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  • Cubs Re-Sign Caleb Kilian to Minor League Deal

    Cubs Re-Sign Caleb Kilian to Minor League Deal

    The Cubs have re-signed right-handed pitcher Caleb Kilian to a minor league contract just days after releasing him. According to Tommy Birch of The Des Moines Register, Kilian will head back to Triple-A Iowa once he’s healthy enough to pitch again.

    How the Cubs and Kilian Reunited?

    Kilian was designated for assignment by the Cubs last Thursday as part of a roster move to make room for Tom Cosgrove, who was acquired in a trade with the San Diego Padres. At the time, Kilian was on the minor league injured list, so the Cubs couldn’t put him on waivers. They had two options: trade him or release him. As is often the case with players in this situation, Kilian was released over the weekend.

    Once a player clears waivers, they can negotiate with any team. But often their former team will circle back and re-sign them to a minor league deal if there’s mutual interest. That’s what happened here—Kilian was only on the open market for a few days before he agreed to come back to the Cubs.

    A Familiar Face in the Organization

    Kilian has been in the Cubs system since the 2021 trade deadline, when he and Alexander Canario were acquired from the San Francisco Giants for Kris Bryant. Neither player has lived up to expectations so far.

    Canario’s power was overshadowed by his high strikeout rates, and the Cubs moved on from him this offseason. Kilian has struggled to find consistency in the majors and minors. In three seasons, he’s made eight appearances in the big leagues with a 9.22 ERA in 27 1/3 innings. He’s walked 20 and struck out 21.

    In Triple-A, he’s posted a 4.37 ERA in parts of four seasons with 274 innings. His strikeout rate (21.8%) and walk rate (9.2%) are both below average, making him a depth guy, not a top prospect. This year, he made one start for Iowa before going on the IL with an unknown injury that limited him to 2 1/3 rough innings.

    What’s Next for Kilian?

    Once healthy, Kilian will be non-roster depth for the Cubs and will likely start or long relief in Triple-A. He hasn’t established himself as a reliable MLB contributor but the Cubs see value in keeping him around as depth.

    For now, Kilian will focus on getting back to form and proving he can contribute at higher levels. If he can get back some of that early career promise, he could work his way back into the conversation for a call-up.

  • Shota Imanaga Dazzles for Chicago Cubs: Why He’s a Game-Changer in 2025

    Shota Imanaga Dazzles for Chicago Cubs: Why He’s a Game-Changer in 2025

    In baseball, few pitchers can make hitters question what they see. Enter Shota Imanaga, the Chicago Cubs’ Japanese righty whose mastery is leaving MLB hitters confused. At 5-10 and 175, Imanaga doesn’t look like your typical ace, but his craftiness, precision and movement is unmatched.

    How Imanaga Keeps Hitters Guessing?

    Imanaga’s secret weapon? A nasty split-finger fastball that makes up 25-35% of his pitches. This pitch drops so hard hitters either swing and miss or hit it on the ground. It’s a pitch that looks hittable—until it isn’t.

    According to brooksbaseball.net , Imanaga boasts a full arsenal of pitches:

    • Split-finger fastball
    • Four-seam fastball
    • Sinking fastball
    • Curveball
    • Slider

    He used a cutter earlier in his career but hasn’t used it yet this season. Instead he focuses on changing speeds, eye levels and keeping hitters off balance – a staple of his pitching.

    A Master of Consistency

    One of the most impressive things about Imanaga is his ability to repeat his delivery with precision. Whether it’s 3-2 or bases loaded, Imanaga sticks to his plan and delivers pitch after pitch with mechanical accuracy. His consistency confuses hitters and minimizes opportunities for men to reach base. Rarely do you see Imanaga pitching from behind or dealing with traffic on the bases.

    For example, if a right handed hitter is expecting a pitch inside to hit to their pull side, they may instead get a pitch that starts outside at the knees and dives below their belt. By the time the hitter realizes where the ball is going, it’s too late – they’ve already swung over it.

