Latest news and updates about the Cubs
Red Sox center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela was among the finalists for the American League Platinum Glove Award, but he'll have to wait at least another year for a chance to take home the honor.New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger won the award in the American League, while Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong earned the National League honor.
After rejecting a 2025 extension, Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong delivered a breakout 30/30 season and a Gold Glove, prompting a $115 million deal for 2027‑2029. In 2026 he posted a historic 40/40 line, leading the NL with 45 homers, a .943 OPS, 119 runs, 84 extra‑base hits and a 9.8 WAR, while earning a second Gold Glove and the Platinum Glove. Now a favorite for NL MVP and a Silver Slugger finalist, his soaring résumé shows the Cubs are already ahead financially, locking in a $10.83 million annual salary that likely beats any arbitration payout.
Arizona’s rookie pinch‑hitter Ryan Waldschmidt earns the 2026 Diamondbacks Play of the Year by delivering a two‑run, walk‑off homer in the ninth inning against the Chicago Cubs on August 25. The blast turned a 4‑4 tie into a 5‑4 victory at Chase Field, marking Waldschmidt’s second walk‑off of the month and the first D‑backs player since Chris Young in 2007 to have two in a calendar month. After a mid‑June demotion and a return prompted by an outfield injury, he posted a .710 OPS and generated the franchise’s highest win‑probability swing (+85.5%) in over 14 years. The dramatic finish capped an unlikely comeback, highlighting Waldschmidt’s clutch impact.
The Cubs face a massive offensive hole as Seiya Suzuki, Ian Happ and Carson Kelly head to free agency, leaving 60+ homers and 210+ RBIs to replace for 2027. With most of the payroll earmarked for pitching, Chicago may need a creative, low‑cost solution. Analyst Jake Misener proposes re‑signing former Cub Joc Pederson on a one‑year, $7.5 million deal as a platoon DH, citing his 26 homers and .800+ OPS against right‑handers last season. Pederson’s left‑handed power could help offset Suzuki’s loss while keeping the roster lean.
A reader‑sent sepia photo captures a dramatic 1974 Cubs‑Padres play at Wrigley Field. Cubs catcher Steve Swisher (No. 9) receives the throw as Padres runner Horace Clarke is tagged out at the plate, with future Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston (Padres No. 21) on deck. The action occurred in the first inning of the June 17, 1974 game, which saw the Cubs jump to a 5‑0 lead before losing 7‑5 in 13 innings on Steve Stone’s pitching. The post walks you through the sleuthing process that pins the exact game, players and outcome, offering a nostalgic glimpse into a half‑century‑old moment.
Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong captures his second consecutive Gold Glove and earns the 2026 NL Rawlings Platinum Glove, marking him as the league's top defender. He joins former teammate Cody Bellinger, the AL Platinum Glove winner, and becomes only the second Cub—after Anthony Rizzo in 2016—to claim the Platinum award. Chicago also repeats as the NL Gold Glove Team champions, highlighting the Cubs' defensive dominance alongside their record‑setting offense in 2026. The article links to a six‑minute highlight reel of Crow‑Armstrong’s stellar play.
CubsInsider celebrates a decade since the Chicago Cubs’ 2016 World Series win with a fan‑sourced “Ten Years Ago” music video. The post showcases before‑and‑after photos from 2016 to 2026, featuring recognizable fans, and invites listeners to stream the track by Bleacher Bum Band. It highlights community contributions and the ongoing excitement surrounding the Cubs’ historic championship.
The Cubs Insider invites fans to a festive Cubs Caroling event on December 19 at Output Wrigleyville. Written by Danny Rockett, the parody hymnals will be printed for participants who meet at 4 PM, then barhop and sing through the neighborhood, culminating in a performance by the Cubs tree at Gallagher Way. No singing experience is required and hymnals are provided. Fans can RSVP via the Facebook or Partiful event to ensure enough copies are printed.
Rawlings names Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong the NL Platinum Glove winner, marking the first center fielder to claim the honor since its 2011 debut. Crow-Armstrong tops MLB with 25 outs above average and a 26‑run defensive value, thanks to elite range (95th percentile speed) and a strong arm (90th percentile). Despite six errors, his defensive impact secures the award. The Cubs also capture the team Gold Glove, a detail added after initial publication. The NL MVP announcement follows on November 12.
