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.

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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.

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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 the deadline?

(9:00) - Discussion on which Cubs will stay and which will get traded

(17:00) - Will Javy Báez get punished for the EPIC-NESS of his walk-off celebration?

(24:10) - Which team makes sense for Craig Kimbrel?

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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.

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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 Anthony Rizzo worth keeping?

(12:50) - How aggressive will the Mets owner be to win a World Series this year?

(22:20) - Are the Cubs actually trying to re-sign their players?

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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 Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer react to Joc Pederson being traded to the Atlanta Braves

(8:08) - Why did the Cubs sign Pederson if they were going to trade him anyway?

(15:00) - Will this signal the start of the rebuild and will fans miss the core that won a World Series?

(21:58) - Regularly scheduled Cubs Talk podcast with David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Tim, and Gordon

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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, and a lot more.

(5:06) - After the Cubs lose to the Cardinals before the break, Willson Contreras calls out his teammates

(10:18) - Are the Cubs ready to make a move to shake up the roster?

(14:35) - Kris Bryant seems to be accepting the possibility that he will be traded

(19:10) - 4yrs ago, the Cubs made the trade for pitcher José Quintana from the White Sox

(24:00) - All-star snubs

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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 choose to do so?

(15:00) - Did the Cubs spend the money properly or did the Cubs just make bad decisions on players?

(20:00) - Why couldn't Theo Epstein build a more sustainable team?

(27:00) - Can the Cubs be fixed by a rebuild, investing more money into the big league roster, or is the answer trying to do both?

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The Cubs find themselves in the abyss as the losing continues in a bad stretch for them. Can they find a way out or is it time for Jed Hoyer to move on from this roster? David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the current losing streak and what, if anything, can they do to get out of it. The crew also debates how big of a rebuild are the Cubs looking at and can it be turned around quickly so the team can be in contention again?

(1:50) - The Cubs have lost 10 straight games. Can they find a way out?

(7:40) - Were there signs that the Cubs could be this bad earlier?

(16:05) - How much blame should David Ross get?

(22:04) - Which traded All-star stings the most, Darvish, Schwarber, or Castellanos?

(26:00) - Could the Cubs get a good haul for Craig Kimbrell?

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The Cubs have slipped to six games back in the NL Central and things look bleak. Starting pitcher Jake Arrieta is struggling to put together solid outings. Is it time to remove him from the rotation?

David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss Arrieta and what the Cubs should do. The crew also discusses the increase in offense around the game since MLB cracked down on "sticky stuff" and the Cubs' lack of movement as the trade deadline gets closer.

(1:30) - Is Jake Arrieta's Cubs career over?

(7:00) - What should the Cubs do with Arrieta's rotation spot if they replace him?

(12:40) - Cubs' lack of movement to trade for or trade away

(18:30) - Improved offense all around the game with no "sticky stuff"

(28:00) - Can the Cubs turn the season around?

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David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the current state of the Cubs at the end of a tough June schedule. Is the season over? The crew also discusses if there is a plan to keep and re-sign any of the current Cubs up for contracts this offseason.

Later, they discuss the differences between the Cubs' and Dodgers' competitive windows, as well as Clayton Kershaw's thoughts on the topic.

(1:45) - David Kaplan believes the Cubs' season is over

(7:00) - Are the Cubs going to re-sign any of the players up for new contracts this winter?

(21:00) - Clayton Kershaw on how Dodgers have sustained success Cubs could not

(28:00) - Differences between the Dodgers and the Cubs

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Wilson Inoa was a Cubs prospect with great potential to make the show, but one injury changed the course of his life, and now he's part of the team in a different way as the Cubs lead groundskeeper in Mesa, Arizona. Not every prospect's path to a big-league field looks the same. This is Wilson Inoa's strange, twisting, and inspiring road less traveled.

