CHGO Chicago Cubs Podcast

Can the Chicago Cubs REALLY win the NL Central in 2026? 👀 Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts believes this team has what it takes to finish on top — but is that confidence justified? On today’s CHGO Cubs Podcast, hosts Luke Stuckmeyer and Joey Christopoulos and guest Matt Cozzi break down Ricketts’ comments and what they mean for the direction of the franchise. Are the Cubs legitimate division contenders? How do they stack up against the rest of the NL Central? And does this roster truly have championship upside? We dive into the impact of Alex Bregman in the middle of the lineup, the continued rise of Pete Crow-Armstrong, the steady production of Ian Happ, and what a breakout season from Michael Busch could mean for the offense. On the mound, can top prospect Cade Horton make the leap and solidify the rotation?

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With Ian Happ continuing to be one of the most consistent two-way left fielders in baseball, Seiya Suzuki providing elite bat-to-ball skills and middle-of-the-order production, and Pete Crow-Armstrong flashing Gold Glove defense and game-changing speed in center field, the Cubs’ outfield might be as complete as any in the NL. On this episode of the CHGO Cubs Podcast, the crew breaks down how this trio stacks up against the Dodgers, Braves, Phillies, and the rest of the National League. Is PCA already the best defensive center fielder in the league? Can Suzuki take another offensive leap? And does Happ’s veteran presence put this group over the top? 
 

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Both players reached the top of their sport in Chicago. Derrick Rose became the youngest MVP in NBA history and looked ready to lead the Bulls back to championship glory before devastating injuries changed the trajectory of his career. Kris Bryant helped break the Cubs’ 108-year World Series drought, won NL MVP, and was on a Hall of Fame pace before injuries and roster changes reshaped his future. So which career leaves fans wondering more? What if D-Rose never tears his ACL? What if Bryant stays healthy and remains the face of the Cubs dynasty? How many championships are we talking about? How different does Chicago sports history look? 
 

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On this episode of CHGO Cubs Related, Corey Freedman and Brendan Miller break down the biggest storylines to monitor as the Cubs report to camp. How will Alex Bregman’s leadership impact the clubhouse — and especially young stars like Pete Crow-Armstrong? Where does Matt Shaw fit defensively as roster battles begin? Are the Cubs truly comfortable with their current outfield depth, or could moves still be coming? Plus, which hitters could be this year’s surprise standouts? From breakout candidates to position battles and leadership dynamics, Corey and Brendan cover everything fans need to know as the 2026 season gets underway. Don’t miss this full Cubs Spring Training preview packed with analysis, projections and key roster questions.

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Luke Stuckmeyer and Joey Christopoulos break down the latest 2026 Chicago Cubs projections and analyze how the North Siders stack up against the rest of Major League Baseball. How do the numbers view Alex Bregman’s impact in the middle of the lineup? Is Pete Crow-Armstrong projected to take another step toward stardom? What do projections say about Ian Happ’s consistency and overall value? And on the pitching side, can Cade Horton emerge as a front-line arm while Daniel Palencia locks down high-leverage innings? From projected win totals and playoff odds to offensive rankings and rotation outlook, Luke and Joey dive deep into where the Cubs rank in the NL Central — and whether they truly measure up against MLB powerhouses like the Dodgers, Braves, and Phillies. Are the Cubs a legitimate National League contender in 2026? Do they project as a top-10 team in baseball? And what needs to happen to outperform the models? 

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