Chicago Cubs: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Matt Shaw Will Have His Versatility Tested in 2026

With the addition of Alex Bregman this winter, exactly how the Chicago Cubs will deploy Matt Shaw in 2026 remains a bit unclear. That’s not a big issue right now, considering the Cubs are barely more than a week into spring training.

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The Quiz of the Day

Here’s a complete schedule of where you can watch or listen to Cubs Spring Training games

As you know, Marquee Sports Network has cut back on its live game coverage this spring. The Score, now also on FM 104.3 in the Chicago area, will carry some games as well, but radio and TV coverage overlap for some dates.

Pete Crow-Armstrong News / Chicago Cubs on SI / February 19

Cubs Star Pete Crow-Armstrong Takes Shot at Dodgers Fans

Pete Crow-Armstrong is the Chicago Cubs outfielder that everyone in the Windy City loves, and not just because of how he plays. This offseason he has been everywhere.

MLB News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'Live-Ball Era strikeout leaders' quiz

How many of the 36 MLB pitchers with 2,500 or more strikeouts in the Live-Ball Era (since 1920) can you name in five minutes?

The 'Home run leaders by MLB team' quiz

The ''MLB: The Show' cover athletes' quiz

The 'Active 200-strikeout MLB seasons' quiz

Alex Bregman News / ChiCitySports / February 19

Chicago Cubs: Insiders shed further light on Alex Bregman’s value

An interesting nugget recently came out from The Athletic’s Jayson Stark in his annual spring preview survey. Stark added a few new questions to the 36 MLB personnel he surveys every spring; one asks who they feel are the most irreplaceable losses of the offseason.

Athletics News / Yardbarker

25 MLB players that could be traded during the 2026 season

The 2026 MLB season is right around the corner, and it is never too early to start thinking about how it might unfold. Seemingly, every year, we have a decent handle on who should contend and who is likely to struggle, which makes looking ahead to the trade deadline inevitable.

Chicago Cubs News / Chicago Cubs on SI / February 19

Craig Counsell Shares Exciting Update on Cubs' Shota Imanaga

The Chicago Cubs already have the makings of a great rotation. After acquiring starter Edward Cabrera, the focus may be completely off another ace-caliber pitcher in left-hander Shota Imanaga.

Dansby Swanson News / Chicago Cubs on SI / February 19

Cubs Shortstop Dansby Swanson Reveals New Approach at the Plate

Looking at the numbers, Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson didn't have a horrible 2025 season by any means. However, Swanson has higher expectations for himself.

Chicago Cubs News / Chicago Cubs on SI / February 19

Cubs’ Underwhelming Offseason Grade Is Way Off After Busy Winter

The Chicago Cubs have had one of the most exciting winters in perhaps the franchise's entire history as they gear up to chase a World Series title in 2026.

Chicago Cubs News / Total Apex Sports / February 19

Chicago Cubs Pitching Prospect Already Turning Heads As Spring Training Nears

The Chicago Cubs enter the 2026 spring training camp with massive expectations. After an aggressive offseason that saw the front office push their chips to the center of the table—bringing in star third baseman Alex Bregman and trading for arm talent like Edward Cabrera—the focus has largely been on the big-league stars.

Chicago Cubs News / Chicago Cubs on SI / February 19

Cubs Starting Pitcher for Second Spring Training Game Revealed

The Chicago Cubs begin their spring training schedule on Friday afternoon, and it was revealed this week that veteran right-hander Jameson Taillon is going to get the first action on the mound.

Ben Brown News / Bleed Cubbie Blue / February 19

2026 Chicago Cubs player profiles: Ben Brown

Today we are looking at the talented but enigmatic right-hander. Ben Brown has had several lives as a Chicago Cub. He’s worked as a starter and a reliever, has ridden the Iowa bus often.

MLB News / Yardbarker

25 MLB players who have the most to prove in 2026

The new MLB season brings opportunities as players head into their walk years and try to rebound from subpar performances. These 25 players stand out heading into 2026.

