Off The Ivy: A Chicago Cubs Podcast

Pete Crow-Armstrong put on a show, launching TWO home runs as the Chicago Cubs completed a statement sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers! With another huge performance, PCA continues to strengthen his case in the National League MVP race, putting more pressure on reigning superstar Shohei Ohtani.

In this episode, we break down:

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Pete Crow-Armstrong came through once again as the Cubs knocked off the Dodgers, spoiling Tarik Skubal's highly anticipated debut in Los Angeles.

PCA delivered a key hit helped power Chicago to the win, while the Cubs found a way to solve one of baseball's top pitchers on a night filled with excitement and drama. Skubal's first start in Dodger blue generated plenty of buzz, but the Cubs stole the spotlight with a statement victory.

In this episode, we break down:

Jed Hoyer pushed a lot of chips to the middle at the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline, and the Cubs made some of the biggest moves in baseball.

In this episode, Cody, Matt, and Dan break down every trade the Cubs completed before yesterday's deadline, including:

- Clay Holmes and Tyrone Taylor from the Mets in exchange for top prospect Jefferson Rojas.

- Ryan Zeferjahn from the Angels to add another power arm to the bullpen for Moises Ballesteros and Mason McGwire.

- Braxton Garrett from the Marlins as a controllable left-handed pitching...

The MLB trade deadline is HERE, and the clock is ticking!

The Cubs have already made a major splash by acquiring veteran starter Kevin Gausman, but is Jed Hoyer finished making moves?

With the MLB Trade Deadline set for 5:00 PM CT today, the Cubs could still be looking to add another bullpen arm, a bench bat, or another key piece for their playoff push. In this episode, Dan, Cody, and Matt break down what's next for Chicago after the Gausman deal, which trade targets still make the most sense, and whether the Cubs have one...

The Chicago Cubs have made their biggest move of the trade deadline, acquiring veteran right-hander Kevin Gausman from the Toronto Blue Jays to strengthen their rotation for the playoff push.

In this episode, Cody, Matt, and Dan break down everything you need to know about the trade, including what Gausman brings to Chicago, the prospects the Cubs gave up, and how this move impacts the Cubs' chances in the National League.

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The Cubs head back to Wrigley Field from St. Louis with a statement series win, taking three of four from the Cardinals behind monster performances from Alex Bregman and Nico Hoerner. We break down what stood out, why the offense is clicking, and what this series says about where the Cubs stand as the second half of the season heats up.

We also take a look back at the five-year anniversary of the Javier Báez trade that brought Pete Crow-Armstrong to Chicago, revisiting how the deal has aged and what it means for the Cubs today, i...

The Cubs are officially in the Tarik Skubal conversation. According to The Athletic, Chicago has emerged as a legitimate contender to land the Tigers' ace ahead of the MLB trade deadline. Dan, Cody, and Matt break down what it would take to pull off one of the biggest trades in franchise history. Is Jed Hoyer ready to make the all-in move? Who could the Cubs have to give up, and would Skubal make Chicago a true World Series favorite?

We also recap a heartbreaking extra-inning loss to the Cardinals. Pete Crow-Armstrong delivered another unforgettable moment with a...

The Cubs' offense came alive in a BIG way, embarrassing the Cardinals last night as Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Alex Bregman, helped lead Chicago to another win in St. Louis. Cody, Matt, and Dan break down the Cubs offensive explosion, key moments from the rivalry matchup, and what this win means for the Cubs moving forward.

We also discuss encouraging news surrounding Ben Brown. Brown reportedly is symptom free, raising the question: Could he be close to returning? If he's healthy, could he provide a major boost to the Cubs' pitching staff down the stretch? We take...

The Cubs opened their series against the Cardinals with a huge 7-3 victory, and two stars stole the show! Alex Bregman and Nico Hoerner each delivered four-hit performances, combining for two home runs and a dominant offensive night that powered Chicago to another big win.

In this episode, we break down: Alex Bregman's monster game, including his home run and extra-base hits, Nico Hoerner's four-hit night and clutch late homer, and the biggest turning points from the Cubs' win over the Cardinals, including two big defensive plays by Ian Happ.

Can the Cubs keep this...

The Chicago Cubs leave Pittsburgh with a series win, but it could have been a sweep if Jameson Taillon did his job. Plus, one player continues to make an undeniable case for the National League MVP: Pete Crow-Armstrong.

In this episode, we break down:

The MLB Trade Deadline is almost here, and the Chicago Cubs are in desperate need of pitching if they want to make a serious postseason run. In this episode, we break down the BEST starting pitchers the Cubs could target before the deadline, from realistic trade candidates to blockbuster dream scenarios.