    About Shota Imanaga

    Before joining the Cubs, Imanaga spent 8 seasons in Japan’s Eastern League. In his first MLB season, he was one of the top starters in the league. Here’s a snapshot of his rookie year:

    • 15-3
    • 2.91 ERA
    • 1.02 WHIP
    • 173.1 IP
    • 1.5 BB/9
    • 9 K/9

    Imanaga allowed 149 hits in 173.1 IP. He was dominant and in control.

    Cubs’ Investment in Imanaga Pays Off

    The Cubs didn’t hesitate to sign Imanaga long term when they gave him an $80 million deal. His contract has player options for 2026-2027 and a club option for 2028. If all options are exercised, Imanaga could be a Cub through 2028.

    They believed in him, and so far, he’s exceeded expectations. Even in his last start on April 15 against the Padres, where he went 5 IP, 93 pitches, and no decision, Imanaga showed why he’s become a staple in the rotation.

    Cubs Core Contracts

    Imanaga isn’t the only one locked in long term. The Cubs have built around him:

    • Dansby Swanson: Signed through 2029 on a 7 year, $177 million deal.
    • Seiya Suzuki: Committed until 2027 on a 5 year, $85 million contract.
    • Jameson Taillon: Through 2026 on a 4 year, $68 million deal.

    And All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker (traded from the Astros) is off to a hot start with the Cubs. As Tucker approaches free agency the front office has a decision to make: extend him or let him walk.

    A Bright Future for the Cubs

    Thanks to Shota Imanaga, the Cubs are reaping the rewards of having a true ace. His command, control, and movement are baffling hitters night after night. For Cubs fans watching, Imanaga is pure magic—he makes the ball dance, then disappear.

    Hitters may see the ball… but once it leaves Imanaga’s hand, good luck hitting it.

  • How to Watch Cubs vs. Padres on April 16: TV Channel & Live Stream Guide

    How to Watch Cubs vs. Padres on April 16: TV Channel & Live Stream Guide

    The Chicago Cubs, led by Seiya Suzuki, will face off against Fernando Tatis Jr. and the San Diego Padres in the final game of their three-game series at PETCO Park on Wednesday, April 16, at 4:10 p.m. ET. With both teams showcasing strong performances this season, fans can expect an exciting matchup. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch, key stats, and player insights.

    How to Watch Cubs vs. Padres?

    • When: Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 4:10 p.m. ET
    • Where: PETCO Park in San Diego, California
    • TV Channels: SDPA, MARQ
    • Box Score Updates: Available on Fox Sports

    Game Prediction and Betting Insights

    • Score Prediction: Padres 4, Cubs 3
    • Total Runs Prediction: Under 8.5 runs
    • Win Probabilities: Cubs 54%, Padres 46%

    The Cubs enter this game as slight underdogs (+105) against the Padres (-124). Recent head-to-head matchups show a competitive rivalry, with the Cubs winning four of the last six games. However, the Padres have been dominant at home, making this a must-watch contest.

    Head-to-Head Matchups

    Here’s a quick look at the last five meetings between these two teams:

    DateFavoriteSpreadTotalResult
    4/15/2025Cubs-1.58.52-1 CHC
    4/14/2025Padres-1.5710-4 SD
    4/6/2025Cubs-1.57.58-7 SD
    4/5/2025Cubs-1.56.57-1 CHC
    4/4/2025Cubs-1.573-1 CHC

    Cubs Player Insights

    Kyle Tucker

    • Leads the team with five home runs and 18 RBIs .
    • Ranks 11th in homers and 4th in RBIs league-wide.

    Carson Kelly

    • Batting .417 with 4 home runs, a double, a triple, and 11 walks .

    Michael Busch

    • Hitting .302 with 4 home runs, 5 doubles, and 5 walks .
    • On a 4-game hitting streak, including 3 home runs in his last five games.

    Nico Hoerner

    • Pacing the team with a .328 batting average .
    • Riding a 4-game hitting streak into this matchup.

    Padres Player Insights

    Fernando Tatis Jr.

    • Leading the Padres with a .354 batting average , 6 home runs, and 12 RBIs .
    • Ranks 2nd in homers and 20th in RBIs across MLB.
    • Has recorded a hit in 5 straight games , including 4 home runs in his last five outings.