Should Red Sox trade for former All-Star infielder?

Mariners getting needed bat in All-Star Brendon Donovan via three-team deal with Cardinals, Rays

Giants CEO calls Dodgers a 'dragon to slay'

Yankees' latest endeavor points to a Jasson Dominguez mistake waiting to happen

Top of Phillies' rotation is elite, but also comes with questions

Colin Rea News / ChiCitySports / February 19

A look at the Chicago Cubs’ greatest under-the-radar 2026 strength

The Chicago Cubs added a new All-Star third basemen this offseason in Alex Bregman, a new starter in Edward Cabrera, and four new free agent bullpen arms.

Chicago Cubs News / MLB on ClutchPoints / February 19

The Cubs’ player with most to prove in spring training

The Chicago Cubs have now gone 10 seasons since their historic World Series victory in the 2016 World Series. That seven-game triumph over the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) represented a catharsis for both the franchise and their long-suffering fans.

Click here to get Yardbarker's Quiz of the Day emailed to you!

The 'TD-catch leaders by NFL team' quiz

The 'Receiving leaders by NFL season' quiz

The 'NBA All-Star MVPs' quiz

The 'Multiple 20-assist NBA games' quiz

Chicago Cubs News / Chicago Cubs on SI / February 19

Cubs Young Pitching Prospect Already Turning Heads in Spring Ahead of Debut

The Chicago Cubs came into spring training with a much deeper rotation than they did at this time a year ago, following some significant moves this winter to address it.

Chicago Cubs News / Bleed Cubbie Blue / February 19

Fun with Cubs 2026 photo day

One of the rituals for Major League Baseball’s players every spring is to pose for team and media photographers. These shots get used in a variety of ways; you’re probably most used to seeing them on player pages on various websites, or in the pitcher previews I do here at BCB.

Chicago Cubs News / Chicago Cubs on SI / February 19

Cubs’ Kevin Alcántara Knows the Power Is There — Now He’s Chasing Something Else

Spring Training is just around the corner for the Chicago Cubs, and everyone is watching the team’s young players. One player to watch this year is outfielder Kevin Alcántara.

Seiya Suzuki News / Bleed Cubbie Blue / February 19

Chicago Cubs news and notes — PCA, Shaw, Suzuki

Tom Ricketts is making World Series noises, which ring like endorsing a manager before changing faces. There’s a real spring game tomorrow. Kris Bryant is having a hard time with his chronic pain condition.

Dixon Machado News / MLB Trade Rumors / February 19

Cubs Hire Dixon Machado As Minor League Manager

The Cubs announced they’ve hired Dixon Machado to manage their Arizona Complex League affiliate. That seemingly brings an end to his playing career after 17 seasons in pro ball.

Chicago Cubs News / ChiCitySports / February 18

Cubs announce starting pitchers for first 2 spring training games

The Chicago Cubs are just days away from opening Cactus League play against the Chicago White Sox. Friday’s matchup will serve as their first spring training contest of the year, with the Texas Rangers scheduled for the following day.

Chicago Cubs News / ChiCitySports / February 18

Young Chicago Cubs outfielder makes key adjustment in offseason

The Chicago Cubs didn’t give up on their core of prospects last season at the MLB Trade Deadline, opting to hold on to them. In the offseason, they did move outfielder and top prospect Owen Caissie to get some more pitching.

Alex Bregman News / Chicago Cubs on SI / February 18

MLB Insiders Poll Reveals Why Alex Bregman Is Such a Key Cubs Signing

Spring Training is upon us, and that means a few different things. While it's an opportunity for players to brush the rust off, it is also a time for new teammates to start building chemistry with one another before Opening Day.

Chicago Cubs News / MLB Trade Rumors / February 17

Happ, Suzuki: No Recent Extension Talks With Cubs

It’s common for baseball teams to spend the winter focusing on new acquisitions and then pivot to extensions during spring training. Nothing seems urgent with a couple of Cubs, as outfielders Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki both tell Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times that they have not yet heard from the club on the extension front.