Bleed Cubbie Blue
A Chicago Cubs Fan Community Since February 9, 2005
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MLB’s 2026-27 offseason calendar: Free agents, awards, Rule 5 draft, non-tenders, arbitration, more
The Brewers clinch their first World Series title in 58 years, kicking off the 2026-27 MLB offseason. As of Oct. 29, all players with six years of service become free agents, entering a five‑day “quiet period” before clubs can sign them (Nov. 2 deadline). Qualifying offers total $23.15 million for 2027, with the Cubs likely targeting Seiya Suzuki and possibly Ian Happ or Matthew Boyd. The post lists Cubs’ contract options, mutual options, and 60‑day IL players poised for roster moves. Key offseason dates follow, including Gold Glove announcements (Nov. 1), Hall of Fame ballot release (Nov. 2), Silver Slugger finalists (Nov. 5), and the Jackie Robinson ROY award (Nov. 9). A potential lockout could shift this timeline.
Chicago Cubs news — PCA, Suzuki, Happ, Suarez, Tseng
Pete Crow-Armstrong caps a stellar 2026 season by winning the Players Choice NL Outstanding Player and Player of the Year awards, with the MLBPA even releasing a celebratory video. The post also recaps a thrilling extra‑inning elimination game where the Rays edged the Brewers 12‑inning comeback. Off‑season chatter dominates the rest of the entry: Ian Happ’s contract outlook, potential free‑agent moves for Suzuki, Suárez, and Carson Kelly, and a Taiwanese pitcher, Jyun‑Yue Tseng, eyeing an NL Central landing. Analysts weigh the Cubs’ bullpen state, roster needs, and how aggressive the team will be before the lockout.
Cubs BCB After Dark: When will baseball return?
The latest BCB After Dark episode celebrates the Milwaukee Brewers’ surprise World Series win over the Tampa Bay Rays, marking the first time the author will write about the Brewers in 30 years. The show recaps the series, highlights a fan poll on a hypothetical Matt Shaw‑for‑Steven Kwan trade (41% oppose, 35% think Guardians would pass, 24% see it as fair), and invites listeners to discuss baseball, music, and movies before the holiday season. While the episode veers into a film essay on Kubrick’s The Shining, the core sports content centers on the Brewers’ championship and trade speculation.
2026 World Series Game 5: Brewers at Rays, 7 p.m. CT
Game 4 of the 2026 World Series earns the "instant classic" label after the Tampa Bay Rays forced a 12‑inning comeback in a must‑win situation, becoming only the fifth team to force a Game 5 while trailing 3‑0 in the series. With the Brewers holding a 3‑1 lead, Game 5 kicks off at 7 p.m. CT, streamed on Fox and Fox One, featuring Jacob Misiorowski on the mound for Tampa Bay. Fans can follow the action via MLB.com Gameday or Baseball‑Reference preview.
The Short Porch is thinking about World Series long shots
The 2026 World Series sees the Brewers dominating early, jumping to a 3-0 lead thanks to Cooper Pratt’s 12th‑inning solo homer at American Family Field. Yet the Rays reignited the series when Junior Caminero’s error‑filled run and Jonny DeLuca’s single sparked a comeback, tying Game 4 and forcing a Game 5. While history shows only the 2004 Red Sox have ever erased a 3‑0 deficit in a best‑of‑seven, the article highlights the slim odds and parallels rare sports upsets, from March Madness 16‑seed wins to the Cubs’ 1969 collapse. Brewers remain favorites, but the Rays’ rally keeps the Fall Classic intriguingly alive.
Pete Crow-Armstrong is the MLBPA Players Choice Player of the Year
Cubs center fielder Pete Crow‑Armstrong earns the MLBPA Players Choice Player of the Year award, adding to his Baseball America Player of the Year honor from earlier this month. The Players Choice Awards, voted on by peers since 1992, also named him NL Outstanding Player, while AL winner is Yordan Alvarez. Fans can relive Crow‑Armstrong’s three‑home‑run game against the Reds on Aug. 29. Anticipation builds for upcoming honors—including a Gold Glove, Platinum Glove, Silver Slugger and the NL MVP—set for next month.
