GM Meetings recap and an interview with Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins

Former Cubs catcher Jody Davis stops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast to chat from the 2024 Convention. 

Davis reflects on the 1984 season, what it was like with a firsthad view of Ryne Sandberg on a daily basis and what made Rick Sutcliffe so special during his time in a Cubs uniform.

Plus, Davis ranks himself among all-time Cubs catchers and how he was able to flourish both defensively and offensively.

Relief pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. drops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast to chat with Elise Menaker and Tony Andracki during Spring Training.

Leiter explains his initial impressions of new manager Craig Counsell, what he learned during his first full season as a big-league reliever and gets into his family history and how growing up as the son and nephew of big-league pitchers sealed his fate.

Later, Menaker and Andracki analyze the Cubs' 40-man roster conundrum that features several intriguing non-roster players in camp. Plus, how some of the changes Counsell has made are paying dividends and the one player that has impressed the most in camp.

Cody Bellinger is back in the fold with the Cubs, which has major ripple effects up and down the roster. Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki weigh in from sunny Arizona with their takeaways from Bellinger's (re)introductory press conference and how his return impacts Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch and the rest of the Cubs lineup.

Sportsbooks are giving the Cubs an extra game in the win column with Bellinger back and the panel explains why they're bullish on the team finishing over that mark in 2024.

Plus, the ceiling for this Cubs offense and other top storylines from camp, including some intriguing bullpen developments.

Shota Imanaga threw his first live batting practice Wednesday at Cubs camp and stole the show. The Cubs Weekly Podcast recapped the session and the first week of full-squad workouts from Mesa, Ariz. Elise Menaker and Andy Martínez discussed what they’ve seen from camp and what their takeaways have been.

The duo breaks down the Cubs latest additions — David Peralta and Dom Smith on minor league deals and what their signing means for the roster and for a potential Cody Bellinger return. Menaker and Martínez discuss some of the roster questions the Cubs are facing, including their center fielder and fourth outfielder, Christopher Morel at third base and more.

On the day of the Cubs' first official workout for pitchers and catchers, Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki discuss the vibe around camp, where nearly every position player has shown up early. It's Craig Counsell's first camp as Cubs manager and he's already making his presence known in Arizona.

As Jed Hoyer, Carter Hawkins and Counsell kicked off the start of spring with a press conference and players began to meet with the media, one name continues to surface: Cody Bellinger. What is the update on Bellinger's situation and how are the Cubs pivoting as he remains a free agent?

Hoyer left the door open for potentially more additions to the roster but the Cubs are also banking on internal improvements. Who are some players that could take the next step in 2024? Plus, are external projections for win totals for the Cubs accurate?

Former Cubs outfielder Brian McRae drops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast to reflect on his career, including his 3 seasons in Chicago.

McRae tells stories of his time with the Cubs, how often he keeps up with his former teammates, why the Chicago fans are so special and his approach to the leadoff spot in the lineup.

Plus, McRae explains why he considers himself a Cubs fan and how he dealt with the emotions and stress watching the 2016 team bring home the World Series trophy.

The 1984 Cubs hold a special spot in the hearts of many Cubs fans. The center fielder and lead-off hitter for that team, Bobby Dernier understands and appreciates that. The former Cub caught up with Andy Martínez and Bruce Levine at Cubs Convention to reminisce about the team.

Dernier recalled the “Sandberg Game”, which really put the Cubs in the spotlight that season and playing with Sandberg that season. The righty shared stories of that team, including having Rick Sutcliffe, who he had played with in high school, join the Cubs midway through that season.

Later in the podcast, Dernier discusses how crucial a leadoff hitter is for a team and how much he enjoyed watching Dexter Fowler in 2016 in that role and Mike Tauchman in 2023. Then, he shares his 2016 story — where he was when the Cubs finally won it all and what his emotions were.

The Cubs added some reinforcements to the bullpen over the weekend with the reported signings of Hector Neris and Carl Edwards Jr. (on minor league deal). Marquee Sports Network player development analyst Lance Brozdowski stops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast to chat with Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki about what Neris and Edwards bring to this team. 

With the pair of pitchers in the fold, the podcast panel analyzes how the Cubs bullpen has come together this winter. Plus, what are their overall feelings on the Cubs' offseason after the latest relief additions?

There's some optimism on a reunion with Cody Bellinger and the trio explains why a Matt Chapman signing might not be in the cards for the Cubs. 

Brozdowski also provides his thoughts on the Cubs farm system drawing national acclaim and what to expect from Michael Busch in Chicago.

Iconic Cubs third baseman and newest member of the Cubs Hall of Fame Aramis Ramírez stops by the podcast. He explains what it means to be inducted into the Cubs Hall of Fame and how he found out about the honor right before he was introduced to the crowd at the 2024 Cubs Convention.

Ramírez also reflects on his career with the Cubs, including the franchise-altering trade that brought him to Chicago alongside Kenny Lofton. 2003 ranks as one of the most interesting years in Cubs history and Ramírez shares his perspective of that season, including the playoffs and the aftermath.

Plus, Ramírez shares his favorite moments in a Cubs uniform, describes what it's like to hit a walk-off home run and explains what made Derrek Lee such a great teammate. Ramírez also details his last career game, which ironically came against the Cubs in the 2015 playoffs.

2016 World Series MVP Ben Zobrist drops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast to chat with Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki about a wide array of topics, including being back at Cubs Convention and interacting with fans.

Zobrist tells the story about his free agency journey to the Cubs, what Joe Maddon meant to him as both a player and a person and how the team dealt with the organization's World Series drought.

Of course, there was plenty of Game 7 talk, as Zobrist broke down his championship-winning hit and what he remembers about those epic moments that will echo throughout eternity for the Cubs franchise.

The 14-year MLB veteran also reflected back on some of the highlights of his playing days, including the unique way he ended his career.