Cubs Talk Podcast - podcast cover

Cubs Talk Podcast

Chicago Sports Networkchsncubs.podbean.com
The Cubs Talk Podcast breaks down all things baseball on the North Side. Host Leila Rahimi, James Neveau, and Nate Poppen bring insider perspectives, regular player interviews, and news updates during the team’s pursuit of another championship. New episodes release every Wednesday morning.
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Episodes

MLB to implement major rule changes for 2023 season

Baseball is making big changes and will implement three major rule changes next season: a pitch clock, larger bases, and restricting the shift. How will these changes impact the game? David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss each rule and how they feel about them. Get ready, Cubs fans, a new era is on its way in baseball.

Sep 09, 202225 minEp. 625

Cubs call up Hayden Wesneski and what’s next for Matt Mervis

As we enter the last month of the season, the Cubs are bringing up and working out prospects on the big league stage and the newest member is pitcher Hayden Wesneski. The Cubs are also analyzing rising first basemen, Matt Mervis. Who are they and what are they projected to be on the big league stage? Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the young prospects and where they fit in the future of the Cubs. (1:50) - Gordon interviews first basemen slugger Matt Mervis (5:30) - Mervis went from un...

Sep 07, 202227 minEp. 624

Could Willson Contreras, Cardinals be match this offseason?

With Willson Contreras set to become a free agent, could the St. Louis Cardinals come calling this winter? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins discuss whether Cubs fans could see Contreras in Cardinal red next season. Plus, the guys discuss Ian Happ as an extension candidate this offseason and what that deal could look like. Finally, the guys debate if the Cubs will set a record for players used in a single season.

Sep 02, 202229 minEp. 623

Why the Cubs should or shouldn’t go after Angels star Shohei Ohtani

The trade deadline is over but that doesn't stop speculation. There have been rumors around the league that the Angels could be willing to part ways with superstar pitcher and hitter Shohei Ohtani. With a rare star rumored to be attainable, should the Cubs place their bid? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins debate the legitimacy of the rumor and if the Cubs should make a bid for one of the best players in baseball.

Aug 31, 202233 minEp. 622

Jed Hoyer meets the media and Cubs/Cards series review

Live from Wrigley Field Cubs beat writers, Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the latest on the Cubs including their review of the Cardinals series and how the Cubs handled 700 home run chaser, Albert Pujols. They also discuss the new faces the Cubs are bringing up, and they discuss Jed Hoyer meeting the media.

Aug 26, 202234 minEp. 621

The 700 home run club and assessing Cubs’ future bats

The Cubs' biggest rival has a hitter approaching a rare feat: 700 home runs. With Albert Pujols nearing the milestone, David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss if we will see anyone outside of Pujols hit the 700-mark soon or if anyone ever will again. Later in the pod, the guys discuss the future bats for this team, including the infield beyond Nico Hoerner, and Cubs top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong. (1:30) - Will we see anyone hit 700 home runs if Albert Pujols gets there? (8:0...

Aug 24, 202233 minEp. 620

Trea Turner as a potential Cub and adding pitching depth to the organization

As the season winds down on the Cubs season a position that needs to be addressed is shortstop. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the options for the Cubs and if Trea Turner could be the guy that can fix their shortstop problems. They also discuss the Cubs adding more pitching to the organization.

Aug 19, 202229 minEp. 619

What should Cub fans look for over the final two months

It has been a rough season for Cub fans everywhere but there are things fans should be taking note of as the season winds down. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins break down what every fan should be looking out for this season including which players to watch, what will Jed Hoyer say in the coming days, how will David Ross manage the final games, who will the Cubs bring up from the minors and a lot more.

Aug 17, 202229 minEp. 618

Recapping the Field of Dreams win and the Ricketts’ plan for the Cubs

The Cubs get a premiere win in a premiere game against the Cincinnati Reds in the Field of Dreams game. David Kaplan and Tim Stebbins break down the game and some positives fans can take from it. Later in the pod, the guys discuss what's next for the Cubs this year as they continue to rebuild for the future.

Aug 13, 202227 minEp. 617

Cubs claim Franmil Reyes from the Cleveland Guardians

David Kaplan and Tim Stebbins discuss the newest Cub, Franmil Reyes, and what the Cubs want to do with him in the last stretch of the season. The guys also discuss the prospects in the minor leagues and who's ready to come up to the Bigs, they look at the future, the chances the Cubs can get an impactful player in the draft, and a lot more. (1:42) - Reaction to the Cubs claiming Franmil Reyes (7:50) - What does the future of the Cubs look like? (11:43) - The Cubs have its highest ranked farm sys...

Aug 09, 202219 minEp. 616

Get to know Cubs’ top prospects Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kohl Franklin

If you are a Cubs fan, you need to get to know these two prospects that plan on one day leading the big league squad to another World Series win. David Kaplan goes to South Bend Indiana to interview outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and starting pitcher Kohl Franklin. Later in the pod, Kap interviews the owner of the South Bend Cubs, Andrew Berlin.

