They wasn't in on Burnes yet because it would've cost them two drafts plus a million dollars in international pool money. Jed isn't touching that international pool money because he's hoping to get Sasaki. He wants to offer Sasaki all of the international pool money he can. I'm really hoping this is the last off-season of dealing with Jed Hoyer. The other big market teams are signing generational talents and Jed is signing backup catchers and utility players.
Quentin Berry wasn’t a great or ever an average hitter, but when he was on base, he was one of the most dangerous base runners in MLB. The Cubs got another speedster in Brujan. Someone who can help, without needing a bat in his hands.
I agree, Sam, the Mervin deal is not interesting. I was disappointed we didn’t make a play for Burnes. We play the Dodgers 7 times in March/April-that’s exciting.
Tanner Scott and Pablo Lopez of Luis Castillo please?? Send over alcantra, Assad, lotto prospect for SP and sign Scott for 3 years 55-60 million? Hard to imagine they’re not clear favorites in NL Central
I remember last year right before the season, Ricketts talking to the team saying this team is good enough to win the division. That has stuck with me because isn’t the goal to win the World Series? They have done nothing to make me feel like they want to win it all, they just want to win the division so people get complacent again with the team. I don’t see this team even winning the division right now, I wouldn’t be surprised that the Pirates end up being the team with that pitching and decent enough players. The Cubs need to make major moves now, they cannot sit back and say we are the biggest spending team in the division so it’s ours, it hasn’t worked out in awhile with that thinking.
Looking at that roster chart, I got a little sick to my stomach. With the exception of Tucker, I'm not sure if any of the other teams are going to fear going up against the Cubs. At this point, it looks like Jed is counting on average players stepping up to be great. Certainly not a given that the Cubs will even make the playoffs let alone contend for a league title. Let's hope that the starting pitching stays healthy and is lights-out.
Tbh I’d love Matt Mervis to go on and just mash. All the way to the All Star Game and then some. Because I feel they fucked that kid up. Sorry. Signing Hosmer/Mancini was just flat out stupid.
Stop sweating starting pitching. Cubs won't sign anyone until Sasaki makes his choice. I like Killian as a reliever. He can hit 100 and only worry about 1 inning. Horton may be a reliever for the Cubs this year and also Brown. Those are some live arms.
I wish Mervis well and hope he finds success elsewhere. Obviously wasn’t happening here, so they basically did him a solid and took back what they could get. We definitely need a couple more dudes at least to be a serious contender next year. Hope that is the plan and that it gets done.
Mervis never got a real shot with the Cubs. The time to play Mervis was in early 23 but for some reason Jed signed Hosmer and Mancini instead of giving Mervis a prolong shot.
I would much rather have a switch hitter that can play multiple positions than mervis. Honestly, it’s boring, but it’s another good trade: just like Guardians trade and signing Carson Kelly. Cubs need a high level RP and SP(!) and a power hitter. It just seems like trading young prospects for a SP, spending $ for a RP makes sense. But don’t know how to add power hitting without trading Busch
I agree about the infield group. The Cubs need a utility infielder who can be solid enough that he isn't an embarrassment when he steps on the field. Get that and at least one more bullpen arm and I would be okay with where this team is. Other than if Suzuki throws a fit about being a DH and demands a trade. Because then we need a DH. I think the outfield might be set well. The starting infield, if Shaw is as legit as we believe he can be, should be really good. What worries me is having that utility guy for the infield and bullpen pitching. If they can add something significant to each place, even if they don't land Sasaki, I think they at least on paper, should be the best team in the division. If we don't address those needs, I can see another 83-79 season.
I really don’t see Suzuki throwing a fit about DHing most of the time, especially if he gets a few starts in the OF…Japanese players have too much respect for the game, mgmt etc.
@@gregmatyas4272 Suzuki has already made it clear that he is unhappy about not being in RF. I am not saying that Japanese culture isn't way different, it is. Yes, they are taught more about suck it up, respect what is best for the group, not yourself, etc. This doesn't mean that there can't be some people who get famous in Japan and become spoiled brats as a result. There isn't a country on earth that doesn't have a few people who get famous and then show their asses all over the place. I am absolutely sure Japan has had a few who have done it as well. Plus, he isn't playing in Japan anymore. He is over here, in the USA, with American players who are influencing him. Now, I hope he isn't like that. That yes, he might prefer to play in RF, but ultimately he will accept being a DH. That he wants to be about the team and not just himself. It frustrates me when I see players in any team sport that is all about themselves and couldn't give a fuck about their team, city or the fans. As long as they get their bag, that is all they care about. I get wanting to make the money. Not telling people they shouldn't. Once on that field, it has to be about the team. Business time for contracts are over. Earning that money and proving that you have a legacy to stand on with your fans, the city you play in and with your teammates has to matter now. I wish more understood that message. Because most of us would give our right arm or sacrifice a goat or whatever is necessary to play the game for 1/100th of what these top players are making nowadays. At the end of the day, athletes need to remember, they are getting paid to play something they used to do for free, just because they loved doing it.