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The Cubs' next 6 games are against the defending champs and against a division rival. How will they fair? David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins break down the upcoming road trip and what they expect from the Cubs. Also in the podcast, the crew discusses the recent play of Jake Arietta and Jason Heyward and if it's good enough for them to play regularly, should the Cubs trade for another starting pitcher who is on a 1yr deal and try to re-sign him, and a lot more.

(1:50) - How will the Cubs play against the Dodgers

(7:50) - If Jake Arietta isn't good enough, will a bullpen arm have to step up and start?

(13:30) - Is this the toughest road trip of the year for the Cubs?

(17:40) - How long should the Cubs wait to trade for a pitcher that can help them right now?

(23:40) - Should the Cubs trade for a star pitcher with 1yr left of team control?

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Cubs manager David Ross benched shortstop Javy Báez for a baserunning mistake vs. Cleveland. Was the benching Ross' attempt to send a message to the team? David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Maddie Lee discuss the Báez benching, the Cubs' struggling offense, whether the Cubs will re-sign Baez, and more.

(1:30) - Reactions to the Báez benching

(7:00) - The Cubs lead MLB in outs on the bases the last four years

(14:30) - During a challenging June schedule, the Cubs lost their series vs. the Marlins. Can they stay in first place?

(21:05) - Is Kris Bryant just in a slump or is it more to it?

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On this Father's day, the Cubs Talk podcast releases a very special and heartfelt episode featuring Ian Happ. NBCS Chicago Cubs beat writer Maddie Lee is joined by Ian Happ as he discusses the impact his late father, Keith Happ, had on him including the positive outlook and use of positive mental health strategies. Happ lost his father to brain cancer in 2015 at the age of 58, but Happ continues to be inspired by his father every day and uses one of his dad's key lessons of mental health in his everyday life. Happy Father's Day to everyone.

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David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer break down Jacob deGrom's start against the Cubs and debate if he is the best at his craft in sports right now. Later, the crew discusses the importance of beating playoff-caliber teams in the regular season and describes the feeling around the Cubs only a few weeks away from the trade deadline.

(2:00) - Is Jacob deGrom better at his craft than any athlete in sports right now?

(14:10) - If a pitcher is dominating your team, would you want to see history or your team to get a hit?

(20:20) - Do regular season wins vs. playoff teams matter?

(30:30) - Cubs need to right the ship soon as the deadline approaches

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MLB is stepping up measures and plans to suspend pitchers for using substances to get more control of the ball. How will this impact baseball? David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the newly enforced rule and if Cubs pitchers are using it and how will this impact the Cubs specifically.

(1:40) - Pitchers who violate ?sticky stuff? rules will face 10-game suspensions, MLB says

(10:14) - How will MLB even enforce the rule?

(15:00) - Are the Cubs using "sticky stuff"?

(18:50) - Are the Cubs still too home run reliant?

(25:26) - Will Anthony Rizzo re-sign with the Cubs?

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After struggling in the beginning, the Cubs capped off their West Coast road trip by beating Yu Darvish to secure a series win over the World Series-contending Padres. Now the Cubs look to take advantage of a banged-up Cardinals team in their upcoming series.David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee and Tim Stebbins discuss the road trip and the Padres series, also previewing the Cardinals series. The crew also breaks down the Cubs' vaccination numbers and if it will be a problem going forward.(1:50) - Cubs beat Yu Darvish and get the series win over the Padres

(8:30) - Do the Cubs have enough on the pitching staff to win in the playoffs?

(15:30) - Did fans expect the Cubs to be in first place at this point in the season?

(22:00) - Will Wilson Contreras even want to sign an extension with the Cubs?

(26:50) - Cubs-Cardinals preview

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The Cubs have started the west coast road trip stumbling out the gate, can they recover, and how will they fare against former Cub Yu Darvish? David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer break down the Cub road trip and discuss has Jed Hoyer made his decision yet on if this team is worth going all-in on, or will he start the rebuild at the trade deadline.

(1:30) - Cubs vs Sox Nike City Edition uniforms

(3:40) - Does Jed Hoyer have a good idea on if the Cubs will be buyers or sellers?

