Its A Family Thing Talking Cubs Baseball

#228: Gold Glover pt 2

October 22, 2025·1 hr 9 min·5 clips

Shohei Ohtani pitched six no-hit innings and then hit three home runs in a single game.

This episode of the Cubs-focused podcast features co-hosts Paul and Logan discussing recent sports events and the team's offseason. They analyze the MLB playoffs before shifting to Cubs-specific topics like Gold Glove awards and potential roster moves. The hosts begin by recapping the NFL weekend, highlighting Micah Parsons's three-sack performance for the Cowboys against the Packers. They compare Parsons to past defensive greats like Reggie White and Clay Matthews. College football coaching changes are mentioned, including Florida firing its coach and Penn State parting ways with James Franklin. The hosts briefly note the Blackhawks' early season record and young star Connor Bedard before transitioning to baseball. In the NLCS, the Dodgers swept the Brewers, with Shohei Ohtani pitching six no-hit innings and hitting three home runs in Game 4. The ALCS between the Blue Jays and Mariners is tied 3-3, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. rebounding from an 0-7 start to go 6-9. The hosts discuss Cubs Gold Glove winners Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw, praising Hoerner's defensive versatility and Shaw's skill at third base. They speculate on the Cubs' offseason needs, identifying right field and starting pitching as primary concerns with roughly $100 million to spend before the luxury tax. Potential free-agent targets mentioned include Cody Bellinger, Kyle Schwarber, Kyle Tucker, and Alex Bregman. The hosts debate whether to invest in a star hitter or allocate resources to pitching, naming starters like Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez, and Dylan Cease. Their conversation concludes with a discussion on implementing a salary cap in MLB, noting player opposition and the existing competitive balance tax. They reference the Dodgers' projected $26.8 million tax bill for 2026 as an example of the current system. The tone is casual and conversational, blending fan enthusiasm with analytical speculation. This episode will appeal to Cubs fans interested in offseason strategy and listeners who enjoy broad sports talk mixed with baseball analysis. Those seeking strictly game-by-game Cubs coverage or in-depth statistical breakdowns might find the wide-ranging start less engaging.

As heard by us

A loose Cubs payroll chat that turns roster math into the offseason's central question.

Episode 228 of It's a Family Thing stays on Cubs baseball, with Paul and Logan working through the money on the books, the room to spend, and whether Kyle Tucker is enough or if the team still needs another outfield answer.

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Why you'd press play

You want a Cubs offseason debate that stays conversational and works through the payroll numbers out loud.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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