Brett and Michael are back for the fortieth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! With the offseason still in its early stages, the guys aren’t expecting a major wave of moves just yet—but the Cubs did make their first signing of the winter, adding veteran reliever Phil Maton on a two-year, $14.5 million deal with a 2028 club option and annual incentives.

They discuss what Maton brings to the bullpen, how the deal is structured, and why he could be the first of several relief additions this offseason. Plus, more Cubs offseason talk and where things could go from here.

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Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-ninth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! It’s a busy week for roster logistics, with the 40-man roster deadline and the Qualifying Offer acceptance deadline both hitting. The guys walk through how the Rule 5 Draft works and what those roster decisions mean for the Cubs heading into the winter.

They also react to Shota Imanaga accepting the Cubs’ $22 million Qualifying Offer, keeping him in Chicago for 2026. It’s a strong short-term outcome for both sides and a reflection of how much the Cubs valued bringing him back on a one-year deal.

Finally, Brett and Michael look ahead at potential offseason priorities—including whether the Cubs could make a move to solidify third base before spring training.

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Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-eighth episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! Not much movement yet in the Cubs’ offseason, but the big storyline remains Shota Imanaga’s qualifying offer decision, which must come by November 18.

Reports suggest Imanaga is expected to decline the $22 million offer, with his camp exploring what his market might look like if he does. If he accepts, he’ll return to the Cubs for 2026. If he declines, he could still re-sign in Chicago—but if he signs elsewhere, the Cubs would receive a compensatory draft pick after the second round.

Meanwhile, all signs point to the Cubs being active in the starting pitching market, with names like Tatsuya Imai, Dylan Cease, and others emerging as possible targets. The guys dig into Cease’s current career arc and discuss what kind of deal or trade value he might carry.

Finally, they ask the offseason question on everyone’s mind: could the Cubs bring back Cody Bellinger?

A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast!
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