(13:40) - If a potential World Series contender calls for Craig Kimbrel, do you trade him?

(20:40) - Should Cub fans be upset that Jed Hoyer traded Yu Darvish before the season started?

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In a "West" themed episode, Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer breakdown the upcoming west coast road trip the Cubs will be on, and will the Cubs be able to be above .500 and make a strong statement to management that they are ready to make another push to the playoffs before the trade deadline. Later in the podcast, sticking with the theme of the West, Tim and Gordon are joined by umpire Joe West as they discuss Joe breaking the all-time games umped record and get his opinion on replacing umpires with Robo umps and more.

(2:10) - The upcoming month will define the Cubs' season and may decide what Jed Hoyer does at the deadline

(9:00) - If the Cubs win their next couple of games on the road, they can put pressure on Jed Hoyer

(17:00) - Cubs winning despite injury issues

(24:00) - Joe West joins the podcast to discuss his career and breaking the all-time games umped

(28:26) - Will the future of baseball be Robo umps?

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Marc Silverman is one of Chicago's great sports radio hosts and an all-around great guy who is a lifelong Cubs fan. Silvy joins his friend and ESPN radio teammate, David Kaplan, as they discuss where their Cubs fandom began and their favorite players in Cubs history. They also break down the first-place Cubs and their expectations for them the remainder of this season.

(2:50) - Silvy on battling cancer during a pandemic and how the Cubs played a big role during that time

(7:10) - Favorite Cubs players growing up

(14:20) - The Cubs are in first place but they are still in an uncertain space as an organization

(21:30) - With the way Kris Bryant is playing, should the Cubs go back to the table and try to re-sign him?

(28:50) - Is Cubs management happy the Cubs are winning, or were they looking forward to trading off assets before the deadline?

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The hottest topic in baseball right now is Cardinals manager Mike Shildt going on a rant on MLB's dirty little secret on how pitchers are using foreign substances to increase spin rate. David Kaplan and Tim Stebbins discuss Shildt's rant and if there's validity to his argument. Later in the podcast, the crew discusses the Cubs' push for 1st place in the NL Central division and how injuries are impacting the Cubs this year.

(1:45) - Mike Shildt's viral rant of pitchers using foreign substances to impact the game

(12:00) - Cubs still pushing to overtake the Cardinals in the NL Central division

(16:00) - Cubs can't afford to lose anyone else to injury especially Anthony Rizzo

(23:00) - Will injuries impact the trade deadline this year?

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The Cubs are currently in second place in the NL Central but are inching closer and closer to first after winning a weekend series vs. the rival Cardinals. Will they be able to get to the top of the division? David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the recent series win and break down what's working for the Cubs. Later in the pod, the crew discusses Wilson Contreras' play and if he's willing to stay with the Cubs if they start a rebuild.

(2:10) - There's a path where the Cubs could be leading in the division soon

(8:40) - Are the Cubs looking to trade pieces away before the deadline?

(13:20) - Is Willson Contreras part of the Cubs' long-term plans?

(20:30) - Why aren't Cubs players getting vaccinated and will it be an issue with the organization?

(26:00) - Chances the Cubs can win this division

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The Cubs play the Cardinals 13 times over the next several weeks, and those games might play a huge part in influencing the team's approach to the 2021 MLB Trade Deadline. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins discuss how those Cardinals series could impact the Cubs' core. They also discuss the COVID-19 vaccine protocols in MLB and how it's negatively impacting the Cubs off of Jed Hoyer's own admission. And the team peaks south on the red line to discuss the White Sox drama with Tony La Russa, Yermin Mercedes and what Cubs manager David Ross thinks about it all.

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With the new updated safety protocol by the CDC, the Cubs will increase capacity and have other changes. To break down the new guidelines and discuss how they will impact Cub fans at Wrigley, Dr. Robert Citronberg joins David Kaplan and Maddie Lee to explain the details of what's next and what fans should expect at Wrigley Field. David Kaplan and Maddie Lee also discuss the return of Kyle Schwarber and Jon Lester to Chicago as the Cubs set to play the Washington Nationals.

