Who Will Be the Chicago Cubs’ BEST Player in 2026? | CHGO Cubs Podcast

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.

Subscribe to our NEW CHGO Cubs YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/@CHGO_Cubs The Chicago Cubs have enjoyed a big offseason, but should they stop or keeping adding like the Dodgers? The guys talk about the latest Zac Gallen report! The luxury tax gets a new approach in 2026 and Matt Shaw gets ready for the infield. Plus, a memorable Cubs Convention recap. Tip of the cap to the Chicago Bears - but Cubs season is here! Join Luke Stuckmeyer and Joey Christopoulos for the CHGO Cubs Podcast. 0:00 Show start 1:20 Mourning the Bears 10:00 Zac Gallen linked to the Cubs 16:00 Current Cubs' Rotation 32:00 Matt Shaw to play OF? 41:00 PCA on Bregman's personality 47:00 Goodbye Kyle Tucker An ALLCITY Network Production 📬 Chicago sports in your inbox: https://allchgo.com/newsletter BUY MERCH: https://store.allcitynetwork.com/collections/chgo-locker FOLLOW ON SOCIAL: Twitter: @CHGO_Sports Instagram: @CHGO_Sports Get Huel’s full High-Protein Starter Kit with my exclusive offer of 20% OFF online with my code CUBS20 at https://www.huel.com/CUBS20. New Customers Only. Code only valid for the bundle. 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 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/ Ray CDJR: https://www.raycdjr.com/ HelloFresh - Get 10 FREE meals at 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 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 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, 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.

When the Cubs officially introduced Alex Bregman on Thursday, President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer drew a comparison between the 2026 roster and the World Series–winning 2016 team. The common thread? Depth. Corey and Brendan break down how the Cubs envision deploying a lineup that includes Nico Hoerner, Matt Shaw, and Alex Bregman—and why this kind of roster construction matters. They also explore how Bregman’s impact goes beyond positional flexibility, shaping the culture and competitive edge of the team. All that and more on this episode of the CHGO Cubs Related Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Chicago Cubs are entering a new era after landing Alex Bregman and Edward Cabrera, signaling a bold, win-now approach from the front office. On the CHGO Cubs Podcast, Joey Christopoulos and Justin Roman break down what Bregman’s arrival means for the Cubs’ lineup and leadership, plus how Cabrera strengthens the pitching staff. With Cubs Convention happening this week and trade rumors swirling around Nico Hoerner, the Cubs offseason buzz is reaching a fever pitch. Tune in for expert analysis, roster implications, and what it all means for Cubs fans heading into 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Should the Chicago Cubs trade Nico Hoerner? On this episode of the CHGO Cubs Podcast, we break down the growing trade speculation surrounding Hoerner, including reported interest from the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees, and how Alex Bregman’s arrival reshapes the Cubs’ infield picture. With Bregman in the mix, we analyze positional flexibility, payroll considerations, defensive value, and what a potential Hoerner trade could return. Does Bregman’s presence make Hoerner expendable—or even more valuable on the trade market? All that and more as we debate the future of the Cubs’ infield.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jed Hoyer and the Cubs have created one of the best infields - but is it the BEST in baseball? Additionally, another team is interested in that claim and may attempt to acquire Nico Hoerner for the West Coast. Just say no! The guys take a look at the Cubs' possible lineup and new look rotation with all the offseason additions. Oh…and the Cardinals are giving up! Join Luke Stuckmeyer, Joey Christopolous and Justin Roman for 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.