Windy City Breakdown

Cade Horton (forearm) and Matthew Boyd (biceps) are both on the IL, meaning the Cubs will be without their top two starters for at least two weeks. But in the case of Horton, could he be on the shelf for far longer?Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch reacts to the injury news and rates their own panic levels of the Cubs on the latest Windy City Breakdown Podcast after the first nine games of the 2026 MLB season. Plus, what should the Cubs do with Ben Brown and how will the rest of the bullpen find its level? And is it time to call up Kevin Alcántara?

The Cubs have had an up-and-down first few games of the season, going 2-2 against the Nationals and Angels. But there has been much to glean from the opening week. Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch recount their top takeaways from the Cubs' first four games, including Edward Cabrera's nasty stuff, Alex Bregman's most impressive characteristic and Phil Maton's role (and absolute filth on the mound!). Plus, is there concern about Shota Imanaga already? And what do all the contract extensions around MLB mean for the Cubs and the league? Martínez also explains the coolest part of Nico Hoerner's extension press conference.

The Cubs were dealt a disappointing blow on Opening Day ... and then picked things right back up with breaking news of Nico Hoerner's contract extension.The Windy City Breakdown Podcast crew of Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch reacted to the strange weather at Wrigley, the 10-4 loss to the Washington Nationals and what Hoerner's extension means for the team and the Cubs fanbase.Plus, who should the Cubs extend next now that Hoerner and Pete Crow-Armstrong are locked up long-term? The panel also reflects on Jason Heyward's career and their favorite memories of the highest-paid player in Cubs history as he announced his retirement.

It's that time of year again! Bold predictions come fast and furious in the latest episode of the Windy City Breakdown Podcast, as hosts Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch provide their hot takes for the 2026 Cubs season. Among the predictions include thoughts on Cade Horton, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, Michael Busch and possibly a trip to the World Series??Other predictions and topics on this episode include:-What is your biggest question about the Cubs entering the season?-Under-the-radar players to keep an eye on this season-Who or what will be the biggest surprise of the 2026 Cubs season?-2026 Cubs breakout player-2026 Cubs MVP-2026 Cubs Cy Young-What series on the Cubs schedule are you circling and most anticipating?-What minor leaguer that has NOT made their MLB debut will have the biggest impact on the 2026 season?-2026 Cubs bold predictions-2026 MLB bold predictions

Seiya Suzuki is dealing with a knee injury suffered during the World Baseball Classic, leaving the Cubs to figure out a Plan B with MLB Opening Day just over a week away.Mick Gillispie, the Cubs' Double-A broadcaster and host of Cubs Baseball Channel, stops by the Windy City Breakdown Podcast to chat through his WBC musings and share some behind-the-scenes stories of Pete Crow-Armstrong as he came up through the Cubs system.Plus, what does the future hold for Matt Shaw? Is he an option to help plug the gap in Suzuki's stead? Gillispie also shares his choice for under-the-radar Cubs player to keep an eye on this season and drops a bold prediction for the 2026 Cubs.

The Chicago Cubs have an Opening Day starter -- 2025 All-Star Matthew Boyd. The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma joins the show to discuss the news with Windy City Breakdown Podcast hosts Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch.Sharma and the crew also dissect the Cubs pitching staff, ranging from questions about what type of performance Justin Steele can put up when he returns from injury to first impressions of Edward Cabrera. Plus, find out the under-the-radar players Sharma thinks could crack the Cubs Opening Day roster -- and why it's not too bold to be talking World Series with this Cubs team.Later in the episode, Andracki gets fired up about the Randy Arozarena-Cal Raleigh handshake and the panel breaks down the nearly massive miscue from Mark DeRosa and Team USA. And did we see perhaps the wildest day in sports history this week as a result of all this WBC drama?

Justin Steele is fully cleared, Pete Crow-Armstrong is gearing up to represent Team USA in the World Baseball Classic and we're all ready to run through a wall after hearing Aaron Judge's speech.On the latest episode of the Windy City Breakdown Podcast, Andy Martínez, Kyle Millinowisch and Tony Andracki debate the importance of the update on Steele's health and come to terms with their feelings on Judge's speech. Plus, where should Crow-Armstrong hit in the Cubs batting order in 2026? Will his depressed on-base percentage keep him from hitting toward the top of the lineup? If he's not going to bat leadoff, who will for Craig Counsell's squad?In football news, what do the Bears do now after a Drew Dalman's surprise retirement and are they really the betting favorite to trade for Maxx Crosby?

MLB.com senior reporter Jordan Bastian joins the Windy City Breakdown to share the latest from Mesa, Ariz. Jordan breaks down the injury news to Tyler Austin and what that means for the Cubs' bench. Then, Jordan shares what to expect from new starter Edward Cabrera, who is scheduled to make his spring debut this weekend. He also shares what all the players leaving for the World Baseball Classic means for non-roster invitees and other fringe players, before delving into bold predictions. Jordan shares why it's not a bold take to say the Cubs reach the World Series in 2026. Later in the podcast, Tony and Andy discuss the Cubs' bench situation and why it still matters who the 25th and 26th players are on the roster. The duo wrap up the pod with what they're following beyond baseball, including an intriguing Bears offseason on and off the field and a soccer team in Norway that's stealing the spotlight.Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast!

Chicago Tribune Cubs beat writer Meghan Montemurro is the first guest of the Windy City Breakdown and joins the crew to talk spring training. Meghan shares her observations from camp, including a surprising pick to be the Cubs' breakout player in 2026. She discusses the impact of Alex Bregman to this team and the contrast of what he brings compared to former slugger Kyle Tucker. Meghan delves into what the Cubs rotation may look like once Justin Steele is back in the fold and then provides a bold prediction for the team in 2026. Later in the pod, Tony, Andy and Kyle react to the interview with Meghan and share what sports stories they're following this week. Tune in and subscribe for weekly Cubs and Chicago sports content!

The crew breaks down the official start of Cubs spring training and recaps the opening press conferences from Jed Hoyer, Carter Hawkins and Craig Counsell. Kyle, Tony and Andy then look at some of the final roster battles they'll be watching this spring, before giving out some recommendations for those fans heading to Arizona.

Introducing the Windy City Breakdown, with hosts Tony Andracki, Andy Martinez and Kyle Millinowisch. The crew debates and grades the Cubs offseason, from the Alex Bregman signing to the bullpen makeover.