(1:30) - More fans are welcomed to Wrigley

(3:30) - Kyle Schwarber and Jon Lester return to Chicago

(7:35) - Dr. Robert Citronberg joins the podcast

(12:35) - Details about how the vaccine works to help people from contracting and spreading COVID-19

(17:20) - What does it mean when someone gets COVID after getting the vaccine?

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In breaking news, the city of Chicago and state of Illinois approved the Cubs to expand fan capacity to 60 percent.

David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the change, the impact the new money will have on the team, and if there will be a plan to reach 100 percent capacity before the season ends. 

Later, the group debates why the Cubs can't hit with runners in scoring position and if this trend will last.

(1:50) - Mayor Lori Lightfoot has opened up fan capacity to 60 percent. Is this too big of a jump?

(8:55) - Rules and ways other teams are opening their stadiums to fans

(10:45) - Cubs can't seem to bring runners in scoring position home. What's going on with the bats?

(16:40) - Will the Cubs' philosophy change where instead of building around position players, they start building with young pitching?

(23:10) - With the trade deadline inching closer, when will the Cubs begin trading players?

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The mustache. The swagger. The farm. Andrew Chafin is a character you didn't know you wanted more of. On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Chafin joins David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer as they discuss his style, his cars, and his interests outside of baseball. The crew also discusses his love of pancakes without syrup, his DIY YouTube page, and how he approaches pitching in the analytics era of baseball.

(2:15) - You don't mess with Andrew Chafin

(7:30) - Chafin on becoming a fan favorite and his YouTube page

(12:50) - Chafin is not here for all your numbers. He just wants to pitch

(17:10) - #Boatlife

(22:40) - Chafin's favorite type of movie is old Westerns, because of course

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Kris Bryant is swinging a hot bat and playing as good as ever, but the Cubs are near the bottom of the NL Central. They could get quite a return if they decide to trade him, but would they do another trade with the White Sox. who are in desperate need of an outfielder due to injuries?

David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer break down the Cubs' position and if they are considering moving Bryant or if there's still hopes of reaching an extension.

(1:46) - Why has Kris Bryant been so good to start the season?

(6:00) - If Bryant winds up on the trade market, will the Sox be in contention to get him?

(10:15) - What would the Cubs want if they traded Bryant to the White Sox?

(14:40) - Cubs already started their rebuild when they moved Yu Darvish. Why should they delay moving Bryant?

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The Cubs are having an up and down year so far with a lot of the same players. Was last year's roster better? The Cubs Talk crew of Tim Stebbins, Maddie Lee, and Gordon Wittenmyer breakdown the differences between this year's team and last year, what direction the Cubs seem to be headed toward, and they discuss if Tim Stebbins and Cubs pitcher Zach Davies is the same person.

(2:00) - Rough stretch for the Cubs

(8:40) - Did the Yu Darvish trade signal to the team and fans that the organization is preparing to rebuild?

(13:40) - Was just simply swapping out Yu Darvish for Zach Davies the only issue?

(21:00) - Was it a good offseason for the Cubs, all things considered? (Cap flexibility, asset acquisition, etc.)

(27:50) - Joc Pederson vs Kyle Schwarber, who is having a better season?

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The beginning of the Cubs 2021 season has been a roller coaster of highs and lows, but where exactly is this team? Are they still trying to win? Is this a rebuild? Should they start trading core pieces? The Cubs Talk crew of Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee, and Tim Stebbins review the Cubs? first month of baseball and decides if the answer is to start the rebuild now, re-sign the core and try again, or is the answer somewhere in the middle.

(2:00) - What has been learned about the Cubs so far

(8:00) - Is it time to shop Craig Kimbrel?

(15:15) - Is there anything to be optimistic about for the Cubs so far?

(22:50) - Enter the mind of Jed Hoyer, is he looking to rebuild or retool?