We discuss top names including:

Which of these pitchers gives the Cubs the best chance to compete in October?

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The Cubs had a chance to take back-to-back series post All-Star break, but instead they dropped the series to the Tigers after another frustrating loss at Wrigley. We'll break down what went wrong, whether the offense is becoming a concern, and why the starting rotation continues to be a major question mark heading into the trade deadline. Detroit took the series with strong pitching and timely hitting, while the Cubs once again struggled to capitalize on their opportunities.

We'll also dive into the latest trade deadline questions surrounding the Cubs:

Should Jed Hoyer trade for...

The Cubs got the response they needed, and two standout performances led the way.

Pete Crow-Armstrong sparked the offense with another electric all-around game, continuing to prove why he's a legit NL MVP candidate. From his impact at the plate to his energy on the bases and in the field, PCA helped set the tone against the Tigers.

On the mound, David Peterson delivered a clutch performance, keeping Detroit's lineup in check and giving his team the quality start they needed to bounce back after a tough loss. His command, poise, and ability to work...

The Cubs let a winnable game slip away in devastating fashion, falling 8-6 to the Tigers in extra innings after a disastrous ninth inning. What looked like a chance to win the game in the 9th inning, it quickly unraveled as defensive mistakes and missed opportunities proved costly.

In this episode, we break down how Seiya Suzuki and Alex Bregman became central figures in the ninth inning failure to score when the Cubs had multiple opportunities, the sequence of plays that swung the momentum to Detroit, and what it means moving forward. The Cubs now are seven...

The Chicago Cubs turned Wrigley Field into a celebration of the past and present this weekend! In this episode, we cover the grand opening of Champions Gate and the honoring the legendary 2016 World Series champions that ended the Cubs' 108-year championship drought.

But the celebration didn't stop there. The current Cubs gave fans even more to cheer about by taking the weekend series against the Minnesota Twins with impressive performances on both sides of the ball, showing this team has its own postseason aspirations. Nico Hoerner was the star of the weekend compiling eight hits over the...

The Chicago Cubs are charging into the second half with one goal in mind: catching the Milwaukee Brewers and winning the NL Central. In this episode, we break down the Top 5 reasons the Cubs can erase the deficit and take the division crown before the season is over.

Can the Cubs make a memorable run and overtake Milwaukee? We'll dive into the stats, the schedule, and the biggest storylines that could decide the NL Central race.

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The first half of the 2026 Chicago Cubs season has been a roller coaster, and we're breaking it all down!

In this episode, we rank the Top 5 Biggest Success Stories and Top 5 Biggest Disappointments from the Cubs' first-half campaign. From breakout stars carrying the offense to veterans who haven't lived up to expectations, we're covering every major storyline.

🔥 Topics include:

With the Cubs entering the second half in the thick of the National League playoff race, every player and...

Was the 2026 MLB All-Star Game one of the most boring Midsummer Classics in recent memory? In this episode, we break down why the game lacked excitement, from limited offense to the endless mic'd-up segments that sometimes felt more entertaining than the baseball itself.

One of the few bright spots was Pete Crow-Armstrong, who was mic'd up while patrolling center field. We react to some of his comments as he talked about the Bears, and what it's like playing on baseball's biggest stage. PCA's personality stood out, even if the game itself didn't.

We also discuss...

In this episode, we discuss Pete Crow-Armstrong's MLB All-Star Media Day in Philadelphia after putting together one of the most impressive first halves in baseball.

We reflect on his season, representing the Cubs at the All-Star Game, and what has fueled his MVP-caliber performance through the first half. From elite defense in center field to game-changing speed and an increasingly dangerous bat, Crow-Armstrong has emerged as one of the biggest stars in the game and a driving force behind the Cubs' success.

We also react to the Homerun Derby last night from the ending with...

The Chicago Cubs head into the All-Star break with a 54-42 record, and it's been anything but a smooth ride. From hot streaks that had fans dreaming big to frustrating slumps that tested everyone's patience, the first half of the season has been a true rollercoaster.

In this episode, we break down the highs, the lows, the biggest surprises, standout performances, and the key moments that shaped the Cubs' first half. Despite all the twists and turns, Chicago enters the break firmly in the playoff hunt with plenty to play for in the second half.

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Was Nico Hoerner robbed of a stolen base?

The most controversial moment from the Cubs vs. Orioles game, Nico Hoerner was ruled out at second after a replay review, despite many believing Gunnar Henderson blocked the bag and forced Hoerner off the base. Cubs manager Craig Counsell didn't hold back after the game, calling the replay process "illogical" and questioning why the potential obstruction wasn't part of the review.