A few thoughts about the Cubs and Colin Rea
Colin Rea is the classic swing‑man pitcher—effective as a spot starter or reliever but not meant to carry a heavy workload. The 36‑year‑old logged a low‑4.00 ERA and sub‑1 WAR for the Cubs, yet saw just 12.1 innings in his final 33 games after the rotation shuffles. With his $6.5 million 2026 contract and a $7.5 million team option, the Cubs may move on, believing they can replace him on waivers or via a non‑tender for less money. The author asks fans if Rea’s Chicago chapter is over.
MLB News Outside The Confines: And we will see you tomorrow night
Good morning. Especially since we’re getting a Game Five tonight. Apologies to Jack Buck in the Great Beyond for today’s title. And we’ll see you tonight from when you’re reading this.
Chicago Cubs history unpacked — October 28
The Bleed Cubbie Blue post celebrates baseball’s historic moments on October 28, from the 2016 World Series Game 3 – the first ever at Wrigley Field, where the Indians won 1‑0 on a Coco Crisp single – to iconic milestones like Bob Gibson’s 1968 Cy Young Award (1.12 ERA), the Dodgers’ 1981 comeback win over the Yankees, and the 1989 A’s sweep of the Giants. It also highlights later classics such as Randy Johnson’s 2001 shutout, the Red Sox’s 2007 sweep of Colorado, and the Cardinals’ dramatic 2011 Game 7 victory. The entry mixes scores, key players, and dates, offering a concise timeline of unforgettable World Series highlights.
Cubs BCB After Dark: Could the Cubs trade for Steven Kwan?
The Cubs face a looming outfield exodus as Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki head toward free agency, prompting a trade hunt. Writer Chris highlights Steven Kwan as a potential target: a contact‑heavy left fielder who posted a .382 OBP and just an 8% strikeout rate last season, despite modest power (3 HR, .349 SLG). With Kwan also set to become a free agent, Cleveland may trade him for value now. The piece weighs swapping Matt Shaw—whose performance has dipped but still offers versatility—against prospects like Josiah Hartshorn or Kane Kepley, questioning whether the Cubs can afford a cheap, controllable outfielder. The article invites fans to weigh the trade’s feasibility and impact on the Cubs’ rebuilding timeline.
2026 World Series Game 4: Brewers at Rays, 7 p.m. CT
The Rays face elimination in Game 4 of the 2026 World Series, trailing the Brewers 3-1. A Brewers win clinches the franchise’s first championship and the first series sweep since the 2012 Giants. The author hopes the Rays survive for the sake of more baseball amid a looming MLB owners’ lockout. Game 4 tips off at 7 p.m. CT on Fox and Fox One, with Joe Davis, John Smoltz, Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci calling the action.
This World Series won’t make a bit of difference in MLB’s labor fight
Despite the Brewers‑Rays World Series spotlighting low‑payroll success, MLB owners remain unmoved on a salary‑cap push aimed at boosting profits, not competitive balance. Commissioner Rob Manfred and Brewers owner Mark Attanasio argue a cap helps small‑market teams, yet the MLBPA’s interim head Bruce Meyer calls it a “nuclear bomb.” The article notes past smart‑management wins, looming TV‑deal deadlines around 60 games, and an upcoming union meeting in Arizona that could trigger a lockout. Both sides stay entrenched, leaving the World Series largely irrelevant to the labor showdown.
A few thoughts about the Cubs and Aaron Civale
Cubs President Jed Hoyer has now acquired right‑hander Aaron Civile twice, turning him into a surprisingly effective reliever. After a brief, strong stint with Chicago in September 2025 (2.08 ERA, 0.538 WHIP, 0.3 bWAR in 13 innings), Civile struggled with Oakland (5.42 ERA, 1.62 WHIP) before the Cubs traded prospect Aiden Moffett for him on July 18, 2026. Since returning, he has logged 36.2 innings across 18 appearances with a 1.77 ERA, 1.064 WHIP, two homers allowed and 33 strikeouts, including a July 30 save versus the Cardinals. At 32, he could be a valuable set‑up man for 2027, and the author suggests a $4 M one‑year deal with a $6 M option for 2028.
