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On YouTubeChicago Cubs News / Bleed Cubbie Blue / December 22
An updated look at the 2026 Cubs roster, payroll and luxury tax 
With the Cubs having added some players to the 40-man roster (which now stands at 34) since our first payroll look this offseason, I thought it was time for another article updating things as they stand as we head into the holiday weeks, where not much action is likely to happen.
Chicago Cubs News / Bleed Cubbie Blue / December 22
Chicago Cubs history unpacked — December 22
On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Bleed Cubbie Blue is pleased to present a Cubs-centric look at baseball’s colorful past. Here’s a handy Cubs timeline, to help you follow the various narrative paths.
Nico Hoerner News / MLB on ClutchPoints / December 21
Giants’ perfect trade offer for Cubs’ Nico Hoerner
The San Francisco Giants’ search for a second baseman has heated up, and one name makes perfect sense both on paper and in spirit — Chicago Cubs star Nico Hoerner.
The 'Active MLB home run leaders' quiz
How many of the most prolific power hitters in baseball today can you name in 5 minutes?
Chicago Cubs News / ChiCitySports / December 21
Chicago Cubs: Bad news on Alex Bregman chase…but good news on Kyle Tucker?
The Chicago Cubs haven’t made waves this offseason, as their acquisitions have, so far, amounted to mere ripples. The team’s current offseason talent haul consists of relievers Phil Maton and Hoby Milner, first baseman Tyler Austin, and the re-signing of Caleb Thielbar and Shota Imanaga.
25 MLB players on the brink of stardom in 2026
The stars were out in full force during the 2025 World Series. From Max Scherzer in Toronto to Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and of course, Shohei Ohtani, in Los Angeles, there was no shortage of the game's best under the brightest lights.
Chicago Cubs News / Chicago Cubs on SI / December 21
MLB Insider's Report On Tatsuya Imai's Potential Could Favor Cubs
Tatsuya Imai is one of the top arms drawing the most attention during free agency, and with him having to sign within the next couple of weeks, the curiosity about who he will be pitching for in 2026 is growing immensely.
Chicago Cubs News / ChiCitySports / December 21
Chicago Cubs: 3 under-the-radar free agents worth pursuing
The Chicago Cubs got to Game Five of the NLDS last season, in their first playoff appearance since 2020, while posting their first postseason wins since 2017.
Craig Counsell News / ChiCitySports / December 21
Father of Cubs Manager Craig Counsell passes away at 83
John Counsell, the father of Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell and a longtime figure within the Milwaukee Brewers organization, has passed away at the age of 83.
Chicago Cubs News / Bleed Cubbie Blue / December 21
Cubs historical sleuthing: High five edition
Here’s one more from BCB reader Clark Addison. As I have noted in some previous sleuthing photos, this has to be from 2005 or 2006, one of the two seasons this century where the Cubs removed names from the back of home jerseys.
Justin Steele News / ChiCitySports / December 21
Chicago Cubs star pitcher Justin Steele reports "Feelin Good", eyeing return to '24 form
Heading into the 2025 MLB season, the Chicago Cubs felt that Justin Steele could end up being an ace-caliber pitcher for them. Unfortunately, that hope was short-lived.
Chicago Cubs News / ChiCitySports / December 20
Chicago Cubs may not be as 'in' on free agent Japanese pitching star as reported
The Chicago Cubs, if one were to judge from the headlines being generated, are a whisker away from signing Japanese pitching import Tatsuya Imai. In multiple media accounts, Chicago is listed as a finalist to land the 27-year-old NPB free agent phenom.
The 25 greatest pitching seasons from the modern MLB era
America's favorite pastime has more memorable performances than any sport. As such, figuring out which pitchers had the best seasons ever is no easy task.
Alex Bregman News / ChiCitySports / December 20
Cubs receive major new prediction regarding Alex Bregman
Since early on in the MLB offseason, the Chicago Cubs have once again been connected heavily to star free agent infielder Alex Bregman. Bregman was a target for the Cubs last offseason.