Aug 05, 202220 minEp. 615

Cubs keep Willson Contreras and Ian Happ at the end of the trade deadline

Make sure to watch this episode on our YouTube page by clicking HERE! In a frustrating turn of events for all involved including fans, the trade deadline has come and gone and the two players that were predicted to be traded are awkwardly still in Chicago, Willson Contreras and Ian Happ. David Kaplan relays some harsh words about the Cubs with Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins about the Cubs being unable to move Contreras and breaking down the other move the Cubs did make. (1:50) - It's a joke ...

Aug 03, 202226 minEp. 614

Trade deadline updates and an interview with Carlos Rodón

On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the latest rumors and reports on the Cubs as the trade deadline gets closer including updates on potential trade partners, who are the Cubs willing to move and will Jason Heyward be transitioned to a non-playing role with the Cubs. Later in the podcast, the crew discusses if left-hander Carlos Rodón would be a good fit as a Cub and Gordon goes 1-on-1 to discuss his free agency.

Jul 30, 202231 minEp. 613

Willson Contreras, Ian Happ savor likely last home game with Cubs

Watch this episode on YouTube HERE to see all the shenanigans in our brand NEW PODCAST STUDIO! Subscribe to the page HERE to watch all of our video content. Willson Contreras was given multiple standing ovations at Wrigley Field on Tuesday — likely his last home game with the Cubs. Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss Contreras and Ian Happ as they most likely will be traded before Tuesday's 5 p.m. deadline. The guys also discuss who else could be dealt and how the Cubs will build after th...

Jul 27, 202242 minEp. 612

Looking ahead to trade deadline, Cubs’ second half

David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the upcoming trade deadline and give updates on Willson Contreras and Ian Happ's trade possibilities, could the Cubs go after Juan Soto, and other rumors and tidbits. Later in the pod, the crew previews the second half of the season and where they think the Cubs will finish.

Jul 22, 202231 minEp. 611

MLB Draft recap, should Cubs trade for Juan Soto

In the 2022 MLB Draft, the Cubs selected right-handed pitcher Cade Horton 7th overall. Are they looking to correct past mistakes by building up the pitching talent? David Kaplan and Tim Stebbins break down the Cubs draft class and what the organization is trying to build. Later in the pod, the guys discuss if the Cubs should trade for Washington Nationals superstar Juan Soto. (2:00) - Are the Cubs healthier as an organization today than when Theo Epstein took over in 2011? (8:22) - Should the Cu...

Jul 20, 202226 minEp. 610

Cubs 1st half round up, 2nd half look ahead

The first half is done and its time to recap what the Cubs have done so far and predict what the expectations should be for the second half. David Kaplan and Tim Stebbins discuss what they saw from the Cubs in the first half including have the Cubs underperformed and if so how can they be better. They also predict what will happen in the second half of the season.

Jul 17, 202224 minEp. 609

Is this Willson Contreras’ last homestand with Cubs?

Willson Contreras has had one of the best seasons of his career this year and it could be his last with the Cubs. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss Willson's season and predict where he could be as the trade deadline looms closer. The crew also discusses the anniversary of the Jose Quintana trade to the Cubs for Eloy Jimenez and Dylan Cease, and the upcoming MLB Draft.

Jul 13, 202231 minEp. 608

Cubs players on the Highland Park tragedy

After Monday’s tragedy in Highland Park, members of the Cubs spoke out on gun violence. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss what the team said as it processed the tragedy. Later in the pod, the guys discuss the trade deadline and what the Cubs should do with Ian Happ. (1:42) - Cubs players on the Highland Park tragedy (13:37) - Will the Cubs trade Ian Happ for pitching? (17:47) - Is there a chance Happ stays with the Cubs? (22:47) - Who are the Cubs looking at in the draft?...

Jul 08, 202227 minEp. 607

Carlos Correa ”I didn’t want to to be part of no rebuilding”

There are pros and cons to a rebuild. Among the pros, you get to build the foundation for long-term success. Among the cons, well, you may miss out on star talents in free agency, i.e. Carlos Correa. Gordon Wittenmyer — who caught up with Correa — David Kaplan and Tim Stebbins discuss the shortstop's thoughts on the Cubs during his free agency last winter, and if such sentiments will hinder the Cubs from landing top free agents this coming offseason as well. (2:00) - Cubs are playing a lot bette...

Jul 06, 202232 minEp. 606

Jason Heyward heads to the IL, will he put on Cubs uniform again?

