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On YouTubeChicago Cubs News / Bleed Cubbie Blue / December 23
Chicago Cubs news and notes — Alzolay, Shaw, Ballesteros, Strumpf 
Matt Shaw is in the news again, That’s all I’m going to say. Chase Strumpf is calling it a career. Framber Valdez and Pete Fairbanks are in the air. The next real event is the Cubs Convention, Friday, January 16, through Sunday, January 18, 2026.
MLB News / Chicago Cubs on SI / December 23
Why Phillies Starter Would Be Excellent Solution For Cubs' Rotation Needs
With the offseason moving right along for the Chicago Cubs, there is still quite a bit of work to be done for the franchise. However, there could be one player who makes sense as a solution to a pressing problem. It was a very successful campaign for the Cubs in 2025.
Brad Keller News / Chicago Cubs on SI / December 22
Cubs Bullpen Philosophy Cost Them Brad Keller, Per Insider
Perhaps the most pleasant surprise of the Chicago Cubs' 2025 season was the campaign that reliever Brad Keller put together. Chicago signed Keller to a one-year, $1.5 million deal last offseason after a mediocre 2024 where he produced a 0-4 with a 5.44 ERA in just 41.1 innings pitched.
The 'Active MLB home run leaders' quiz
How many of the most prolific power hitters in baseball today can you name in 5 minutes?
Zach Pop News / MLB Trade Rumors / December 22
Phillies Sign Zach Pop To Major League Deal
The Phillies announced that they have signed right-hander Zach Pop to a major league deal. Their 40-man roster count jumps to 39. Salary figures haven’t been reported.
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 22
Chicago Cubs Bring Back Backup Catcher For Second Stint With Club
The Chicago Cubs reportedly added a reinforcement to their catching depth chart Monday, signing Christian Bethancourt to a contract that will be worth $1.6 million if he makes the team's major league roster.
Chicago Cubs News / ChiCitySports / December 22
Report: Cubs sign intriguing free agent catcher
To this point in the MLB offseason, the Chicago Cubs have still not made a major impact move in free agency. While the rumors have been swirling, Jed Hoyer and the front office have remained focused on adding depth to the roster.
Chicago Cubs News / Chicago Cubs on SI / December 22
Insider Reveals Why Cubs Might Lose Out On Tatsuya Imai
Chicago Cubs fans are used to having to temper their expectations each offseason. While Chicago is typically among the top earners when it comes to MLB revenue, the front office and ownership have been notoriously stingy when it comes to spending a lot of money on free agents.
MLB News / MLB Trade Rumors / December 22
Cubs To Sign Christian Bethancourt To Minor League Deal
The Cubs and catcher Christian Bethancourt have agreed to a minor league deal, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post. He would make $1.6MM if in the majors.
Cody Bellinger News / ChiCitySports / December 22
Chicago Cubs have Cody Bellinger back on their radar, per report
The Chicago Cubs were said to have a definite plan in place when it came to this offseason. The principle target was pitching. Reports indicated that the front office would be focused on acquiring a front-of-rotation starter to fortify a staff that seemed to whither towards the end of the season and into the postseason.
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.
Chicago Cubs News / MLB on ClutchPoints / December 22
Cubs reunite with veteran catcher on $1.6 million contract
Chicago Cubs fans are still waiting for president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer to make a big move this offseason, but the organization shored up its catching depth on Monday afternoon.
Michael Busch News / Chicago Cubs on SI / December 22
Michael Busch's Breakout Cubs Season Recognized Despite No Hardware
It is safe to say that Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch just had the best season of his very young career, as he posted his best slash line across the board while hitting 34 home runs to complement 90 RBI as a big part of the team's 90+ win 2025.
Chicago 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.
MLB News / Yardbarker / December 22
Three big-market MLB teams that are failing their fan bases
With Christmas just days away, several MLB teams have been hard at work, giving their fans stocking stuffers that will have them decking the halls past New Year’s.
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.
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.
Chicago Cubs News / Cubs Insider / December 21
Trading for Rotation Help Makes Most Sense for Cubs
Starting pitching has been, is, and will continue to be the main focus this offseason for the Cubs. They’ve been connected to almost every option available, and for good reason.
Tyler Austin 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.
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.
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.
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