Ian Happ’s PROVE-IT Year? Why 2026 Is Massive for the Chicago Cubs Outfielder | CHGO Cubs Podcast

Ian Happ enters the 2026 MLB season with more pressure—and more respect—than ever as questions swirl about his future with the Chicago Cubs. Despite being ranked as MLB’s No. 6 left fielder and finishing No. 4 in the fan vote, is this still a true prove-it year for the Cubs outfielder? On the CHGO Cubs Podcast, hosts Luke Stuckmeyer and Joey Christopoulos are joined by Kyle from The Setup Man Podcast and BBBS of Metropolitan Chicago CEO Jeremy Foster to break down Happ’s production, league-wide perception, and where he fits in a crowded Cubs outfield. With Spring Training approaching and major roster decisions looming, the crew discusses what’s at stake for Ian Happ—and why 2026 could define his Cubs career. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Chicago Cubs’ farm system is under the microscope after ESPN’s latest Top 100 Prospects list featured only two Cubs prospects: Moisés Ballesteros at No. 51 and right-handed pitcher Jaxon Wiggins at No. 83. Should Cubs fans be worried about the overall strength and depth of the prospect pool—especially when division rivals like the Milwaukee Brewers added top prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat from the New York Mets in exchange for Freddy Peralta and Tobias Myers? Luke Stuckmeyer and Joey Christopoulos break down what the rankings mean, which Cubs prospects could rise in 2026, and how the state of the farm system impacts Chicago’s ability to compete in the NL Central on the CHGO Cubs Podcast.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Subscribe to our NEW CHGO Cubs YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/@CHGO_Cubs FanGraph’s ZiPS Projections are out for the 2026 Chicago Cubs! How does Alex Bregman’s first season as a Cub project? How do they think the Shota Imanaga and the rotation will do? Will Pete Crow-Armstrong look more like 1st half or 2nd half PCA? Join Joey Christopoulos and Luke Stuckmeyer as they discuss! An ALLCITY Network Production 📬 Chicago sports in your inbox:[ https://allchgo.com/newsletter](https://allchgo.com/newsletter) BUY MERCH:  https://store.allcitynetwork.com/collections/chgo-locker  FOLLOW ON SOCIAL:  Twitter: @CHGO_Sports Instagram: @CHGO_Sports  Limited Time Offer – Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online orders of $50 or more with my code cubs15 at  [https://www.huel.com/cubs15](https://www.huel.com/cubs15) . New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show! Prize Picks: Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CHGO and use code CHGO and get $50 in lineups when you play   your first $5 lineup!   PrizePicks. It's Good to be Right! Empire Today: Schedule a free in-home estimate today! All listeners can receive a $350 OFF discount when they use the promo code CHGO. Restrictions apply. See [https://empiretoday.com/chgo](https://empiretoday.com/chgo) for details. Monarch Money: Use Monarch Money to get control of your overall finances with 50% off your first year at https://www.monarch.com/chgo  Ray Auto Group: Get into your next vehicle with Ray Auto in Fox Lake!  Ray Chevy: [https://www.raychevrolet.com/](https://www.raychevrolet.com/) Ray CDJR: [https://www.raycdjr.com/](https://www.raycdjr.com/) HelloFresh - Get 10 FREE meals at [https://hellofresh.com/freecubs](https://hellofresh.com/freecubs). Applied across 7 boxes, new subscribers only, varies by plan. Better Help:  This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Never skip therapy day, with BetterHelp. Visit [https://www.betterhelp.com/CHGO](https://www.betterhelp.com/CHGO) today to get 10% off your first month.  Use code chgocubs50 to get 50% OFF your first Factor box and free wellness shots for life with any active subscription at [https://FACTORMEALS.com/chgocubs50](https://factormeals.com/chgocubs50)  Hall of Fame App: Get a 7-Day Free Trial + 50% Off your first month with code CHGO. Just download the HOF app on iOS and Android or visit [www.hofbets.com](http://www.hofbets.com/), enter code CHGO, and you’re all set. #ad Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CHGO for $20 off your first purchase. When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #FlyTheW #VibeWithUs  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The MLB Top 100 Players list is out—and Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner is nowhere to be found. Is Nico Hoerner being disrespected after another elite season of defense, consistency, and all-around impact for the Cubs? CHGO Cubs hosts Luke Stuckmeyer, Joey Christopoulos, and Justin Roman break down Hoerner’s numbers, compare him to players who did make the list, and debate whether this omission is a major snub heading into the 2026 MLB season. With Spring Training approaching, the guys also discuss the Cubs’ offseason plans—will Jed Hoyer and the front office add more pieces, or is Alex Bregman the final major move before camp begins? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt Shaw’s value to the Chicago Cubs goes far beyond the box score—and it might be higher than most fans realize. With the Cubs active in the trade and free-agent markets, Shaw’s name continues to surface in rumors, making his long-term impact even more important to evaluate. Using charts and graphics to break it all down, the CHGO Cubs crew makes the case for what Shaw brings to Chicago, from his second-half surge to his versatility and upside. The CHGO Cubs Related Podcast is hosted by Corey Freedman and Brendan Miller as they debate whether Matt Shaw is a true cornerstone—or a key trade chip.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pete Crow-Armstrong is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young athletes in Chicago — but where does he actually rank among the city’s top stars? On this episode of the CHGO Cubs Podcast, the crew breaks down PCA’s rise and stacks him up against other Chicago superstars like Caleb Williams and Connor Bedard. From impact and marketability to long-term ceiling, we debate who truly belongs at the top of Chicago sports.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How valuable is Matt Shaw to the Chicago Cubs’ future? On this episode of CHGO Cubs, Corey and Brendan break down Shaw’s impact as one of the Cubs’ top prospects, his offensive upside, defensive versatility, and where he fits into GM Craig Counsell’s vision for the roster. With Alex Bregman now in Chicago and the Cubs still active in the trade and free agent market, Matt Shaw’s name has surfaced in multiple roster and trade discussions. Corey and Brendan also dive into Shaw’s strong second half and explain why he’s become such an appealing player across MLB. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Chicago Cubs can’t be done this offseason — and the front office knows it. Even after recent moves, there are still clear holes on this roster that must be addressed if the Cubs want to contend in the NL Central. On this episode of the CHGO Cubs Podcast, hosts Luke Stuckmeyer and Joey Christopoulos break down why Chicago still has work to do, what positions remain in play, and which names could be next on the Cubs’ radar. Plus, with major news on the South Side as the Chicago White Sox trade Luis Robert Jr., the guys discuss how that move shifts the Chicago baseball landscape and what it means for the Cubs moving forward. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Relive the Chicago Cubs’ unforgettable 2016 World Series magic and ask the big question: can they do it again? CHGO Cubs Podcast, hosts Luke Stuckmeyer and Justin Roman connect that historic championship run to today’s rising superstars in Chicago — including Pete Crow-Armstrong and the new core shaping the next era of Cubs baseball. With Craig Counsell leading the clubhouse, they break down how leadership, roster construction, and culture compare to 2016, what lessons still apply, and how close this team really is to another title run. Cubs fans won’t want to miss this nostalgic deep dive with a forward-looking twist.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chicago Cubs players are already arriving in Arizona for Spring Training, and the big questions are starting early. Who WILL be the Cubs’ best player in 2026—and who NEEDS to be the Cubs’ best player for this team to reach its ceiling? Plus, what do Ian Happ, Jamison Taillon, and Dansby Swanson all have in common as the Cubs gear up for the season? Luke Stuckmeyer and Justin Roman break it all down on the CHGO Cubs Podcast, presented by Toyota. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.