In this episode, Dan and Cody break down the play from every angle, explain the MLB replay rules, and discuss whether the umpires got the call...

In this episode, we break down how PCA became the first player in Major League Baseball this season to reach the 20 home run and 20 stolen base milestone, cementing himself as a clear NL MVP candidate. From elite defense to game-changing speed and surprising power, Crow-Armstrong is putting together a historic season that has Cubs fans dreaming big.

We'll look at his incredible season so far, and what this means for his chances in the NL MVP race and the Cubs' playoff push afterhe clobbered two homers last night to help the Cubs secure the series win in...

The Chicago Cubs kept their momentum rolling with a 5-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles, and veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd was the biggest reason why.

Boyd delivered one of his strongest outings of the season, attacking hitters with excellent command, changing speeds effectively, and keeping Baltimore's lineup off balance from the first pitch. His ability to work efficiently, limit hard contact, and pitch out of trouble gave the Cubs exactly what they needed as they secured an important road win.

On the offensive side, the Alex Bregman, Pete Crow Armstrong and Dansby Swanson provided timely...

The Chicago Cubs head into the final road trip before the All-Star break with a chance to build momentum and strengthen their position in the standings. First, they'll take on the Baltimore Orioles before wrapping up the first half of the season with a crucial division showdown against the Cincinnati Reds.

Can the Cubs finish the first half on a high note? We'll break down the biggest storylines, key matchups, players to watch, and what Chicago needs to do to come away with a successful road trip before the break.

We also discuss the production...

The Chicago Cubs dropped a disappointing home series this weekend to their longtime rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals. We'll break down what went wrong, the biggest moments from the series, and what the Cubs need to do to get back on track as the All-Star break gets closer.

There was at least one bright spot for Cubs fans: Pete Crow-Armstrong was officially named a National League All-Star reserve, capping off an outstanding first half of the season. We'll discuss what this recognition means for PCA and why he's become such an important part of the Cubs' roster.<...

The Cubs brought the fireworks to Wrigley! Chicago completed a dominant sweep of the San Diego Padres, crushing EIGHT home runs in the series finale and sending a message to the rest of the National League. With those eight homers, the Cubs have now hit 13 in the last two games.

Dansby Swanson led the charge with an incredible THREE home runs, delivering one of the best offensive performances of the season while the Cubs' lineup stayed red-hot from top to bottom. From timely hitting to explosive power, Chicago had an answer for everything the Padres threw at...

Pete Crow-Armstrong just wrapped up a HISTORIC month of June! From elite defense to clutch hits and game-changing moments, PCA continues to establish himself as one of baseball's brightest young stars. We break down the numbers, the milestones, and why this month could be remembered as the greatest month ever by a Chicago Cub.

We also recap the Cubs' latest series win, as they take another series and head into July riding plenty of momentum. With the victory, Chicago enters the new month 10 games above .500, putting themselves firmly in the postseason conversation and continuing to build on...

Seiya Suzuki came through in the biggest moment once again!

With the game on the line, Suzuki delivered a clutch walk-off hit off one of baseball's toughest closers, Mason Miller, to lift the Chicago Cubs to a thrilling victory over the San Diego Padres. It was another reminder of why Suzuki has become one of the Cubs' most reliable hitters in high-pressure situations.

In this episode, we break down Suzuki's game-winning hit, the Cubs bullpen success, Shota Imanaga's start, how the Cubs battled back after trailing early, and what this exciting win means as they...

The Chicago Cubs pulled off one of their biggest wins of the season, rallying for a dramatic 4-3 extra-inning victory over the Milwaukee Brewers to take the series in enemy territory. After being held in check most of the afternoon, the Cubs came alive in the 10th inning with clutch at-bats from Michael Busch and Seiya Suzuki before surviving a wild bottom half of the inning to seal an unforgettable win.

In this episode, we break down:

The Cubs complete the season series sweep of the Mets in dramatic fashion!

Pete Crow-Armstrong delivered another game-winning hit in extra innings as Chicago finished off a perfect season series against New York. The loss caps off a disappointing stretch for the Mets and ultimately leads to the dismissal of manager Carlos Mendoza. That's what happens when you can't hit off Phil Maton and the rest of the Cubs depleted bullpen.

The Cubs have now won 10 of their last 13 games headed to a pivotal series against the Brewers this weekend. How will the Cubs do...

The Cubs just swept the Mets in a dramatic doubleheader—and then went right back to doing business with New York.