I been on Twitter 😂 pushing Matt Mervis 😅💯 You need a 1B, Why TF Not? Guy is gonna have a tough rookie year, grind through it, and then become good. We wouldn't play him. 🤷
Is this guy supposed to be a mastro upgrade / backup 1b and backup 3b? This is like the recent Thaius (sp) trade--just in case other arrangements fall through. Didn't know he didn't have minor league options that's awkward
The “he’s played 7 different positions” argument is hilarious. Doesn’t mean anything if he’s a negative WAR player. Any of us could accumulate negative WAR. But we had to move Mervis before we kept trying to make it work
This “he’s played 7 different positions” argument is hilarious. Doesn’t mean anything if he’s a negative WAR player. Any of us could accumulate negative WAR. But Cubs had to move Mervis before they kept trying to make it work
When you talk finances could you try to explain how the cubs went over the luxury tax in 2024? Like I know it happened but I still don't get it. What exactly went wrong? How much did they go over? It's crazy for team so obsessed with not going over
Go lock on Cubs! In my opinion if Shaw has to play second then they need to acquire a quality 3rd baseman. If the Cubs don't do that,then they aren't serious about winning in 2025. Even with the signing of Kyle Tucker. Take care, Happy New Year!
@citylimit33 the Cubs would say that they need to see what their prospects can do. I'm sick of the Cubs putting marginal players at the different infield positions and calling it a day. If they do that again in 25 the Cubs will be in 83 win team or less. Have a good day.
@@robertwolford6314 yeah, i think we agree here. marginal players like Shaw are not the right move. in fact, starting the likes of Shaw (and whoever else if they trade Nico) makes this team the worst its been since 21. yikes!
@ i hope im wrong! but, we saw this with PCA and Mervis. obviously, PCA is/will pan out just fine- but it took him about a full season to get there. just food for thought
It's a good move. Mervis was not doing anything for the Cubs and maybe he can help in FL. At least the new dude has the ability to play other positions and has more skills than Mervis, whose only skill was swing hard and sometimes connect for a dinger. He was not a gold glover and not a speed demon and good luck in FL I say. He had no path even with Busch getting hurt.
That opening day roster is meh. ST should be a comp. Cream rises guys that have no options is just that. It gives them no edge it just means that the Cubs have to DFA and Jed has done that in the past. You can cut the bottom half of the pen at this point. Thompson has been given more opportunities than he deserves. Steele took the step with it. Thompson is just another arm. I would take the pen as Hodge and insert name after at this point.
Another Jed moronic move. We go from virtually no one to play third to five or six guys vying for the job. Give it to Shaw and forget it. Does Jed know who he has on his roster? I think Ryan Poles and Jed have a lot in common, mind boggling moves.
Pretty non-descript... I suppose he has a better chance of being on the Cubs than Mervis did this year, but nothing more than bench utility man. I think they need to make at least one significant trade (nico for SP?), one more significant signing for a starting caliber 2b/3b, and one more higher end reliever. Should be pretty doable with the money they have, assuming they push it near the luxury tax limit.
This is a nothing burger trading one under performer for another. Another example of Hoyer not knowing what he is doing. Just another mediocre team trying to compete with other teams who are actually trying to compete
2 LH bats at 1B doesn’t work, if they kept Belli and he somehow has a great season he opts out looking for even bigger money and Cubs would be back at square 1. Busch is cost controlled for the next few years and is better 1B all around than Belli.
We have multiple years of control for cheap on Busch who, if all goes well, will be equaling or exceeding Bellinger's production this year, plus Busch's defense is better. That doesn't mean I think they should have traded Bellinger, but it was obviously a prime directive from ownership and they managed the salary dump reasonably well. That money could be used on a BP guy so ... trading Mervis was probably ok
All I got to say is this is the most dumbest organization run by a bunch of morons pitiful .They never gave Mervos much of a chance ,like all of these rookies we have ,we needed a back up first baseball so disqusted with this organization.
They wasn't in on Burnes yet because it would've cost them two drafts plus a million dollars in international pool money. Jed isn't touching that international pool money because he's hoping to get Sasaki. He wants to offer Sasaki all of the international pool money he can. I'm really hoping this is the last off-season of dealing with Jed Hoyer. The other big market teams are signing generational talents and Jed is signing backup catchers and utility players.