    Manny Machado

    • Batting .313 with 2 home runs, 7 doubles, and 8 walks.

    Luis Arraez

    • Hitting .280 with 2 home runs and 3 doubles.

    Xander Bogaerts

    • Contributing with a .270 batting average, 5 doubles, and 9 walks.

    Recent Performances

    Chicago Cubs (Last 10 Games)

    • Record: 6-4
    • Runs Per Game: 5.9
    • ERA: 3.54
    • Key Win: Dominated the Dodgers 16-0 on April 12.

    San Diego Padres (Last 10 Games)

    • Record: 7-3
    • Runs Per Game: 4.7
    • ERA: 3.34
    • Key Streak: Won three straight games against the Rockies, outscoring them 16-0.

    Upcoming Schedule Preview

    Chicago Cubs

    • April 18-20: vs. Diamondbacks
    • April 22-23: vs. Dodgers

    San Diego Padres

    • April 18-20: @ Astros
    • April 21-22: @ Tigers

  • Cubs Land Reds Pitcher Nick Martinez in Blockbuster Trade Idea

    Cubs Land Reds Pitcher Nick Martinez in Blockbuster Trade Idea

    The Cubs are 11-7 to start 2025 and sitting on top of the NL Central, but that all came to a screeching halt when they found out that ace lefty Justin Steele will miss the rest of the season. With Steele out, the rotation is a big hole, and if the Cubs want to stay in the mix, they need to act fast.

    One solution? Trading for Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Martinez. Newsweek’s Zach Pressnell recently proposed a trade idea that could bring Martinez to the North Side.

    Why Nick Martinez Makes Sense for the Cubs?

    Nick Martinez isn’t a name you know, but he’s a solid arm who can provide some stability to the Cubs’ rotation. He’s been shaky so far this season with a 6.06 ERA and 15 Ks in 16 1/3 IP, but he’s shown flashes throughout his career. Martinez has spent most of his MLB career as a reliever, but this year he’s been a starter and the Cubs hope that translates to consistent starts.

    For the Reds, trading Martinez isn’t a necessity. They already have a deep rotation. Carson Spiers and Andrew Abbott have been solid at the back end, Rhett Lowder is coming back from an injury soon and top prospect Chase Petty could be up here before long. With that much depth, Cincinnati might be willing to move Martinez if the right offer comes along.

    The Proposed Trade Package

    According to Pressnell, the Cubs can get Martinez for a package of three prospects: Kevin Alcantara, Fernando Cruz, and Jack Neely.

    • Kevin Alcantara: A highly touted outfielder with raw power and speed, Alcantara is the headliner of this deal. He’s an asset for the rebuilding Reds.
    • Fernando Cruz: A defensive catcher with a high floor, Cruz can handle a pitching staff.
    • Jack Neely: A young arm with upside, Neely adds depth to the Reds farm system and is a lottery ticket if he becomes a reliable MLB player.

    This package meets the Cubs needs now and the Reds needs later, so it’s a win-win—or so the proposal says.

    Martinez’s Fit in Chicago

    Martinez’s numbers this season don’t exactly scream ace, but he’s a veteran and versatile. The Cubs are a walk and steal team, they don’t rely on power. Adding a steady veteran like Martinez could help stabilize the rotation while the young arms adjust to the pennant race.

    Plus, Martinez has experience in the NL Central—a division of hitter friendly ballparks—so Wrigley Field shouldn’t be too much of a shock. If he can get some of that old form back he was a reliable option before, the Cubs might be in good shape to contend even without Steele.

  • Cubs Starter Leaves Dodgers Game with Injury

    Cubs Starter Leaves Dodgers Game with Injury

    The Chicago Cubs have had a tough weekend in LA as injuries continue to mount in the series against the Dodgers. They won 16-0 on Saturday, but at a cost. Sunday brought more bad news and now fans and the organization are worried about the depth of the roster.

    Seiya Suzuki Day-to-Day with Wrist Pain

    On Saturday night, Seiya Suzuki left the game with right wrist pain. Despite his absence, the Cubs won big. Manager Craig Counsell said after the game that Suzuki is day to day. They will monitor him closely as they get through this early part of the season.