Rawlings named Pete Crow-Armstrong the National League Platinum Glove winner on Friday night in New York. The numbers, the history, and the Cubs team award that came with it.
Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong captures the Rawlings Platinum Glove, becoming only the second Cub (after Anthony Rizzo in 2016) to do so and the second NL outfielder ever awarded since 2011. He repeats as the NL Gold Glove winner and helped the Cubs secure the team Gold Glove for a second straight year. Crow-Armstrong led MLB in Outs Above Average (25), Fielding Run Value (26) and Range (23), posted 34 career 5‑star catches – the most in the Statcast era – and ranked second in the league with eight such catches this season. His elite defense earned the honor after a narrow loss to Fernando Tatis Jr. the prior year.
The Opener edition celebrates defense with Hall‑of‑Famer Jim Kaat’s birthday and highlights major award winners. Cubs outfielder Pete Crow‑Armstrong and Blue Jays’ Cody Bellinger each claim the 2026 Platinum Glove, marking their first league‑wide defensive honor, while Bellinger also secures a Gold Glove and is a front‑runner for NL MVP on Nov 12. Rawlings names the Cubs and Blue Jays as team Gold Glove winners—Chicago leads the majors with 72 Outs Above Average and +115 DRS, Toronto posts +51 DRS. Washington caps a busy day by extending Jacob Young (4‑yr, $23 M) and adding reliever Reiver Sanmartín from the Giants.
Tarik Skubal’s free‑agency market heats up as Jon Heyman projects a seven‑year, $382.5 million deal for the two‑time Cy Young winner. The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets lead the bidding, while the Chicago Cubs admit they want him but doubt they can match the price. Skubal, acquired by the Dodgers at the trade deadline, posted a 5‑2 record with a 2.61 ERA in ten starts. He finished the season 12‑7 with a 2.72 ERA, 186 strikeouts over 158.2 innings and turns 30 in November. With the CBA expiring Dec. 1, teams hope to lock in a contract before a potential lockout.
With just 25 days before the MLB owners' lockout, the Cubs’ offseason remains quiet, but several storylines surface. Craig Counsell’s mentorship helps Pete Crow‑Armstrong emerge as a draft‑season star, while Alex Bregman’s 5.5 fWAR finish hints at continued growth. Analysts tout pitcher Kaima Taira as a $15 M bargain and prospect Kade Snell as a fall‑season breakout. MLB Pipeline’s No. 35 prospect Hartshorn could reach the majors by 2027, and Seiya Suzuki’s .270/.841 line fuels speculation about his next destination. Meanwhile, construction for the 2027 All‑Star Game adds new bollards at Wrigley Field, and a fresh drainage system is underway.
Chicago’s Pete Crow‑Armstrong caps a standout 2026 campaign by winning the NL Platinum Glove, Rawlings’ top defensive honor. The 24‑year‑old center fielder, who also secured his second straight Gold Glove, led the league with 26 Outs Above Average and 10 Defensive Runs Saved. Off the field he joined the elite 40/40 club, posting a .280 average with 45 homers, 107 RBIs and 41 steals. The Cubs boasted five Gold Glove finalists and earned the NL Team Gold Glove, though they fell 89‑73 and were ousted by the Padres in the Wild Card series. Crow‑Armstrong’s blend of power, speed and defense positions him as a cornerstone for Chicago’s 2027 push.
The Toronto Blue Jays earn the American League Team Gold Glove, beating the Chicago Cubs for the National League honor. Toronto led the AL with five Gold Glove finalists, though none won individual awards. Standout defenders included shortstop Andres Gimenez (19 Outs Above Average), right fielder Nathan Lukes (11 Defensive Runs Saved and top-rated arm), catcher Brandon Valenzuela (top‑5 Fielding Run Value) and first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who posted his best defensive season. Despite the stellar defense, the Jays finished below .500 and missed the playoffs, prompting offseason targeting of hitters like Seiya Suzuki and Randy Arozarena.