With all the injuries to the Chicago Cubs pitching staff, Jed Hoyer couldn't sit on his hands any longer. Following Chicago's big day against the Mets, the Cubs have reportedly traded top prospect Cole Mathis for left-handed pitcher David Peterson.

In this episode:

• Full breakdown of the Cole Mathis–David Peterson trade

• Why the Cubs targeted Peterson

• What Chicago is giving up in one of its promising young prospects<...

The Cubs picked up a huge win over the Mets last night, powered by monster home runs from Pete Crow-Armstrong and Dansby Swanson! But while the offense delivered, the celebration was short-lived. Edward Cabrera left the game with a hamstring injury sustained while covering first base, and if he's forced to miss significant time, it could be another devastating blow to a Cubs pitching staff that has already battled adversity throughout the season.

We'll break down PCA's incredible season, Swanson's resurgence at the plate, what the win means moving forward, and the latest on Cabrera's injury situation.<...

With another Cubs game postponed, Cody, Dan, and Matt opened today's show celebrating the anniversary of one of the most unforgettable performances in baseball history—Ryne Sandberg's legendary game on June 23, 1984.

Known forever as "The Sandberg Game," this classic matchup between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals showcased Sandberg's incredible talent, determination, and clutch hitting. Facing a Cardinals team led by future Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter, Sandberg delivered two game-tying home runs late in the game and helped propel the Cubs to an unforgettable extra-inning victory at Wrigley Field.

Many baseball historians point to...

The Chicago Cubs looked poised to secure a big win against the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday, but another bullpen collapse turned a promising afternoon into a frustrating loss. In this episode, we break down what went wrong in the late innings, the key moments that shifted the game, and why the Cubs' relief corps continues to be a major concern.

With the season moving into a critical stretch, the Cubs cannot afford repeated bullpen meltdowns if they want to stay in the playoff race. We'll discuss the performances of the relievers, potential solutions for manager Craig...

The Chicago Cubs begin a crucial home series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Wrigley Field today, and the stakes are starting to rise as the trade deadline gets closer. The Cubs have shown flashes of being a contender, but if this season is going to be worth investing in, the veteran core has to lead the way. The Blue Jays arrive in Chicago for a three-game series beginning Friday as both teams try to gain ground in their respective playoff races.

In this episode, we break down why players like Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, and Alex...

The Chicago Cubs secured back-to-back series wins with another victory over the Colorado Rockies, and this one featured some much-needed offensive contributions from key players.

Dansby Swanson finally broke through at the plate, providing a spark the Cubs offense has been searching for. After a slow stretch, Swanson's bat came alive at the perfect time as Chicago continues to build momentum.

Meanwhile, Pete Crow-Armstrong stays red hot! PCA launched a home run for the third straight game, continuing his All-Star caliber season and proving why he's becoming one of the most exciting young players in...

The Chicago Cubs hit a new low with an embarrassing loss to the Colorado Rockies last night, raising even more questions about where this season is headed. From missed opportunities at the plate and more injuries to the pitching staff, the Cubs once again failed to take care of business against one of baseball's worst teams.

How concerned should Cubs fans be? Is this just another bump in the road, or are deeper problems beginning to surface? Cody, Dan, and Matt break down everything that went wrong, discuss who's most responsible for the loss, and what needs...

In this episode, Dan, Cody, and Matt break down PCA hitting for the CYCLE as the Chicago Cubs stormed back to beat the Colorado Rockies in one of their most exciting yet frustrating games of the season. The Cubs went 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and left 15 runners on base and somehow managed to win the ballgame. From the single that completed the cycle to the late-inning comeback, we'll discuss how Crow-Armstrong being picked off immediately after making history but also how he continues to emerge as one of baseball's brightest young stars and what this victory means...

The Chicago Cubs finally have something to celebrate.

After more than a month of frustration, missed opportunities, and a seemingly endless stretch of disappointing baseball, the Cubs have won a series for the first time since May 6th. We break down what went right this weekend, the key performances that helped Chicago get back on track, and whether this series victory can serve as a turning point for a team that has spent weeks searching for answers.

Can the Cubs build momentum from here, or is this simply a brief pause in a difficult season...

The Cubs avoided a disastrous road trip by salvaging the final game of their series in Colorado, but questions still remain. After another inconsistent series against the Rockies, Chicago heads to San Francisco looking for something that's been hard to come by lately: a series victory.

In this episode, Dan and Cody break down what went right in the Cubs' bounce-back win at Coors Field, the continued concerns with the offense and bullpen, and why this weekend's matchup against the Giants could be an important test for a team trying to regain momentum in the NL playoff...