Michael Busch News / Chicago Cubs on SI / December 20
Why Michael Busch Is The Perfect Fit For Open Team USA Roster Spot
The World Baseball Classic for 2026 is set to kick off 10 days before next season's opener, and the roster is starting to shape up quite nicely, arguably one of the best Team USA has ever sent.
Chicago Cubs News / Bleed Cubbie Blue / December 20
Cubs historical sleuthing: Walk-off edition
Here’s yet another one from BCB reader Clark Addison, and I cropped the photo at the top of the post to take away one significant clue. Can you figure out which game this is from just the Cubs waiting to greet the walk-off home run hitter at the plate?
Chicago Cubs News / Chicago Cubs on SI / December 20
Cubs Notes: Imai Boost, Alex Bregman Prediction, Nico Hoerner Trade Talk & More
The Cubs appear to be right in the thick of things as free agency continues, with the team having reported interest in several top-tier targets — Alex Bregman and Tatsuya Imai being two of the most talked about.
Michael King News / Bleed Cubbie Blue / December 20
Chicago Cubs news and notes — Ballesteros, Imai, King
Michael King is off the board, having signed a multiple-out deal to return to the Padres. Munetaka Murikami has to sign by Monday or go back to NPB. Tatsuya Imai’s posting window expires January 2.
Chicago Cubs News / Chicago Cubs on SI / December 19
Cubs Get Major Tatsuya Imai Boost After Latest Yankees Statements
The Chicago Cubs have been adamant about what they are working on this postseason, and that's building depth in the starting rotation. While they haven't signed another elite arm just yet, there could be one coming soon.
Chicago Cubs News / Total Apex Sports / December 19
Chicago Cubs Sign Former Top Prospect
The Chicago Cubs have signed former Yankees prospect Tyler Austin to a one-year, $1.25 million deal, according to Jon Heyman. Austin, who last played in MLB in 2019, has been playing in Japan for the last six seasons.
Kyle Tucker News / Athlon Sports / December 19
MLB Insider Shares Update on Kyle Tucker-Blue Jays Free Agency Rumors
ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan believes that All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker is in “no rush” to sign a contract amid rumors linking him to the Toronto Blue Jays.
Tyler Austin News / MLB Trade Rumors / December 18
Cubs to sign Tyler Austin to major league deal
The Cubs and first baseman Tyler Austin have agreed to a one-year major league deal.
MLB News / MLB Trade Rumors / December 18
KBO’s Doosan Bears Sign Chris Flexen, Zach Logue
Veteran right-hander Chris Flexen is headed back to the Doosan Bears of the Korea Baseball Organization, the team announced. The Bears also announced the re-signing former big league lefty Zach Logue.
Caleb Thielbar News / Total Apex Sports / December 16
Caleb Thielbar Re-Signs With the Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are bringing back Caleb Thielbar on a one-year deal, pending a physical. In a winter market where pitching prices are skyrocketing faster than concession stand beers, locking down a reliable arm like Thielbar feels like finding a $20 bill in your winter coat.
Dansby Swanson News / Athlon Sports / December 14
Cubs' Dansby Swanson Announces News Away From MLB on Sunday
The Chicago Cubs remain hopeful of making another trip to the MLB playoffs in 2025. The front office is expected to make additions to the roster in order to contend for first place in the NL Central.
Kyle Tucker News / Athlon Sports / December 14
Kyle Tucker Sends Message Amid MLB Free Agency
Kyle Tucker is one of the premier free agents on the market, and his future in MLB remains uncertain. He is expected to command a long-term deal that could approach $400 million, a figure that reflects his status as one of the league’s most complete all-around talents.
Kyle Tucker News / Yardbarker / December 11
Dodgers may sign Kyle Tucker under one condition
Tucker is the biggest name in free agency right now, and with the Dodgers' need for help at the corner spots of the outfield, he's an obvious fit for Dave Roberts' team.
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