nico hoerner

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.

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?

The Cubs debuted plenty of rookies in 2023, including prospects like Jordan Wicks, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Daniel Palencia providing an interesting discussion: how does a team break young players into their roster while winning? Andy Martínez and Tim Stebbins discuss that on the latest edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast. The pair analyze Crow-Armstrong’s debut and usage in his first few games at the big-league level.  

Later in the podcast, Martínez and Stebbins discuss Christopher Morel’s importance and where he could fit defensively in 2024. They also discuss Julian Merryweather’s role next season and the importance of the Cubs’ bullpen.  

The podcast wraps up with some postseason talk, including the NL Central’s struggles in the postseason of late and whether or not the playoff format is skewed against the top teams.  

The Cubs Weekly Podcast recapped a tough, two-day stretch that saw the Cubs lose a pair of games by 1 run in Atlanta. Tony Andracki, Andy Martínez and Tim Stebbins broke down the start of the series and looked ahead to the final 4 games of the regular season.

The trio discussed the Cubs’ bullpen woes, how David Ross can piece together the end of a game and how the defense — a staple for this team — has struggled of late. Later in the podcast, the group discuss the impact of Jeimer Candelario returning to the lineup and what it means for the Cubs moving forward.

As it stands, the Cubs have Justin Steele lined up to pitch game 162 against Milwaukee, which begs the question: if the Cubs get into the playoffs, who starts Game 1 of the Wild Card round? Andracki, Stebbins and Martínez discuss that and more in this week’s edition of the pod.

The Cubs were swept out of the desert and begin the final homestand of 2023 in an unenviable position in the playoffs.

Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki analyze the Cubs' 5-game losing streak and where the team goes from here. Who will step up in the bullpen? How does the offense get back on track? Will the Cubs take advantage of a soft schedule on the upcoming week?

We answer these questions and more on the latest Cubs Weekly Podcast.

The Cubs salvaged the series finale Sunday against the Diamondbacks and the Cubs Weekly Podcast broke it all down. Tony Andracki and Andy Martínez break down the Cubs offense and why the Cubs weren’t concerned after scoring just 4 runs in the first three games of the series.

The pair discuss Kyle Hendricks’ importance to this team, especially given his injury last season and the uncertain nature of his return, let alone his performance. Also on the pitching side, the duo look at the Cubs’ bullpen, who has stepped into David Ross’ circle of trust and how he is managing workload for a corps of relievers that has been heavily relied on.

Later in the podcast, Andracki and Martínez look at Bellinger’s significance to the Cubs’ offense and where they would be without him. 

Vibes were high around Wrigley Field Tuesday night in an offensive explosion for the ages. Our podcast panel of Chris Emma, Tim Stebbins and Tony Andracki dissect the big win and how important it is that the Cubs take advantage of the soft part of their schedule.

Are Nico Hoerner, Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ breaking out of their respective slumps? Has Jameson Taillon turned a corner? What does the future hold for Marcus Stroman?

Plus, the trio talks Immaculate Grid, the game taking the baseball world by storm.

Chicago Tribune Cubs beat writer Meghan Montemurro stops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast to chat with host Andy Martínez about the Cubs’ recent stretch. The pair discuss what’s gone wrong for David Ross’ side during a 5-13 stretch.

The pair talk about the team’s offense, which has struggled to deliver crucial knocks with runners in scoring position. Montemurro delves into the recent offensive surge by Seiya Suzuki and discuss his importance to the team’s offense.

Later in the podcast, the duo discuss the team’s struggles on the mound and the affect that is having on their recent struggles. Montemurro and Martínez break down the decision to option Hayden Wesneski, what that means for the rotation and bullpen moving forward.

The weather was gorgeous, Wrigley Field debuted brand new lights, the Cubs pulled off a couple of huge wins and Ian Happ will remain in Chicago for the next four seasons.

It was certainly an action-packed week at the "Friendly Confines" and our panel of Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Tim Stebbins breaks it all down.

How did Ian Happ's extension come together and what does it mean for the organization long-term? What stood out from the Cubs' victories over the Mariners on Monday and Tuesday? What are the main takeaways from the Cubs' first 11 games?

Our crew answers this and more on the latest Cubs Weekly Podcast.

The 2023 MLB season is here and the Cubs have a completely retooled roster after a busy offseason.

Before the Cubs get set to host the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field to open the campaign, we reflected on the entirety of Spring Training and looked ahead to the year in front of us.

Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Taylor McGregor provide their thoughts on the upcoming Cubs season, ranging from bold predictions to projections for team MVP, Cy Young winner and more.

Martínez and Andracki also dissect all of the Cubs Opening Day roster news - which featured a pair of surprises - as well as Nico Hoerner's reported extension.

Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki weigh in from sunny Arizona on the latest Cubs Spring Training news. From position battles to defensive pairings to lineups, Martínez and Andracki explain what storylines they'll be watching as the Cubs face off in some exhibition games.

Plus, an update on Kyle Hendricks (who threw his first bullpen in more than seven months), examining Christopher Morel's fit on the 2023 Opening Day roster and how Cody Bellinger's adjustments have come to fruition with the Cubs.

Martínez also provides three under-the-radar players that fans should keep an eye on who could wind up contributing for the Cubs at some point this season.

Jed Hoyer has been busy this winter, adding to the Cubs roster with veteran talent. Andy Martinez and Tony Andracki dissect the current state of the lineup, starting rotation and bullpen including providing their projections of how each unit lines up in early January.

The podcast panel also analyzes the overall improvement of the team since the end of the 2022 regular season and discusses the potential of the Cubs making the playoffs in 2023.