    Suzuki’s injury forced Miguel Amaya into action, and he delivered by hitting his first homer of the year. Amaya has been a bright spot in an otherwise long list of injuries for the Cubs.

    Justin Steele Out for the Season After Tommy John Surgery

    The biggest news came Sunday when the Cubs announced that starting pitcher Justin Steele will have Tommy John surgery on his left elbow. That means he’s done for the 2025 season and the Cubs are going to have to fill a big hole in the rotation. Steele’s absence leaves a void that the Cubs need to fill fast if they want to stay in the National League Central.

    Carson Kelly Exits Game with Hand Contusion

    The injuries didn’t stop there. Sunday night, catcher Carson Kelly left the game in the bottom of the 6th inning after suffering a left hand contusion. According to Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times, Kelly was hit in the hand on his last at-bat and was replaced by Miguel Amaya.

    Kelly has been one of the Cubs’ best hitters so far this season with a line of .417/.571/1.042, 4 HR, 13 RBI. Losing him, even for a little while, is a big blow to a lineup that relies on him so much.

    Amaya, who replaced Kelly, has shown some promise this season. He was batting .250/.273/.400 with 1 HR, 4 RBI before Sunday. But filling in for Kelly full time might be a big ask for the young catcher.

    Cubs Hang Tough Against Dodgers

    Despite the injuries the Cubs showed some grit Sunday and were up 3-2 going into the 8th. Justin Turner was the DH for Suzuki and brought some veteran stability to the lineup. Can the Cubs keep it going without their key guys?

  • Can the Cubs Break Through Against Red-Hot Dodgers at Home?

    Can the Cubs Break Through Against Red-Hot Dodgers at Home?

    The Dodgers are on fire, undefeated at home this season and 7-0 in their last 7 games. Saturday night they’ll put that streak to the test as they host the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium. Both teams are playing well but the Dodgers’ home field advantage might be the difference.

    Pitching Matchup: Who’s Got the Edge?

    Ben Brown will start for the Cubs and Roki Sasaki for the Dodgers. Brown has been rough so far this season with a 7.71 ERA and 2.23 WHIP and 15 K’s. Sasaki is still figuring things out in MLB with a 4.15 ERA and 2.08 WHIP in his first few starts.

    Neither pitcher has been great but the Dodgers’ offense might give Sasaki some room to breathe. The Cubs will need Brown to be good if they hope to cool off the hot Dodgers.

    Dodgers: Home Sweet Home

    The Dodgers are 7-0 at Dodger Stadium this season. Even when out-hit, they find ways to win (3-1 in those games). It’s a testament to their depth and toughness.

    Shohei Ohtani is still shining, and Teoscar Hernandez has been on a tear over the last 10 games (.342, 4 HR). If they keep rolling, they’re tough to beat.

    Cubs: Getting Hot

    The Cubs are one of the hottest teams in baseball, 7-3 in their last 10 and outscoring opponents by 37 runs in that span. Dansby Swanson has been big (4 HR), and Seiya Suzuki has been consistent (.395 over the last 10).

    Chicago’s offense loves walks and stolen bases, kind of like Craig Counsell’s old team in Milwaukee. But their bullpen has shown some cracks in high leverage situations, which could be a problem against the Dodgers’ lineup.

    Injury Updates: Key Absences for Both Teams

    Both teams are banged up. For the Dodgers, Blake Snell is out with a shoulder and Clayton Kershaw is still working his way back from toe surgery. The bullpen has taken a hit too with Brusdar Graterol and Evan Phillips on the IL.

    The Cubs aren’t faring much better with Justin Steele (elbow) and Javier Assad (oblique) out. These absences could impact both teams going into Saturday.

