Bleed Cubbie Blue
A Chicago Cubs Fan Community Since February 9, 2005
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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.
Wrigley Field bollard construction update: October 24
Bleed Cubbie Blue reports that bollard construction around Wrigley Field is underway to ready the venue for the 2027 All-Star Game, with the structures slated to be finished by Opening Day. Recent photos taken on Thursday and Friday show the removal of commemorative brick pavers on Waveland and Sheffield, which some will be returned while others are being relocated—owners will receive email notices. The post links to an earlier article detailing project timelines and street closures, and promises future offseason updates.
Chicago Cubs news— PCA, Bregman, Suzuki, Sato, Zeferjahn
The post opens with a personal weather rant before shifting to baseball highlights. It notes the Brewers’ 3-2 Game 1 World Series win over the Rays, then celebrates Cubs center fielder Pete Crow‑Armstrong earning Sporting News MLB Player of the Year and the team sweeping the Fielding Bible Awards. The author outlines off‑season buzz: possible trades for Reid Detmers, Dodgers starters, Steven Kwan, Tarik Skubal, and NPB slugger Teruaki Sato, plus three top prospects that could become trade chips. Pitching updates include a quirky look at reliever Ryan Zeferjahn. The article blends award news, trade speculation, and scouting insight for Cubs fans.
2026 World Series Game 1: Rays at Brewers, 7 p.m. CT
The post offers a brief pre‑game note for World Series Game 1 between the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers (7 p.m. CT on Oct 23, 2026). It references the author's prior World Series thoughts, hopes for a seven‑game series amid a looming MLB owners’ lockout, and provides broadcast details—Fox TV with Joe Davis, John Smoltz, Ken Rosenthal, and Tom Verducci—as well as the starting pitchers, Nick Martinez and Jacob Misiorowski, plus links to MLB.com Gameday and Baseball‑Reference previews.
A Cubs fan guide to the World Series
The 2026 World Series pits two never‑won‑a‑ring clubs—the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays—against each other in a historic small‑market showdown. After the Cubs’ wild 40‑40 season and a Wild Card sweep by the Padres, fans turn their focus to Game 1, where likely NL Cy Young hopeful Jacob Misiorowski faces Rays’ Nick Martinez, followed by matchups like Logan Henderson vs. Drew Rasmussen and possible starters Freddy Peralta and Robert Gasser. Key bullpen arms (Bryan Baker, Kevin Kelly, JoJo Romero, etc.) and hot bats—Cubs‑alumni Jake Bauers, William Contreras, Junior Caminero, and Yandy Díaz—will shape the series, with ticket prices soaring to 2016 levels.
There could be a free agent frenzy for MLB players this November
The blog previews a potential November free‑agent frenzy as MLB’s current CBA expires on Dec. 1. While most 2026 Cubs free agents are still being covered, the author notes that high‑profile targets like Seiya Suzuki, Tarik Skubal, Michael King, Sonny Gray, Randy Arozarena, Jake Bauers, Brandon Lowe, and Adrián Morejón could hit the market. New proposals – a $202 million, five‑year cap for newcomers and looming lockout concerns – may force teams to rush deals before the deadline, mirroring the 2021 spending spree. The piece hints at how the Cubs might navigate this compressed market.
A few thoughts about the Cubs and Matthew Boyd
The blog reflects on Matthew Boyd’s two-year stint with the Cubs after the team signed him to a two‑year, $30 million contract (with a mutual $15 million option for 2027). Boyd posted a career‑best 3.21 ERA over 31 starts in 2025 and earned his sole All‑Star nod, then slipped to a 3.91 ERA in 22 starts in 2026, ending with a rough Wild Card Series outing against the Padres. Notably, he led MLB in pickoffs with 12 in 2025 and six in 2026. With the mutual option likely declined, Boyd will become a free agent at 36, and the Cubs plan to pay the $2 million buyout and move on.
MLB News Outside The Confines: The Fall Classic is here
The World Series kicks off tonight as the Brewers face the Rays, and Bleed Cubbie Blue rounds up a flood of expert analysis. Mike Petriello offers a position‑by‑position breakdown, while Kiley McDaniel ranks every player (1‑52) and Andrew Simon lists the ten best hitters. Deep dives include Matthew Roberson’s case for Yandy Díaz as baseball’s most complete hitter and Tom Verducci’s nine decisive factors. Pitching matchups get attention, from Jacob Misiorowski’s ace status to the “x‑factor” of the indoor, roof‑closed venues. The piece also covers predictions from MLB.com, CBS Sports and The Athletic, plus off‑field news like managerial changes, award winners, and the tragic passing of former Reds first baseman Todd Benzinger.
Chicago Cubs history unpacked — October 23
The October 23 post from Bleed Cubbie Blue celebrates baseball milestones and Cubs‑centric moments. Highlights include Gabby Hartnett’s 1935 NL MVP, Rick Sutcliffe’s 1984 unanimous Cy Young, and a 1910 World Series win by the Philadelphia Athletics over Chicago. Key trades and game‑changing feats are noted, such as Billy Williams’ 1974 trade to Oakland, Joe Carter’s 1993 World Series walk‑off, and the 2019 hiring of former Cubs catcher David Ross as manager. Recent postseason highlights round out the list, from the Phillies’ 2022 NLCS win to the Astros’ ALCS sweep.
The Short Porch is thinking about a small market World Series
The 2026 World Series pits the Tampa Bay Rays against the Milwaukee Brewers, marking the first championship since 1980 where a franchise without a title is guaranteed to win. While the Rays play in the 11th‑largest media market, they operate with the 28th‑largest payroll, and the Brewers have the smallest market but a mid‑range payroll (19th). A detailed payroll‑and‑market table shows big‑market teams spending heavily and small‑market clubs managing with less, yet postseason outcomes vary widely. Analyst Lance Brozdowski highlights the inconsistent link between R&D/scouting size and playoff success, suggesting that smart resource use—not sheer spending—may be the real differentiator.
A few thoughts about the Cubs and Kevin Gausman
The Cubs acquired former Blue Jays ace Kevin Gausman hoping his 2025 postseason brilliance would translate to Chicago, but his nine starts this season prove disappointing. Gausman's 4.83 ERA and 1.232 WHIP are worse than his Toronto numbers (4.38 ERA, 1.288 WHIP), and he surrendered 11 homers in just 50.1 innings—a stark rise from 15 in 127.1 innings last year. He faltered in Game 2 of the Wild Card Series, yielding three runs in 3.1 innings. Now a 36‑year‑old unrestricted free agent, Gausman may return to Toronto, while the Cubs likely move on.
Chicago Cubs news— Detmers, Kwan, Morejon
The post rounds up Chicago Cubs offseason chatter ahead of the World Series, highlighting trade and free‑agency targets. Analysts discuss the Cubs’ need for raw pitching talent, with speculation that a deal for Angels’ Reid Detmers nearly happened, and list three young players who could be trade bait. Pitching remains a priority, especially with Justin Steele and Cade Horton returning from injury, while hitting concerns focus on Nico Hoerner’s disappointing 2026 season. The article also notes prospects like 2025 third‑rounder Dominick Reid expanding his arsenal in the Fall League and prospects poised to impact the 2027 roster. Additional snippets cover Steven Kwan as a potential Happ replacement, Anthony Rizzo’s glove mishap story, and broader MLB free‑agency trends.
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