As the Cubs rebuild, the remaining pieces of the 2016 World Series team are slowly going away. With Jason Heyward landing on the injured list, will this be the last time we see him in a Cubs uniform? David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer break down the Heyward IL move and whether he'll be a Cub going forward. The guys also discuss the status of pitcher Kyle Hendricks and if a decision is looming on him at the trade deadline. (1:40) - Jason Heyward heads to the injured list, has he pl...

Jul 01, 202234 minEp. 605

Cubs vs. Cardinals recap, Jason Heyward status, Contreras bros All-Star Game

On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the future of Jason Heyward with the Cubs, the series win over the rival St. Louis Cardinals, and the increasing possibility William and Willson Contreras each make the All-Star team. (1:30) - Reaction to the series win vs. the Cards (9:15) - Willson Contreras leads NL catchers in All-Star votes. Are he and his brother William headed to the Midsummer Classic? (23:00) - Jason Heyward's future as a Cub (30:00) - W...

Jun 29, 202233 minEp. 604

Pirates series takeaways, early trade deadline speculation

The Cubs lost another series, this time to the Pirates, and it's looking like they're headed into another selloff at the trade deadline. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss their takeaways from the Pirates series and the trade speculation around Kyle Hendricks, Willson Contreras, and David Robertson. (1:55) - Takeaways from the series loss to the Pirates (9:16) - If the Cubs spend more, does it fix the issues? (14:20) - What trade will bring back a haul for the Cubs? (21:00...

Jun 24, 202223 minEp. 603

Jed Hoyer talks state of Cubs and future outlook

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer joined David Kaplan on his radio show to discuss the struggling Cubs and the process of rebuilding a big market team. Kap, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins react to the Hoyer interview and if he is going about the rebuild the right way. (3:15) - Is Jed Hoyer being transparent about the rebuild? (8:35) - Were the Ricketts withholding money from Theo Epstein and now Hoyer? (14:00) - Is the chance to re-sign Willson Contreras down to zero? (20:20) ...

Jun 23, 202228 minEp. 602

Cubs President of Baseball Jed Hoyer speaks to the media amidst tough losing streak

The Cubs are spiraling right now after losing another game and increasing the losing streak to 9. What is being done to fix the issues? Cubs President of Baseball Jed Hoyer sits at the dugout with the local media to discuss the Cubs' failings this season, injury issues, ownership concerns, and a lot more.

Jun 16, 202234 minEp. 601

What are the expectations for the rest of the season for the Cubs?

The Cubs have lost 8 straight and seem to be in a spiral they can't shake and fans are not happy. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the current state of the Cubs and where they think the team is headed as the trade deadline gets closer, and are the Cubs in danger of losing the fan. Later in the pod, David Kaplan has been suggesting that Yankee star Aaron Judge might be a target for the Cubs in the offseason, so Gordon Wittenmyer went to New York to discuss with Judge his ...

Jun 15, 202225 minEp. 600

Willson Contreras, Chicago Cubs avoid arbitration but can they agree on extension?

Willson Contreras is a Cub, for now after he and the Cubs agree on a deal that will pay the All-Star catcher $9.625 million dollars for this season but can they agree on a long-term deal? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the settlement and if this means that the Cubs will extend Contreras. (1:50) - Why did it take so long for the Cubs to settle with Contreras? (6:30) - Cubs pitching prospects review (12:30) - Are there any other prospects that will make their MLB debut?...

Jun 10, 202221 minEp. 599

Are Caleb Killian and Matt Swarmer the pitching stars the Cubs hoped for?

The Cubs are looking to get younger and grow talent as they rebuild for another run at a World Series and they might have a couple of starting pitchers to help get them there. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the debuts of pitching prospects Caleb Killan and Matt Swarmer and if they are the building blocks for the Cubs' future. Later in the pod, the guys discuss the injuries to other Cub prospects, Willson Contreras' contract negotiations, and other Cub's moves. (1:50) -...

Jun 08, 202226 minEp. 598

Caleb Kilian could get the call this week

David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the hottest rumor in the Cubs world, the best pitching prospect in the organization, Caleb Kilian could be on his way to the big leagues sooner rather than later. The guys break down the prospect and if he's ready to take the next step and their thoughts on how good Kilian is. (1:49) - When will we see Caleb Kilian play in the big leagues? (6:42) - Who will be the core pieces for the Cubs going forward? (12:30) - Will the Cubs be looking to compete next...

Jun 03, 202220 minEp. 597

Will Jed Hoyer admit that the Cubs are rebuilding?

The Cubs are in s slump losing 3 straight. Which, depending on how you look at it is a horrible stretch for a team with expectations or a learning process for a young rebuilding team. Which perspective do you think Cubs management has? David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss and debate the Cubs season and if Jed Hoyer will ever admit that the Cubs are under construction and in the midst of a rebuild. (4:30) - Is Jed Hoyer ever going to admit that this is a rebuild? (16:36) - Wh...

Jun 01, 202233 minEp. 596
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