    Key Storylines to Watch

    • Dodgers at Home: Can the Cubs snap the Dodgers’ 7 game home winning streak?
    • Cubs’ Offense vs. Dodgers’ Pitching: Will the Cubs’ bats keep rolling against a Dodgers staff looking to prove themselves?
    • Rising Stars: Keep an eye on Teoscar Hernandez and Seiya Suzuki who are hot right now.
  • Seiya Suzuki Continues Baserunning Trend in Cubs’ 3-1 Win Over Padres

    Seiya Suzuki Continues Baserunning Trend in Cubs’ 3-1 Win Over Padres

    On a cold and windy day at Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs relied on smart baserunning—and some clutch pitching—to scrape out a 3-1 win over the San Diego Padres. Seiya Suzuki’s hustle was the spark that really made that game shine. And it just goes to show: those little plays can add up.

    Suzuki’s Baserunning Magic Strikes Again

    That was on full display in the fifth inning. With two outs and the bases loaded, Justin Turner hit a grounder to Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts. Bogaerts dove to his right to make the play. His throw to second base was close-but not quite close enough. Suzuki slid in safely, extending the inning and putting the Cubs ahead.

    After the game, manager Craig Counsell talked about that kind of play. “It’s a play that makes you accountable to each other. You do it for each other,” he said. “That kind of play connects you to the guys you’re playing with. Because you’re doing it for your team.” That kind of teamwork—and Suzuki’s baserunning magic—really paid off for the Cubs.

    Ian Happ was quick to praise Suzuki’s instincts after scoring on the play. “That big lead and Suzuki’s speed—when he gets a good break on a pitch like that, he can really do some damage,” Happ said. “And when he beats that ball out, the game changes right then and there.”

    The inning didn’t end there. Dansby Swanson followed with a sharp ground ball to third baseman Manny Machado. Machado muffed the play—and another run scored. That was just another example of how the Cubs are capitalizing on opportunities this season.

    Baserunning is the unsung hero of the Cubs’ success

    Through just 10 games, they’ve scored six runs thanks to beating forceouts at second base. That’s a real testament to the guys’ work ethic—and their willingness to take risks. Pete Crow-Armstrong has been responsible for two of those plays, setting the tone for this scrappy style of baseball.

    Counsell points to those six runs as a key factor in their early-season success. “Ten games in, we’ve got six runs from beating forceouts at second base,” he said. “That’s a real credit to the guys. When you can make that kind of impact with some baserunning plays, I think the guys in there feel like it matters.”

    Jed Hoyer, the Cubs’ president of baseball operations, agrees. “Low-scoring games are where baserunning, stolen bases and errors really come into play,” he said. “Those little things—the ones that don’t always get the headlines—can swing a game. When you’re only up by two or three runs, those are the things that make all the difference.”

    The Cubs managed just three hits on Friday. But they capitalized on seven walks and their aggressive baserunning to secure the win.

    Imanaga Shines on the Mound

    Lefty Shota Imanaga threw his best game of his career, going 7⅓ and allowing just one run to the Padres. He retired the first eight batters he faced before Martin Maldonado homered in the third.

    “That was a big mistake,” Imanaga said after the game, referencing his earlier comment about using the Wrigley Field crowd noise as his alarm clock. “I feel like if I did that I would show up late to the field because I’d want to keep listening to the crowd.”

    Imanaga allowed four hits and zero walks, his first walk-free game of the season. The standing ovation he received when he left the game was well deserved—a testament to his dominance.

    Injury Updates: Assad and Brujan

    Craig Counsell gave updates on two injured players:

    • Javier Assad (left oblique strain): Threw two innings in extended spring training on Friday and will have a few more outings in Arizona before he starts a minor league rehab assignment.
    • Vidal Brujan (right elbow bruise): MRI was “nothing substantial” but symptoms, especially when throwing, are still lingering.
  • Cubs Minor League Opening Night Recap: Top Players and Highlights

    Cubs Minor League Opening Night Recap: Top Players and Highlights

    If you’re just joining us, I recap the Cubs’ minor league affiliates every night. My aim is to weave together the stories of the players with the stats that back them up. I want to shine a light on those top prospects who are really making a name for themselves—and give credit where credit is due to every player who puts in the work to make it to the majors.

    A quick note: you can find me on Bluesky at @joshftimmers.bsky.social for updates. I’ve actually scaled back my social media presence quite a bit. I still use that other site (you know the one) for breaking news, but only when I really need to. I don’t think it’s the same under new ownership.

