Will the Chicago Cubs Explore a 6 Man Rotation in 2026?

Sam and Matt discuss the 6 man rotation possibility when all the Cubs pitchers are healthy. They take a deeper dive on the Nico Hoerner rumors and close the show by updating all the free agent activity/rumors going on around the league.
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22 comments

  1. Here's my suggestion. I call it a secondary starter position. Where they have five starters then take a sixth pitcher have him always come in as relief for one of the starters. Example whenever Boyd starts Assad will be the pitcher that reliefs him so Assad basically will pitch every fifth game just like a starter so he prepares the same. This will give the bullpen a rest where Boyd pitches 5 innings then Assad 3 or 4 innings.

  3. CANNOT trade Nico or Matt. Must extend Nico. If you trade either one then are you gonna go out and get Berti or workman or Castro for your bench. The only way I could envision Shaw in a trade is if the organization has a REAL problem with his off field beliefs which is nobody's business but his. Last year everyone was exhausted because we had no bench. If you want to add another very versatile guy see how much Detroit would eat on Javys remaining contract.

  6. I think they should rock the 6 man rotation right out of the gate. You don’t need brown, assad and rea in the pen. Our only starters who can handle a full starter’s workload are taillon and shota. Boyd maybe could but he faded a little down the stretch last year. Horton isn’t ready for a full workload, cabrera’s body doesn’t seem it can handle it and you’ll have steele coming off injury. There’s no reason to push any of them when you have enough good arms to keep them all healthy and fresh for the playoffs

  9. Great show, as usual. Thanks guys. I wouldn’t mind adding another starter, but I’m good with what we have. What I really want the Cubs to do now is extend Hoerner, Busch, & PCA. That would make an almost perfect off season.

  10. If the Cubs trade Nico, I’m done. It’s not far off anyways for me. Commercial breaks filled with viagra, alcohol, Botox for men, and all the other bs the corps are pushing. 4 subscriptions to watch your team. Gay day at the ballpark? Crap coverage. Now that I think about it, I’m out. I think I’ll read 10 books this season and see how I feel in November. And before you dismiss me, consider this, I love baseball.

  13. This is the team they’re going with into ST folks. Hoerner and Shaw isn’t going anywhere, Jed would erase everything he’s done so far. Look where you are at the deadline and depending on what Palencia does/does not do at CL. Shaw should def get reps in RF in ST. Kevin Alcantara is out of options so he’s prob the 4th OF on this team. This is gonna be a big year for Alcantaras future (whether on the Cubs or not)

  18. Great end to show being within such a small margin is a definite 4 out of 5 for me! Well done Sam and great show as always. Hopefully 2026 is the year we at least get the division and maybe take one step closer on the playoffs.

  19. Hope I'm not too late for you to read Sam. Absolutely love your show. Opening line up Nico Alex Busch Seyia. They all have a great eye the new challenge system should have us in great shape every game think of all ramifications. You couldn't have a better cohost than Matt. Chemistry OOZÈS.

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