5:34 😂😂😂 "Then they signed Eric Hosmer right?" 😂🤣🤣😭 That broke me right there.
I wish the best for Mervis, for the rest of his career, in every game that he plays that isn't' against the Cubs.
I wish they would've found some playing time for Mervis. I remember how hyped people were about him in once-upon-a-time land
They did find playing time for Mervis…it didn’t work out!!!
116 at bats is finding him playing time? That’s ridiculous.
@@thomass789 when you looked that bad, then down to Iowa, hit some, came up again and still looked bad, yeah that's finding him playing time.
@@WithFearGaming It's hard to find playing time for prospects when you have everyday players like Happ and Swanson struggling.
He was never a hype
Mervis, did not have enough playing time. He was blocked by Mancini & Hosmer.
Thankful for Buschhhhhh🍺
That was Max Headroom-esque at about 0:05.
Very true
Sam is all of us looking at that roster chart.
Thanks for the show guys! LET'S GO CUBS!!! ⚾️✌️💙🐻
You guys make a great team, you guys crack me up
best episode ever and way to keep it together Matt! Sam hit the bong too much prior to starting… 😜🌿
happy new year matt and sam
You guys crack me up
Switch hitter coming in. Good player to have next to Shaw. Show him a top prospect doesn't always hit you gotta fight for it.
Quentin Berry wasn’t a great or ever an average hitter, but when he was on base, he was one of the most dangerous base runners in MLB. The Cubs got another speedster in Brujan. Someone who can help, without needing a bat in his hands.
I agree, Sam, the Mervin deal is not interesting. I was disappointed we didn’t make a play for Burnes. We play the Dodgers 7 times in March/April-that’s exciting.
Tanner Scott and Pablo Lopez of Luis Castillo please?? Send over alcantra, Assad, lotto prospect for SP and sign Scott for 3 years 55-60 million?
Hard to imagine they’re not clear favorites in NL Central
I remember last year right before the season, Ricketts talking to the team saying this team is good enough to win the division. That has stuck with me because isn’t the goal to win the World Series? They have done nothing to make me feel like they want to win it all, they just want to win the division so people get complacent again with the team. I don’t see this team even winning the division right now, I wouldn’t be surprised that the Pirates end up being the team with that pitching and decent enough players. The Cubs need to make major moves now, they cannot sit back and say we are the biggest spending team in the division so it’s ours, it hasn’t worked out in awhile with that thinking.
Paul Dejong on the bench sounds so good
If you can make an even swap for a guy named Brew Ha then I see that as a good deal.
🤣
thats not even his name you dunce.. theres an N on the end
i agree lol
Looking at that roster chart, I got a little sick to my stomach. With the exception of Tucker, I'm not sure if any of the other teams are going to fear going up against the Cubs. At this point, it looks like Jed is counting on average players stepping up to be great. Certainly not a given that the Cubs will even make the playoffs let alone contend for a league title. Let's hope that the starting pitching stays healthy and is lights-out.
If Triantos is in that IF, how much better are we?
Tbh I’d love Matt Mervis to go on and just mash. All the way to the All Star Game and then some. Because I feel they fucked that kid up. Sorry. Signing Hosmer/Mancini was just flat out stupid.
Stop sweating starting pitching. Cubs won't sign anyone until Sasaki makes his choice. I like Killian as a reliever. He can hit 100 and only worry about 1 inning. Horton may be a reliever for the Cubs this year and also Brown. Those are some live arms.
They should have signed Gio Urshela. He would have been a decent, inexpensive stop gap at 3rd base.
Someone woke up Jed long enough to make this trade?
I think 🤔 the pollard bear 🐻 will put cubs in a murders roe scary team.
Re Burnes, taxes in cali makes offer less
I wish Mervis well and hope he finds success elsewhere. Obviously wasn’t happening here, so they basically did him a solid and took back what they could get. We definitely need a couple more dudes at least to be a serious contender next year. Hope that is the plan and that it gets done.
Mervis never got a real shot with the Cubs. The time to play Mervis was in early 23 but for some reason Jed signed Hosmer and Mancini instead of giving Mervis a prolong shot.
Prediction: Sam breaks his New Year’s resolution by April 15th or earlier.
I would much rather have a switch hitter that can play multiple positions than mervis.
Honestly, it’s boring, but it’s another good trade: just like Guardians trade and signing Carson Kelly.
Cubs need a high level RP and SP(!) and a power hitter.