Chicago Cubs news — Gray, Vesia, Counsell, Sausage Race
Game 3 sees the Brewers explode with seven straight hits for an eight‑run fifth inning, clinching a 10‑1 win that could seal the World Series tonight. The post then shifts to Cubs off‑season chatter: Scott Boras warns of a free‑agency frenzy, while analysts tout Sonny Gray as a veteran rotation target and suggest stealing a Dodgers reliever to avoid a risky Ryan Rolison deal. Opinions on manager Craig Counsell’s tenure vary, and a controversy erupts over Fox Sports skipping the World Series Sausage Race in Milwaukee. The article rounds out with brief cultural notes and a disclaimer.
Cubs BCB After Dark: Should the Cubs make a change at pitching coach?
In this October 27, 2026 entry, Bleed Cubbie Blue’s BCB After Dark invites fans to the virtual hangout where a recent poll showed 61% favor Nico Hoerner over Michael Busch for a bounce‑back 2027 season. The post notes the Cubs’ World Series loss and the Brewers’ championship run, then shifts to a Halloween‑themed jazz playlist and a deep dive into the 1959 Hammer horror film *The Mummy*, highlighting performances by Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee. While the article mixes baseball talk with classic film analysis, it offers a casual space for Cubs fans to discuss the team’s future, especially the prospect of changing the pitching coach.
Chicago Cubs news — Gray, Vesia, Counsell, Sausage Race
The post recaps the Brewers' dramatic Game Two win—an error and three unearned runs nearly cost Milwaukee home‑field advantage but sparked a rally that put them up 2‑0 in the World Series, setting the stage for a Tampa showdown. It then shifts to Cubs off‑season chatter: Scott Boras warns of a free‑agency frenzy, Sonny Gray emerges as a veteran rotation target, and the club considers stealing a Dodgers free agent to avoid a risky Ryan Rolison deal. Additional pieces evaluate Craig Counsell’s tenure, argue the 2026 Cubs had a solid season despite fan perception, and protest Fox Sports’ omission of the inaugural World Series Sausage Race in Milwaukee.
2026 World Series Game 3: Brewers at Rays, 7 p.m. CT
The Brewers take a 2-0 lead in the 2026 World Series after rallying from a 4-0 first‑inning hole in Game 2, thanks to clutch pitching from Freddy Peralta. The Rays, who had the tying run on base in the ninth inning of both opening games, host Game 3 at home—a venue where they posted a 55-26 regular‑season record and are 4-1 in the postseason. Milwaukee’s nine postseason wins include five one‑run victories, underscoring the series' tight margin. Game 3 starts at 7 p.m. CT on Fox and Fox One, featuring LHP Robert Gasser versus Peralta.
AFL Mesa Solar Sox Update: Dominick Reid dazzles again
The Mesa Solar Sox, Chicago Cubs’ Arizona Fall League squad, sit at 6-9 after a 2-3 stretch last week. Wins came on Oct. 19 (7-4 over the Surprise Saguaros) and Oct. 23 (7-3 over the Peoria Javelinas), while losses fell to Scottsdale, the Saguaros, and Glendale. Standout Cubs prospects include 18‑year‑old infielder Juan Cabada (‑/.167/.286/.200 in nine games), outfielder Harrison Feinberg (.333/.455/.333 in five games), and Kade Snell, who logged a triple and three RBI on Saturday (.244/.426/.317 season). Catcher Miguel Useche, added mid‑week, is hitting .217/.308/.304, and right‑hander Jhon Cabral pitched three relief outings. The update also notes Dominick Reid’s continued dominance on the mound.
A few thoughts about the Cubs and Carson Kelly
Carson Kelly proves a bargain for the Cubs, delivering a career‑high 3.5 bWAR in 2025 and a solid 1.9 bWAR in 2026 while maintaining a 34.1% caught‑stealing rate. Signed to a two‑year, $11.5 million deal, he now faces a mutual 2027 option for $7.5 million. With 32‑year‑old catcher Miguel Amaya still developing and backup Owen Ayers not MLB‑ready, the author argues the Cubs should retain Kelly—either by exercising the option or renegotiating a longer deal with a vesting clause for 2028. The piece weighs the value of Kelly’s consistent offense and defense against typical mutual‑option outcomes.