Plus, are there more moves coming for the Cubs? And with Cubs Convention on the horizon, what are we most looking forward to after a three-year hiatus of the winter event?

The Cubs introduced Dansby Swanson Wednesday morning at Wrigley Field. Andy Martinez and Tony Andracki provide their biggest takeaways from the press conference and how Swanson will fit in with this Cubs team.

Plus, Swanson explains why the Cubs hold a special place in his heart and Martinez explains how Carter Hawkins and Jon Lester helped sell Swanson on coming to Chicago.

Hear from Hawkins, Jed Hoyer and Swanson himself as they react to the big day in Wrigleyville and what comes next for the Cubs.

The Cubs made their offseason splash, signing free agent Dansby Swanson to a multi-year deal, per sources. The Cubs Weekly Podcast breaks down the signing and what comes next for the Cubs.

Tony Andracki and Andy Martinez analyze the move for the Cubs and what it means to their roster for 2023. The pair then discuss what the move means for some of the other players on the roster, like Nick Madrigal, Christopher Morel and others.

Lance Brozdowski and Bruce Levine join the podcast to share what comes next for the Cubs and who they could be after as they look to continue to improve their roster ahead of the 2023 roster.

Andracki and Martinez then give their input on what the Cubs’ biggest need is going into next season.

Our Cubs Weekly panel of Andy Martinez and Tony Andracki answer reader questions ahead of a pivotal offseason.

From best free agent fits to offseason predictions, we attempt to answer every question fired our way - including some fun off-the-wall queries.

00:56 - Who are some Cubs players that you think will break out next season?

03:47 - Was Jar Jar secretly a dark lord of the Sith (the true ‘phantom menace’ within an abandoned storyline)?

04:48 - Which Cub had the best ULRAG of the year?

06:05 - If you could design a Cubs + Star Wars promo/gameday giveaway what would it be?

07:02 - Favorite Cubs moment of the 2022 season

09:15 - Using the 2022 Cubs final home game lineup, match each player with their Star Wars character.

15:37 - Will the Cubs try to get top free agents?

16:40 - Thoughts on the upcoming offseason

18:46 - Prediction for next season's record

20:05 - Do you think the Cubs will make the 2023 postseason?

21:13 - Do you foresee Morel retaining the multi-tool function next year or getting locked in at one spot?

24:05 - 2016 Cubs as MCU characters

26:55 - What's the 1B situation next year looking like? Would adding a 36-year-old player (like Jose Abreu) with positional limitations be wise?

29:24 - Why not extend Willson Contreras?

31:50 - Will the Cubs sign a FA SS or could they trade for one? Is Nico staying at SS or moving back to 2B?

33:58 - What are your projections for CF, SS, 1B, 2B, 3B starters in '23? FA's, prospects, names?

37:22 - Who is the Cubs' future?

39:24 - Favorite dance?

40:33 - If made available, would the Cubs be in on Rafael Devers or Mike Trout?

Bruce Levine, Andy Martinez and Tony Andracki dissect Jed Hoyer's end-of-season press conference and provide the main takeaways from the Cubs president of baseball operation's hour-long session with media.

Plus, the podcast panel provides predictions for the Cubs offseason, including the biggest areas of need on the roster and a bold prediction for the winter.

The trio also reflects on the 2022 season with the best moments, most important on-field developments, biggest surprises, MVPs, Cy Youngs, etc.

Andy Martinez and Tony Andracki dissect the Cubs' pitching staff with the addition of several young arms. How is the bullpen shaking out? What does the 2023 rotation look like?

Plus, Lance Brozdowski chats with Brennen Davis on his injury recovery while Martinez and Andracki provide a slew of other prospect updates.

The duo also discusses the importance of winning over the final six weeks of the season and what it could mean for this franchise moving forward.

00:16 - The plan for Kyle Hendricks

04:32 - Young pitchers proving their worth in Chicago

10:00 - Has Adrian Sampson carved out a role on the 2023 pitching staff?

12:42 - Analyzing Steele's breakout

17:30 - Brennen Davis 1-on-1 with Lance Brozdowski

23:06 - What are the next steps for Davis?

25:24 - Other prospect updates (Alexander Canario, Miguel Amaya, Jordan Wicks)

32:13 - How important is it for the Cubs to playing winning baseball down the stretch?

Elise Menaker, Tony Andracki and Andy Martinez discuss all the latest surrounding the Cubs - particularly how young players are making strides toward the future.

Topics include:

- (00:35) A Kyle Hendricks trivia question

- (06:54) A snippet from a new feature with Hendricks

- (11:02) Nico Hoerner's incredible hot stretch

- (16:15) Christopher Morel's growing pains

- (22:24) Keegan Thompson's future in the rotation

- (29:01) Our favorite stories of the week

The Cubs were forced to make a variety of tough pitching decisions this week, including optioning Adrian Sampson and top prospect Caleb Kilian down to the minors.

Elise Menaker, Taylor McGregor and Tony Andracki discuss why the Cubs made each move and what comes next for the team. Plus, an All-Star voting update brought about some surprises - and some very unsurprising developments.

The panel also provides injury updates and discusses how Nico Hoerner has proved all the doubters wrong.

The Conductor himself, Dan Plesac, stops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast to chat with host Elise Menaker and Tony Andracki.

The trio discusses the Cubs' recent stretch of quality play, Christopher Morel's staying power, Frank Schwindel's resurgence and a return to health by Nico Hoerner and Willson Contreras.

Plus, who is next to get a statue outside Wrigley Field? And Plesac also weighs in on doubleheaders and his favorite Wrigley and Crosstown memories.