The Chicago Cubs claim the National League Team Gold Glove for the second straight year, even after an early playoff exit to the San Diego Padres. Center fielder Pete Crow‑Armstrong secures his second consecutive personal Gold Glove, leading the league with 26 Outs Above Average and posting a .280 average, 45 homers, 107 RBIs, 41 steals and a 40/40 club entry. Third baseman Alex Bregman earns his first Gold Glove as a Cub, the first for the position since Ron Santo, recording a .983 field percentage. Ian Happ, Dansby Swanson and Seiya Suzuki also receive nominations. The Cubs finished 89‑73, topping the NL with 115 Outs Above Average and 73 Defensive Runs Saved.
MLB’s awards night spotlights defensive excellence and hustle. Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger earns the AL Platinum Glove, while Cubs outfielder Pete Crow‑Armstrong captures the NL honor, despite debate over Bellinger’s stats. The Team Gold Glove goes to the Toronto Blue Jays (AL) and Chicago Cubs (NL), with the Cubs earning their second straight team award after leading key defensive metrics. Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. becomes the first three‑time Heart & Hustle Award winner, joining Craig Biggio as the only repeat honoree. Nominees also include Sal Frelick for Milwaukee.
The New York Yankees' Cody Bellinger and Chicago Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong are being celebrated as the best defensive players in MLB.
Former MLB outfielder José Martínez joins the Minnesota Twins as a minor‑league hitting coach, marking his first stint in affiliated baseball. Martínez retired in 2025 after playing in the Mexican League and Venezuelan winter ball. Known for his 2016‑19 tenure with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he posted three consecutive double‑digit home‑run seasons, he also spent time with the Rays, Cubs and Mets before a 2021 meniscus tear ended his major‑league career. He finishes with a .289/.356/.447 line and a +18 wRC+ advantage over league average.
The Seattle Mariners have appointed 36‑year‑old Jason Kanzler—formerly the Cubs’ director of player development and a former Astros hitting coach—to replace Dan Wilson after a 76‑86 season. With no managerial experience, analysts like former infielder Trevor Plouffe and Chris Rose question whether a rookie can impose the accountability the team needs, especially after the Brewers’ championship under veteran Pat Murphy. Kanzler’s résumé includes a stint with the 2022 World Series‑winning Astros and a playing career that peaked at High‑A. He will face intense scrutiny as the 2027 season approaches.
The New York Mets appoint Johnny Washington, 42, as co‑hitting coach alongside retained Troy Snitker, completing a revamp of a staff that struggled last season (tied for 23rd in OPS, 20th in runs). Washington comes from a 2026 stint as the Atlanta Braves’ minor‑league hitting coordinator and has served in hitting roles with the Angels, Cubs, Padres and Dodgers, plus a head‑hitting job in Anaheim. He previously worked with manager Andy Green in San Diego (2017‑19) and has coached current Mets Jared Young and Luis Torrens. The overhaul also adds assistant hitting coach Rafael Fernandez, assistant coach Mariano Duncan, and strategy coordinator A.J. Ellis as the team eyes the 2027 campaign.
Just Baseball teams up with WARmonger to unveil its first MLB All-Fielding Team for the 2026 season, naming the top defender at each position using Defensive Runs Saved, Statcast metrics, and Baseball Prospectus' Deserved Runs Prevented. Catcher Dillon Dingler (Detroit Tigers) earns the nod for elite framing, blocking and throws, while Matt Olson (Atlanta Braves) repeats as the premier first baseman. Milwaukee’s Brice Turang claims second base with 23 DRS and 14 FRV, and Tampa Bay’s Taylor Walls is crowned shortstop despite mixed Statcast ratings. Alex Bregman (Chicago Cubs) dominates third base, and Cody Bellinger (New York Yankees) rounds out left field. The list highlights standout plays and metric-driven rankings.
The Top 100 Cubs of all time: No. 99, Warren Hacker The Top 100 Cubs of all time: No. 100, Carl Lundgren
The Cubs’ offseason focus is their pitching rotation, but outfield vacancies could force a shake‑up. Free‑agents Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki may depart, and a pricey Tarik Skubal deal could limit cash for them. Instead, Chicago could turn to internal options: utility man Matt Shaw (.230, 18 HR, 68 RBI, 21 SB), rookie Pedro Ramirez (.261, 6 HR, 32 RBI), veteran Kevin Alcantara (.280, 1 HR, 7 RBI), and top prospect Josiah Hartshorn, who hit .284 with 23 HR in Double‑A. The team will weigh these four as first‑line substitutes if Happ or Suzuki sign elsewhere.