    Let’s get into how the Cubs’ minor league teams did on Opening Night.

    Iowa Cubs: Rain Interrupts Action

    The Iowa Cubs and Indianapolis Indians were locked in a 3-3 tie when Mother Nature decided to make her presence felt. That was when the game was suspended due to rain. Tomorrow, we’ll see the game resume at 5:00 pm Eastern—before the regularly scheduled matchup begins at 6:35 pm Eastern.

    We’ll have more details after the game is over. Stay tuned for those updates.

    Knoxville Smokies: A Tale of Two Innings

    The Knoxville Smokies fell to the Birmingham Barons (White Sox) by a score of 6-4. That was largely thanks to a seventh-inning bullpen collapse.

    That collapse started with a solid foundation laid by starter Will Sanders. He gave up just one run on five hits over five innings. He walked one and struck out two. That set the stage for what could have been a Smokies win.

    But relief pitcher Cayne Ueckert struggled mightily in the seventh inning. He failed to retire a single batter. He gave up singles, walks and a triple that scored two runs. Ueckert’s final line: five runs allowed without recording an out. That really inflated his ERA.

    Third baseman Pedro Ramirez had a strong game despite the loss. He went 3-for-4 with an RBI single in the third inning and scored a run earlier in the second. Left fielder Jordan Nwogu contributed too, finishing 2-for-4 with an RBI single in the second inning.

    The Seventh Inning

    That seventh inning was where things really fell apart for the Smokies. Starter Will Sanders had handed the ball off to Cayne Ueckert with a one-run lead. Ueckert just couldn’t close the deal.

    The Bright Spots

    Pedro Ramirez and Jordan Nwogu were two of the Smokies’ brightest spots in an otherwise tough game. Both had multi-hit games and drove in runs.

    South Bend Cubs: Tough Loss Against Beloit

    The South Bend Cubs suffered a tough 7-0 loss to the Beloit Sky Carp (Marlins). That was a long, hard outing for the Cubs.

    Pitching Performance

    Jaxon Wiggins started on the mound and pitched admirably through 3.1 innings. He gave up two runs—one earned—on three hits. Wiggins struck out four but walked three and threw 65 pitches. Of those, 35 were strikes. That’s a good ratio.

    In the eighth, things fell apart for the Cubs’ relief pitchers. Yovanny Cabrera let three runs in on one hit and two walks over 1.2 innings. Angel Hernandez didn’t fare much better. He allowed two runs—and inherited runners—in just a third of an inning.

    Offense Struggles

    The Cubs managed just four hits—all singles. That’s not a lot of offense. One of the few bright spots was catcher Ariel Armas. He went 1-for-3 with a walk.

    Myrtle Beach Pelicans: Dominant Debut Performance

    The Myrtle Beach Pelicans made a statement in their season opener against the Charleston RiverDogs (Rays). A 13-2 victory was the result of some truly impressive debuts. And what debuts they were.

    Pitching Highlights

    Evan Aschenbeck, the 13th-round pick from last year, pitched like a pro from the get-go. Over four innings, he gave up just one unearned run on three hits. He struck out seven and didn’t walk a single batter.

    Cole Reynolds, another pro debutant, earned the win by throwing two scoreless innings. He allowed just one hit, walked one and fanned three.

    Explosive Offense

    That lineup, though, was the real star of the show. Several players really stood out.

    • Jose Escobar, the right fielder, was named Player of the Game. He went 4-for-6 with three runs scored and a two-run homer in the ninth. That was the icing on the cake.
    • Matt Halbach, the 10th-round pick who made his pro debut, homered and finished 3-for-5 with two RBIs. Michael Carico, the catcher, went 2-for-4 with a walk. He contributed a two-run double in the seventh and drove in three runs total.
    • Cole Mathis, the designated hitter, didn’t get a hit. But he drew four walks and scored three runs. That’s the kind of patience you want to see from your hitters.