(28:00) - What should the Cubs do with Nico Hoerner?

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The Cubs took the first two games of their series against the New York Mets and the offense scored 16 runs in one game! Will the Cubs' bats get going now?

The Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, Maddie Lee, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the offense's recent success and if it's here to stay. They also discuss if Javy Báez can get hot after hitting a grand slam and if he's playing better than his good friend, Francisco Lindor. Later, the crew previews the upcoming series against the Brewers.

(2:15) - Are the bats finally coming alive for the Cubs?

(6:40) - Was Javy Baez unprofessional for batting left-handed?

(10:00) - Baez vs. Lindor

(14:55) - What is going on with new Cubs outfielder Joc Pederson?

(17:25) - Cubs-Brewers series preview: Are the Brewers still the favorite to win the division?

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In a packed episode, the Cubs Talk crew of Maddie Lee, Gordon Wittenmyer and David Kaplan discuss the verdict of Derek Chauvin and how the murder of George Floyd led to The Players Alliance, which includes Jason Heyward. The crew also breaks down whether MLB will do anything about the length of games, and preview the Mets-Cubs series.

(2:10) - Initial reactions to the Derek Chauvin verdict

(4:30) - Jason Heyward speaks on why MLB players started The Players Alliance

(6:33) - Will MLB find ways to shorten the length of games?

(10:30) - Mets-Cubs series preview

(16:40) - Why have Cubs hitters struggled to hit fastballs?

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The Cubs offense is in the sunken place without promise that it will get out (see what I did there) anytime soon. But who is to blame? The players? The coaching staff? The front office? Ownership? The Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, and Gordon Wittenmyer break down the continued woes of the offense and who is to blame for it being not just bad but historically bad.

(2:00) - Is it surprising how bad this offense is?

(7:55) - Has Jed already started thinking tear down and rebuild?

(15:10) - Is there pressure on the pitching staff to be perfect since the offense isn't performing?

(21:15) - Was ownership and the front office expecting a start like this?

(26:00) - Will a team call the Cubs soon to trade for a core player?

(34:40) - When will Jed pull the plug on this team?

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The Cubs added a fourth player to the COVID-19 related injured list on Tuesday in Matt Duffy, just 24 hours after relievers Jason Adam, Dan Winkler and Brandon Workman landed there.

Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Milwaukee, and David Kaplan and Tim Stebbins discuss the Cubs' COVID concerns, where they stand in getting the team vaccinated, and the Cubs scratching Kyle Hendricks shortly before first pitch Tuesday out of an abundance of caution due to him not feeling well. Later in the podcast, the crew breaks down the Cubs' struggling offense.

(1:30) - Cubs have added five players to the COVID-19 related IL since Monday

(6:00) - Cubs players taking the vaccine while some are hesitant

(11:10) - Kyle Hendricks misses Tuesday's start due to not feeling well

(16:50) - Trying to explain why the Cubs aren't hitting

(19:40) - Will organizations only sell tickets to fans who are vaccinated in the near future?

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The Cubs Talk crew discusses Jake Arrieta's second start of the season and the rotation's quality first week. But should fans be worried about the lack of offense, or is it still too early?

David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer break down the Cubs' first week, whether it's too early to panic about the offense and if there are early signs of things to come for the remainder of the season.

(1:30) - Biggest positive takeaway from the first week of the season

(5:00) - Is it too early to worry about the offense?

(9:30) - Jake Arrieta looks great so far. Can he keep it up?

(15:00) - Biggest concern for the 2021 Cubs

(21:20) - Who will have the most leadoff starts this season?

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The 2021 season is underway and baseball is back, but for how long? The players have been noticeably unhappy during recent labor negotiations, so what happens after 2021 ? the final season of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement?

Gordon Wittenmyer sat with the Cubs' player rep Ian Happ as they break down issues that need to be resolved between the players and owners. David Kaplan, Maddie Lee and Gordon discuss the interview and what they think will happen at the conclusion of the season.