It just seems like trading young prospects for a SP, spending $ for a RP makes sense. But don’t know how to add power hitting without trading Busch
I agree about the infield group. The Cubs need a utility infielder who can be solid enough that he isn't an embarrassment when he steps on the field.
Get that and at least one more bullpen arm and I would be okay with where this team is. Other than if Suzuki throws a fit about being a DH and demands a trade. Because then we need a DH.
I think the outfield might be set well. The starting infield, if Shaw is as legit as we believe he can be, should be really good.
What worries me is having that utility guy for the infield and bullpen pitching.
If they can add something significant to each place, even if they don't land Sasaki, I think they at least on paper, should be the best team in the division.
If we don't address those needs, I can see another 83-79 season.
I really don’t see Suzuki throwing a fit about DHing most of the time, especially if he gets a few starts in the OF…Japanese players have too much respect for the game, mgmt etc.
@@gregmatyas4272I was about to say the same thing. He’s not an entitled American brat so he’ll do what he needs for the team to win
starting shaw at 3B should be a concern. a big one.,
@ why
@@gregmatyas4272 Suzuki has already made it clear that he is unhappy about not being in RF.
I am not saying that Japanese culture isn't way different, it is. Yes, they are taught more about suck it up, respect what is best for the group, not yourself, etc.
This doesn't mean that there can't be some people who get famous in Japan and become spoiled brats as a result. There isn't a country on earth that doesn't have a few people who get famous and then show their asses all over the place.
I am absolutely sure Japan has had a few who have done it as well.
Plus, he isn't playing in Japan anymore. He is over here, in the USA, with American players who are influencing him.
Now, I hope he isn't like that. That yes, he might prefer to play in RF, but ultimately he will accept being a DH. That he wants to be about the team and not just himself. It frustrates me when I see players in any team sport that is all about themselves and couldn't give a fuck about their team, city or the fans. As long as they get their bag, that is all they care about.
I get wanting to make the money. Not telling people they shouldn't. Once on that field, it has to be about the team. Business time for contracts are over. Earning that money and proving that you have a legacy to stand on with your fans, the city you play in and with your teammates has to matter now.
I wish more understood that message. Because most of us would give our right arm or sacrifice a goat or whatever is necessary to play the game for 1/100th of what these top players are making nowadays. At the end of the day, athletes need to remember, they are getting paid to play something they used to do for free, just because they loved doing it.
Literally a tanner scott and a kyle gibson away from 90 wins
I been on Twitter 😂 pushing Matt Mervis 😅💯 You need a 1B, Why TF Not? Guy is gonna have a tough rookie year, grind through it, and then become good. We wouldn't play him. 🤷
Is this guy supposed to be a mastro upgrade / backup 1b and backup 3b? This is like the recent Thaius (sp) trade--just in case other arrangements fall through. Didn't know he didn't have minor league options that's awkward
The “he’s played 7 different positions” argument is hilarious. Doesn’t mean anything if he’s a negative WAR player. Any of us could accumulate negative WAR. But we had to move Mervis before we kept trying to make it work
From what I read he can't play any 7 well nor have a decent bat
Couple of weeks to see if Cubs are in the Roki sweepstake...we would not need another starter.
Cubs are praying Busch doesn’t regress. Hundreds of guys best season were their first.
The Cubs sure didn't give Mervis much of a look! I'm afraid that this move will come back to bite them!
Arizona's lux tax payroll is 217mil now even w Jordan Montgomery's 22mil
The Cubs needed another outfielder who can play multiple outfield spots besides Canario. With Tauchman now gone, someone else had to acquired.
This “he’s played 7 different positions” argument is hilarious. Doesn’t mean anything if he’s a negative WAR player. Any of us could accumulate negative WAR. But Cubs had to move Mervis before they kept trying to make it work
Sam looks blitzed, nice
yep; he definitely is goosed! 🌿
When you talk finances could you try to explain how the cubs went over the luxury tax in 2024? Like I know it happened but I still don't get it. What exactly went wrong? How much did they go over? It's crazy for team so obsessed with not going over
Any thoughts on the Cubs signing Jorge Lopez?
Remember Ian Stewart?
Let's home Sam behaves himself at Cubs Con! :)
I wonder when and where Canario will go
Is Mike Olt available? 😂
Traded for a switch hitting Miles Mastrobuoni with no minor league options. He will be DFA'd before the season even starts.
Go lock on Cubs! In my opinion if Shaw has to play second then they need to acquire a quality 3rd baseman. If the Cubs don't do that,then they aren't serious about winning in 2025. Even with the signing of Kyle Tucker. Take care, Happy New Year!
if the cubs put shaw on the opening day roster to be any sort of daily player, then they arent serious about 25… lets be real, here
@citylimit33 the Cubs would say that they need to see what their prospects can do. I'm sick of the Cubs putting marginal players at the different infield positions and calling it a day. If they do that again in 25 the Cubs will be in 83 win team or less. Have a good day.