  • The Inside Scoop on BCB After Dark’s First Impressions

    The Inside Scoop on BCB After Dark’s First Impressions

    It’s Wednesday evening here at BCB After Dark, the best spot for night owls, early risers, new parents, and Cubs fans abroad. The mood is chill tonight—no cover charge, just a two-drink minimum (BYOB). Whether you’re here to talk baseball, music, movies, or anything else on your mind, we’ve got you covered. Pull up a chair, grab your favorite drink, and let’s get started.

    Cubs Sweep the A’s: What We Learned in Sacramento?

    The Chicago Cubs finished off their three-game sweep of the Oakland Athletics today with a 10-2 win. Over the series they outscored the A’s 37-9. Yeah, that’s a big deal. While it’s easy to get carried away with the Cubs’ offense, some questions remain: Are the Cubs this good or are the A’s that bad? Either way the team heads home after playing their first nine games on the road and going 5-4.

    Before we get into the details, let’s take a look at the highlights:

    • Seiya Suzuki and Kyle Tucker are on fire right now.
    • The bullpen still has some issues but the bats are covering for it.

    The Padres and Rangers are coming to Wrigley next. How are you feeling about the Cubs so far? Better than expected? Worse? Let us know in the comments.

    Is Justin Steele Cause for Concern?

    Last night’s game against the A’s left me with mixed feelings about Justin Steele . He gave up 4 in 3 innings early but then 3 scoreless. Still, I’m worried.

    We asked you how worried you were about Steele’s start. Here’s what you said:

    • 37% said 3 out of 5 (1 being not worried at all)
    • 31% said 2

    Clearly opinions are divided. Some think he’ll get it together, others think this is the start of bigger problems. Where do you?

    Jazz and Movies: A Tribute to Roberta Flack and Badlands

    Music: Bob James Trio – Roberta Flack

    In honor of the late great Roberta Flack we’re playing a cover of her hit “Feel Like Makin’ Love” by the Bob James Trio. If you haven’t heard of them, give it a listen – it’s smooth jazz heaven. They also throw in a track called “Nightcrawler” featuring drummer Billy Kilson, bassist Michael Palazzolo and keyboardist Bob James.

    Movie: Terrence Malick – Badlands

    Now let’s talk movies. Director Terrence Malick ’s first film Badlands (1973) is a classic of the New Hollywood era. Loosely based on the Charles Starkweather/Caril Ann Fugate murder spree the film stars Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek in career defining roles.

    Here’s why Badlands rocks:

    • Visuals: Malick shoots the American Plains like nobody’s business, even though he went through three cinematographers during production.
    • Psychological complexity: Sheen is a chillingly detached killer who treats the spree like a game. Spacek’s Holly narrates the story with an eerie lack of emotion, so it’s both beautiful and terrifying.
    • Nihilism: Unlike other versions of the Starkweather/Fugate story (Bonnie and Clyde comes to mind), Badlands takes away the fun and romance. It’s harsh, brutal and unforgettable.

    If you haven’t seen it yet, add Badlands to your list. It’s a great film that explores the dark side of human nature and doesn’t give you any answers.

    What’s Next for the Cubs? Fans Sound Off

    As the Cubs get ready to open up at home, fans are weighing in on the team so far. Here are the talking points:

    Bullpen Concerns

    Despite all the offense, the bullpen is still a concern. Can they hold up against the Padres and Rangers?

    Slow Starts for PCA and Matt Shaw

    Pete Crow-Armstrong and Matt Shaw are off to slow starts. Just a small sample size or should we be worried?

    Overall Sentiment

    5-4 and the Cubs are hanging in there despite a tough early season schedule. With the toughest part of the season behind them (at least in theory), things are looking up.

    What do you think? Up or down? Comment below!

  • Red-Hot Chicago Cubs Return Home After ‘Longest Spring Training Ever’

    Red-Hot Chicago Cubs Return Home After ‘Longest Spring Training Ever’

    The Cubs have finally put the brakes on that chaotic spring training and early-season schedule. That took them from Arizona to Japan, back to Arizona, downtown Phoenix and Sacramento. They wrapped up their first series at Sutter Health Park by sweeping the Athletics—just in time to head home to Wrigley Field and the freezing temperatures and 70% chance of rain that come with it.