MLB News: World Series, Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers, Stephen Vogt, Jackson Chourio, Jacob Misiorowski
The World Series kicks off with the Milwaukee Brewers leading 2-0 over the Tampa Bay Rays, but early defensive miscues and weak hitting have kept the series from feeling close. Highlights include Jacob Misiorowski throwing the fastest pitch in Series history, Stephen Vogt denying trade rumors and staying with Cleveland, and insights from analysts on how the Rays can rally. The post also covers Brewers merchandise records, standout players like Jackson Chourio, and a round‑up of expert commentary, making it a one‑stop update for any fan tracking the 2026 championship.
Chicago Cubs history unpacked — October 26
On October 26, Bleed Cubbie Blue revisits key moments in baseball history, spotlighting the Chicago Cubs. It notes Ferguson Jenkins winning the 1971 NL Cy Young, the Cubs’ 5‑1 Game 2 World Series win over the Indians in 2016 with Jake Arrieta’s early dominance, and Anthony Rizzo’s two runs. The post also threads other milestones—from Vida Blue’s AL Cy Young win to historic World Series games and notable MVPs—while wishing a happy birthday to Steve Ontiveros. The mix of Cubs highlights and broader baseball trivia makes it a must‑read for fans.
A few thoughts about the Cubs and Hunter Harvey
The post critiques the Cubs' signing of hard‑throwing reliever Hunter Harvey, highlighting his injury‑plagued career and limited impact. Drafted 22nd overall by the Orioles in 2018, Harvey showed promise with the Nationals, logging 20 saves in 2023 before his performance fell off. In 2026 he appeared in only four Cubs games, totaling 12 outs across 18 batters, costing Chicago $6 million—$500,000 per out. The author urges GM Jed Hoyer to skip the $8 million mutual option for 2027 and warns against similar signings.
Chicago Cubs news— Miller, Woodruff, Skubal, Takahashi
The post recaps a disappointing Friday night pitchers duel, then looks ahead to the Cubs’ off‑season. It highlights free‑agent and trade ideas: NPB pitcher Ryan O’Rourke as a low‑cost arm, keeping tabs on Brewers’ Brandon Woodruff, a costly Mason Miller bullpen trade, and rumors that Tarik Skubal is an "obvious" free‑agency target. Other links discuss Seiya Suzuki’s likely final game with Chicago, three stats behind the 2026 decline, a trade‑deadline review, and prospect Owen Ayers’ rise from High‑A to Wrigley. The author urges optimism for a better off‑season under GM Jed Hoyer.
2026 World Series Game 2: Rays at Brewers, 7 p.m. CT
After a nail‑biting Game 1 victory—secured by a ninth‑inning replay review that preserved a one‑run margin—the Brewers head into Game 2 with a 1‑0 series lead. Tonight’s matchup pits Brewers ace Drew Rasmussen against Rays right‑hander Logan Henderson, with both teams eager to claim early momentum. The game kicks off at 7 p.m. CT on Fox‑TV/Fox One, featuring commentary from Joe Davis, John Smoltz and analysts Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci. Fans can follow live stats on MLB.com Gameday or check the preview on Baseball‑Reference.
A few thoughts about the Cubs and Tyler Austin
The Cubs signed 34‑year‑old Tyler Austin in December as a right‑handed backup first baseman for Michael Busch, banking on his .293 average and 85 homers from six NPB seasons. However, a right patellar tendon debridement after a knee setback in spring camp sidelined him for the entire 2026 season, costing Chicago $1.2 million. Austin only appeared in a workout photo and a Feb. 17 uniform photo before being placed on the 60‑day injured list, turning 35 while sidelined. As the team evaluates its 2027 roster, Austin joins the list of 17 Cubs free agents or option players this offseason.
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