a wait-and-see mode with their rebuild, which hinges on what the next Collective Bargaining Agreement looks like. Tim Stebbins, Gordon Wittenmyer, and David Kaplan break down what the road looks like for the Cubs' rebuild as CBA negotiations get underway. Later in the pod, the crew discusses Jake Arrieta being picked up by the Padres and his first start for San Diego. (2:00) - Early negotiations surface for the next CBA (7:34) - Will there be a labor stoppage in baseball due to t...
Aug 20, 2021•29 min•Ep. 519
David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss topics surrounding the Cubs' rebuild. The crew discusses the recent lengthy losing streak, how the Yu Darvish trade will be remembered, whether the Cubs have a solid rotation for the future, if the Cubs will spend this offseason, what to do with Jason Heyward, and a lot more. (1:50) - Cubs continue to struggle. Was it supposed to be this bad after their trade deadline selloff? (4:40) - How will the Yu Darvish trade be remembered? (10:50) - ...
Aug 18, 2021•33 min•Ep. 518
The Cubs released Jake Arrieta after a rough few months, leaving only Jason Heyward, Kyle Hendricks, and Willson Contreras from the 2016 championship team. Gordon Wittenmyer and David Kaplan discuss the move and why the Cubs chose to do it now, and what Arrieta's second stint with the team means for his Cubs legacy. (1:55) - Cubs release Jake Arrieta after an awful outing and awkward exchange with a reporter (9:10) - Will the Cubs choose to do a quick turnaround and spend on free agents this off...
Aug 13, 2021•35 min•Ep. 517
It's been about 2 weeks since the trade deadline that sparked the rebuild for the Cubs and fans are still coping with the moves. Kris Bryant was one of those moves so Gordon Wittenmyer went to go see Kris to get his take on the way everything was handled and to get some answers right from the source. Kris talks about his feelings about being traded, if there's a possibility that he could return, did his group win enough with the Cubs, and a lot more. (2:00) - Bryant on Baez, Rizzo also hitting h...
Aug 11, 2021•22 min•Ep. 516
With a new-look Cubs team on the field, there has been time for everyone involved to speak on a franchise-changing trade deadline. Jed Hoyer and Anthony Rizzo both discussed the Cubs' lack of extensions with their former All-Star core. The Cubs Talk crew of Tim Stebbins, Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee and David Kaplan discuss the Hoyer and Rizzo's comments. The crew also discusses what's next for the starting rotation the rest of this season, the chances any of the former core players will come b...
Aug 06, 2021•34 min•Ep. 515
The rebuild has started and now it's time to get introduced to the new Cubs. Former MLB executive Kevin Goldstein from Fangraphs joins David Kaplan and Maddie Lee to discuss the pieces that the Cubs got back from trading Bryant, Rizzo, Kimbrel, and Baez. Did the Cubs get enough? Will the Cubs be back into contention soon? Kevin and the Cubs Talk crew break it all down on this episode of the Cubs Talk podcast. (1:38) - Breaking down the Kris Bryant trade and what the Cubs got in Alexander Canario...
Aug 04, 2021•25 min•Ep. 514
The end of an era. As the trade deadline approached, Jed Hoyer officially ended the current Cubs era by trading Kris Bryant to the San Francisco Giants, Javy Baez to the New York Mets, and Craig Kimbrel to the White Sox. David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins break down a crazy day of trades for the Cubs and discuss what's next for the organization, and discuss the end of an era for the 2016 World champion Cubs team.
Jul 31, 2021•30 min•Ep. 513
The Chicago Cubs have traded its franchise leader Anthony Rizzo to the New York Yankees, shocking fans. Coming to the Cubs are prospects Alexander Vizcaino, a right-handed pitcher, and outfielder Kevin Alcantara. David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer react to the trade, discuss Rizzo's legacy with the Cubs, and predict other potential trades that could go down before Friday's 3pm deadline.
Jul 30, 2021•22 min•Ep. 512
The trade deadline is Friday and as I (producer Tony Gill) write this description, Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javy Báez are with the Cubs, but Andrew Chafin was dealt to the Oakland A's. Maddie Lee, Gordon Wittenmyer, Tim Stebbins, and David Kaplan discuss the uncertainty around the Cubs with the deadline around the corner. The crew also discusses Báez's EPIC walk-off celebration vs. the Reds, trade scenarios for Craig Kimbrel, and a lot more. (1:40) - How many Cubs will get traded before t...
Jul 28, 2021•33 min•Ep. 511
Trevor Williams and Cory Hahn met in travel ball. They roomed together on a trip to Georgia, where Hahn said he had to stop Williams from microwaving nachos in a metal pan. Since then, their friendship has deepened, evolved, and made a broader impact. Williams is now a Cubs pitcher, Hahn is the Diamondbacks coordinator of pro scouting. Together, they’re co-founders of Project 34, a nonprofit that supports individuals living with spinal cord injuries.
Jul 22, 2021•14 min•Ep. 510
The trade deadline is only nine days away and the rumors aren't stopping. In the latest of never ending Cubs talk, is Javy Baez looking for $200 million from the Cubs in a contract extension? David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer debate if that is Baez's asking price. The crew also breaks down Kris Bryant-Mets rumors, Anthony Rizzo rumors, and more. YOU GET A RUMOR! YOU GET A RUMOR! YOU GET A RUMOR TOO! (2:00) - Is Javy Baez looking for $200 million in an extension? (8:50) - Is Antho...
Jul 21, 2021•37 min•Ep. 510
Joc Pederson is now an Atlanta Brave as the Cubs trade the 1yr player to the Atlanta Braves for minor league first baseman Bryce Ball. Does this trade signal things to come? Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer do an emergency reaction to the trade after recording the podcast earlier before the trade went down. Later in the podcast, David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Tim, and Gordon discuss possible trade scenarios with the White Sox and the hall of fame candidacy of Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel. (0:18) - Tim...
Jul 16, 2021•58 min•Ep. 509
Does Willson have a point? The All-star catcher did not hold back when discussing the lackluster first half of the season and the effort he saw from his teammates. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Maddie Lee discuss and react to Contreras' comments as well as the comments made by manager David Ross and the rest of the Cubs players. The crew also discuss the possibility that Kris Bryant will be traded and how Kris is dealing with that possibility, the anniversary of the José Quintana trade, a...
Jul 14, 2021•32 min•Ep. 508
The Cubs are in a middle of a crossroad and the fans are waiting on which direction the franchise is headed. If you were in charge of the Cubs, what would be your plan? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tony Gill discuss and debate where they would take the Cubs and explain to fans how things will get back to -- let's say it together -- "sustained success!" (2:00) - How would you sell the next phase of Cubs baseball to the fans? (9:55) - Will fans have an issue with a rebuild if the Ricketts ...
Jul 09, 2021•34 min•Ep. 507