@@robertwolford6314 yeah, i think we agree here. marginal players like Shaw are not the right move. in fact, starting the likes of Shaw (and whoever else if they trade Nico) makes this team the worst its been since 21. yikes!
@@citylimit33 if you are right about Shaw then the Cubs are in much worse shape than anyone knows at this point.
@ i hope im wrong! but, we saw this with PCA and Mervis. obviously, PCA is/will pan out just fine- but it took him about a full season to get there. just food for thought
Wish Matt M. good luck, wish it could have worked out.
Anything
Closer anyone???????????
Anything below
Who is backing up Busch and why did cubs send cash to Miami
It's a good move. Mervis was not doing anything for the Cubs and maybe he can help in FL. At least the new dude has the ability to play other positions and has more skills than Mervis, whose only skill was swing hard and sometimes connect for a dinger. He was not a gold glover and not a speed demon and good luck in FL I say. He had no path even with Busch getting hurt.
"Mash Mervis!!??🤔🧐😲🤨
Why not keep Mastro for utility He made some unbeilvable plays at 3rd
That opening day roster is a 3rd place team
AT BEST
That opening day roster is meh. ST should be a comp. Cream rises guys that have no options is just that. It gives them no edge it just means that the Cubs have to DFA and Jed has done that in the past.
You can cut the bottom half of the pen at this point. Thompson has been given more opportunities than he deserves. Steele took the step with it. Thompson is just another arm. I would take the pen as Hodge and insert name after at this point.
The Cubs are the guy who asks to eat a hamburger on Popeye and asks to pay next Tuesday. SMH
His name was 'Wimpy" 😂
Way to save your job Jed
CUbs got righty reliever from Pitts....Ben Heller
Go cubbies
All of these prospects are/were blocked by players making $20 million dollars who are no better than they are.
Another Jed moronic move. We go from virtually no one to play third to five or six guys vying for the job. Give it to Shaw and forget it. Does Jed know who he has on his roster? I think Ryan Poles and Jed have a lot in common, mind boggling moves.
or they could signed bregman but we all know that aint happening
Oh another shit player for shit player trade.
Stupid move. Never gave Mervis a legit chance. Dump him for a dude that's had chances and can't. Must have saved Cubs a few pennies.
Pretty non-descript... I suppose he has a better chance of being on the Cubs than Mervis did this year, but nothing more than bench utility man. I think they need to make at least one significant trade (nico for SP?), one more significant signing for a starting caliber 2b/3b, and one more higher end reliever. Should be pretty doable with the money they have, assuming they push it near the luxury tax limit.
That projected lineup is so bad
Cubs just can't not Development own the players
This is a nothing burger trading one under performer for another. Another example of Hoyer not knowing what he is doing. Just another mediocre team trying to compete with other teams who are actually trying to compete
zzzzzzzzz, wake me up when they are serious
back to the bottom of the standings in 2025
Should’ve traded Busch for a pitcher, kept Mervis as an emergency backup for Bellinger, who would be the everyday First Baseman on a team that cares.
2 LH bats at 1B doesn’t work, if they kept Belli and he somehow has a great season he opts out looking for even bigger money and Cubs would be back at square 1. Busch is cost controlled for the next few years and is better 1B all around than Belli.
We have multiple years of control for cheap on Busch who, if all goes well, will be equaling or exceeding Bellinger's production this year, plus Busch's defense is better. That doesn't mean I think they should have traded Bellinger, but it was obviously a prime directive from ownership and they managed the salary dump reasonably well. That money could be used on a BP guy so ... trading Mervis was probably ok
@@cambium0 I guess fans have bought into the madness that the Cubs are broke…😂😂
@ fortunately/unfortunately if you trade for Tucker and keep Busch/Suzuki there’s no place for Belli to play.
Sam is once again, stoned to the bone. Grow up dude.
idk id be stoned as fuck too if i had to sit through a podcast talking about a failed prospect trade
Maybe but don’t they film this at like 6 a.m or earlier? Wether he stoned is irrelevant. Lots of people smoke weed so deal with it and grow up
Jed sucks
Cubs 0-9 in first 9 please Matt 5-4
All I got to say is this is the most dumbest organization run by a bunch of morons pitiful .They never gave Mervos much of a chance ,like all of these rookies we have ,we needed a back up first baseball so disqusted with this organization.
We traded future dfa matt mervis for future dfa.....what ever his name is
Brewhaha?