(1:25) - Cubs Talk crew on Ian Happ's role as player rep for the Cubs

(8:08) - Are the players at fault for signing the current agreement that could lead to a work stoppage?

(14:10) - Is a reverse luxury tax an option that could be agreed upon by the players and owners?

(20:16) - Ian Happ interview on the CBA and if the players and owners can work out a long-term deal

(26:44) - The Cubs talk crew reacts to Happ's thoughts on a potential work stoppage

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The Cubs dropped Game 1 of the 2021 season, losing 5-3 to the Pirates while only managing two hits compared to Pittsburgh's nine. Should Cubs fans be worried? Of course not. Are there things they should keep an eye on? Absolutely!

David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins do a postgame breakdown of the loss and discuss what Cubs fans should keep an eye on as the season gets going.

(1:30) - Cubs have an embarrassing outing in Game 1

(4:25) - Did the cold weather impact the way the Cubs played?

(8:25) - Bright spots in the loss to the Pirates

(13:10) - Francisco Lindor got PAID! What does it mean for Javy Báez?

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Opening Day for the Cubs is this Thursday, and that means it's time to preview the season and make bold predictions. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, Maddie Lee and Gordon Wittenmyer predict if the Cubs will win the division, if any players will be re-signed, who will have the better season between Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester, and a lot more.

(1:44) - How many games will the Cubs win?

(10:26) - How many plate appearances will Joc Pederson get against lefties?

(16:00) - How many starts will left-handed pitchers make for the Cubs?

(22:00) - Who has the better season: Jon Lester or Jake Arrieta?

(29:00) - How many Cubs will get an MVP vote?

(32:00) - Who will be the first Cub to re-sign with the team?

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Anthony Rizzo has expressed his desire to remain a Cub long term, but with extension talks stalled, the first baseman instructed his agents to halt negotiations so he can focus on the season.

David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer break down Monday's news and discuss if they think Rizzo will be a Cub after this season and if there will be strong pushback from fans if Rizzo isn't back in 2022.

(2:00) - Gordon Wittenmyer: "He got low-balled. And I think that is?shocking to me, tone-deaf to me, with all the things they talked about. Not to mention what this guy?s done on the field. You can?t do market value with him?"

(5:15) - If the Cubs don't re-sign Rizzo, will that impact future negotiations with younger Cubs players?

(9:55) - Is it surprising that the Cubs didn't extend a single player this offseason?

(14:30) - Will the Cubs extend any player this season?

(19:00) - Anthony Rizzo has shut down negotiations publicly and privately

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Who are your favorite play-by-play announcers? Who are your favorite radio hosts? Who are your favorite sports writers? Did you name a woman? Women across the sports landscape are making strides every day to bring unique and interesting perspectives to the games we love and we should make sure spaces are being made to normalize women in a majority male field. NBCS Cubs insider Maddie Lee is joined by Cortney Hall of NBC-5 and the Chicago Bulls, Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times, Julie DiCaro of Deadspin, and Leila Rahimi radio host of the Bernstein & Rahimi show, to discuss why sports coverage should have more women and how women have improved sports culture. So ask yourself, why don't you want more women in sports?

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From worries about his pitch framing to becoming one of the best catchers in baseball, Willson Contreras has been through a lot and has learned a lot. Maddie Lee sat down with the All-Star catcher, discussing his process in working with new pitchers, how he learned from veteran pitchers, and his thoughts on robot umps.

Gordon Wittenmyer joins to react to Contreras' comments. Plus, Maddie and Gordon discuss news that the Cubs are expected to have increased capacity at Wrigley Field.

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Our Gordon Wittenmyer reported Tuesday that, following a grievance heard by an arbitrator, Cubs pitcher Adbert Alzolay has a fourth minor-league option remaining. The grievance was filed by the players union over unresolved issues from the 2020 season.

Gordon and Maddie Lee discuss what the decision means for Alzolay, how it could impact the way the Cubs use him this season, and what it means for the overall roster.