    “It feels like the longest spring training in the world,” Cubs closer Ryan Pressly said of the experience. “You go all the way across the world to Japan, come back, play a few more spring training games and then start the season in Arizona. That’s a long way to go just to get ready.”

    Despite the travel schedule that would have broken some teams, the Cubs came out of that grueling stretch hot and ready to take on the 2025 season’s challenges.

    A Record-Breaking Itinerary

    From the moment they got to spring training early, the Cubs went on a wild ride. They went to Japan for two exhibition games, back to Arizona for more spring training, opened the season in downtown Phoenix against the Diamondbacks and finished with a three-game sweep of the Athletics in Sacramento.

    “This is the longest spring training in the world,” Cubs closer Ryan Pressly told USA TODAY Sports. “You go all the way to Japan, come back, play a couple more spring training games and then start the season in Arizona.”

    The Cubs have already had six pregame ceremonies this year—four in Tokyo, one in Arizona and one in Sacramento. Now they’re getting ready for another one at Wrigley Field.

    “That’s got to be a record, right?” joked Cubs reliever Eli Morgan.

    It’s not just the number of stops that made this spring unique—it’s the length of time. Between their time in Arizona, Japan and Sacramento they felt like they lived out of suitcases for almost five weeks.

    “It felt like we were in Arizona for four months,” said catcher Carson Kelly. “It was definitely a little weird when we went to Tokyo, came back, played some spring training games and then opened in Arizona. It was a little disorienting.”

    Finding Their Groove— and Breaking Out

    The Cubs found their groove in those final games. And at the heart of that resurgence are DH Seiya Suzuki and right fielder Kyle Tucker. Suzuki, who started the season 0-for-—well, not very good—in his first five games, really turned it around in the last four. He went 11-for-19 (.579) with four home runs and 11 RBIs.

    “Seiya, pound for pound, has some of the juice in the league,” center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong said with a grin. “That’s just going to be a regular thing for Seiya. We’ve all seen him do that before. And he’s going to keep doing it.”

    Tucker, on the other hand, had a tough spring training. He went 0-for-19. But since the regular season started, he’s been unstoppable. He’s hit .476 with three doubles, four homers and nine RBIs in his last five games.

    “Special player,” reliever Pressly said with a chuckle. “Watching him come up to the plate and how he swings it is a lot of fun. Don’t tell him I said that.”

    Manager Craig Counsell has noticed that Tucker’s approach at the plate is what really sets him apart. “That’s what other players have commented on,” he said. “Watching a great hitter’s approach and how it’s just a little bit different… and you learn from that.”

    Goodbye, Sacramento—Hello, Wrigley

    The Cubs beat the Athletics 35-9 in the series and are ready to leave Sutter Health Park behind. While it has its charm—a functional clubhouse, working showers and no rats or stray cats—it still feels like a Triple-A park.

    “The clubhouse is way better; it’s really nice in here,” Pressly said. “It’s just the stadium. You know, you’re playing in a Triple-A stadium. That’s the only downfall of it.”

    The ballpark’s hitter-friendly dimensions showed up early with 42 runs, 64 hits and 12 homers in the three-game series. Pitchers like Jameson Taillon said the park was fair but credited the Cubs’ hitters for making the most of their opportunities.

    “I’ve heard the stories of the PCL,” Taillon said. “But I felt it was pretty fair. I know we scored a lot of runs but I also feel like that was a lot on our hitters putting up great at-bats.”

    Back to Reality: Windy and Wet Wrigley Awaits

    As thrilling as that road trip was, home is where the heart is—especially when Wrigley Field greets you with freezing temperatures and a 70% chance of rain.

    Suzuki joked, “Is Chicago warm yet?” His response? “I’ll be ready to have a lot of hot packs all over my body.” The cold weather won’t dampen the Cubs’ excitement about getting back to Wrigley.

    “I’m really, really excited to get back to Wrigley,” Taillon said. “For all our new players to experience it, the fans—and just to sleep in my own bed at night.” That last part, he added, is a big part of coming home.