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With a little over a week until the season begins, David Ross officially named Kyle Hendricks the Cubs' Opening Day starter. Gordon Wittenmyer sits down with Hendricks to discuss his role with the team and his thoughts on the direction of the franchise. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, Maddie Lee, and Gordon break down the interview and Ross' announcement and discuss how they view Hendricks.

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Javy Báez is seeking a contract extension to remain a Cub and is part of the upcoming free-agent class full of some of the game's best shortstops. Maddie Lee and Gordon Wittenmyer listen and react to Gordon's interview with Baez. Báez lays out his expectations for his contract, his relationship with the organization and Jed Hoyer, and where he thinks he is on the list of best shortstops in the game today.

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Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel has been trying to find his groove in spring training and it seems like he has found it. Live from Arizona, Maddie Lee and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the recent outings of Craig Kimbrel and if it can be sustained. They also dive into some NCAA Tournament talk around David Ross and the Cubs, and they also dive into the outings of Pedro Strop as he tries to make the roster with limited work from the bullpen.

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Spring training is nearing completion and the Cubs have some key decisions to make. Maddie Lee, live from Arizona, joins Tim Stebbins to break down what's on the docket for the Cubs, from the rotation to the bullpen to second base. They also break down the possibility that the Cubs will only have one left-hander on the pitching staff, and some history that was made during Saturday's Cubs broadcast.

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Gordon Wittenmyer sits down with first baseman Anthony Rizzo to discuss his Cubs career. Is it coming to an end? Will he retire a Cub? Rizzo also discusses whether he's underrated, the legacy of the 2016 Cubs, and the uncertainty surrounding the 2021 season for not only him but some of his teammates. David Kaplan joins Gordon to preview and recap the interview.

(1:45) - David and Gordon discuss Rizzo's headspace in an uncertain season

(9:15) - Gordon's interview with Anthony Rizzo

(10:20) - Rizzo comes to grips with the possibility of not being a Cub anymore

(14:00) - Rizzo on if management and ownership are serious about winning anymore with this group

(18:30) - Rizzo discusses if he's an underrated player

(20:48) - David and Gordon break down Rizzo's comments

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Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Mesa, Ariz., sits down with Cubs president Jed Hoyer. The two discuss the state of the Cubs, Hoyer taking over for Theo Epstein, his friend, and being the one that may have to break up the Cubs core in order for the organization to move forward. Gordon and NBC Sports Chicago's Maddie Lee break down the interview.

(6:44) - Interview with Hoyer begins; What is it like taking over Theo Epstein?

(10:35) - The battle at second base this spring

(15:20) - Pedro Strop being held from camp due to safety violations

(19:50) - Working through player options in a pandemic season

(21:30) - Jed on having to break up the core one day

(26:45) - Are the Cubs still trying to win as many games as possible this year?

(31:25) - Gordon and Maddie break down the interview

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You can argue Kris Bryant is one of the most misunderstood athletes in Chicago sports. In a special episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast Gordon Wittenmyer talks with Bryant (socially distant) in Arizona about his time as a Cub. Also during this episode, the Cubs Talk crew of Gordon, David Kaplan, Maddie Lee and Tim Stebbins discuss what they took from the conversation.

(1:27) - Biggest takeaway from the sit-down with Kris Bryant

(9:14) - Gordon goes 1-on-1 with Bryant

(10:15) - Bryant on how he got to the "I don't give a sh**" mentality

(13:40) -Bryant on fighting to find the fun in baseball

(17:40) - Bryant on how he wants his time in Chicago to be remembered

(19:10) - Bryant details his relationships with Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer

(22:00) - Understanding an open and honest Kris Bryant with the Cubs Talk crew

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Tim Stebbins is joined by Gordon Wittenmyer live from Mesa, Ariz. as they give updates from Cubs spring training. In Monday's edition, Javy Báez discusses his willingness to negotiate a contract extension past Opening Day. Plus, the guys provide an update on Nico Hoerner, who missed Sunday's game with back tightness and break down Alec Mills' Monday outing.

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