CHGO Cubs Related: Chicago Cubs Trends You NEED to Pay Attention To Right Now

CHGO Chicago Cubs Podcast59mApril 17, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

The Chicago Cubs are navigating a volatile early season with a 500 record, but their recent three-game series win in Philadelphia—despite injuries and slow starts—has sparked cautious optimism. Hosts Corey and Brendan dissect the team's offensive resurgence, spotlighting Nico Horner’s MVP-caliber performance, which outpaces even Shohei Ohtani’s value at a fraction of the cost. They contrast Horner’s disciplined, high-contact approach with the struggles of Michael Bush and Pete Alonso (PCA), whose subpar WRC+ numbers reflect deeper mechanical issues, particularly in bat path and timing. While Bush’s unique swing profile has produced elite results against righties, his current inefficiencies raise concerns about long-term consistency. Meanwhile, the pitching staff, decimated by injuries, has shown unexpected resilience through depth: Shota Imanaga’s return to elite form, Colin Ray’s emergent reliability, and Javi Assad’s adaptability have masked rotation instability. The episode argues that early-season volatility is normal, and the Cubs’ ability to win on the road against a playoff-caliber Phillies team suggests a team capable of growth. The real story isn’t just stats—it’s the balance between raw talent, mechanical adjustments, and organizational depth that could define their season.

Key Takeaways
1

Nico Horner’s current performance is worth 1.2 WAR and 159 WRC+, making him more valuable than Shohei Ohtani at 25% of his contract cost.

2

Michael Bush’s bat speed is in the 3rd percentile, yet he’s still making contact—indicating a mechanical issue, not a lack of effort.

3

Shota Imanaga has generated 26 whiffs in a single game—the most by a Cubs pitcher since 2008, signaling a return to elite form.

4

The Cubs have 32 pitchers on the injured list across the organization, raising concerns about long-term development processes.

5

Colin Ray and Javi Assad have stepped in as reliable starters despite not being in the rotation eight days prior.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
3 min

The Early Season Rollercoaster

The hosts open with the emotional whiplash of early-season baseball—cynicism after a rough start, then hope after a road win in Philadelphia. They caution against overreacting to a 500 record and emphasize the long season ahead.

2:30
8 min

Nico Horner: The MVP in Disguise

Nico is just more valuable than Shohei Ohtani. For 25% of the going rate of a Shohei Ohtani contract. Well, and look, I know we're early in the season, but buy your Nico Horner MVP shares now.

Highlight
10:00
10 min

The Struggles of PCA and Bush

If you look at Michael Bush right now, I'll show one graph. We have a lot of graphs today. I'll show the first one here. What you're seeing is his early 26 trends versus the late 25 trend when he was hot.

Highlight
20:00
10 min

Shota Imanaga’s Return to Form

He was unable... The crazy thing about Shota. My God, when he was facing Milwaukee last year, gave up a home run to Barry Bunch Jr., Andrew Vaughn. He threw one sweeper to Vaughn and it was the only sweeper he gave up a home run to a righty all year long.

Highlight
30:00
10 min

The Power of Depth

With Horton, Boyd, and Steele injured, the Cubs have leaned on Colin Ray, Javi Assad, and Shota. The hosts praise the organization’s depth, noting that two non-starters delivered quality starts in Philadelphia.

High-Impact Quotes
was the exercise we were going through. Yes. for 25 of the going rate of a Shohei Ohtani contract. Well, and look, I know we're early in the season, but buy your Nico Horner MVP shares now.
Brendan6:32
Viral: 88.0
He was unable... The crazy thing about Shota. My God, when he was facing Milwaukee last year, gave up a home run to Barry Bunch Jr., Andrew Vaughn. He threw one sweeper to Vaughn and it was the only sweeper he gave up a home run to a righty all year long.
Brendan52:33
Viral: 82.0
If you look at Michael Bush right now, I'll show one graph. We have a lot of graphs today. I'll show the first one here. What you're seeing is his early 26 trends versus the late 25 trend when he was hot.
Corey24:19
Viral: 75.0
Speakers

Hosts

CoreyBrendan
Topics Discussed
nico horner performance95%cubs offense trends92%shota imanaga revival90%michael bush struggles88%cubs pitching depth85%cubs injury trends80%early season baseball78%pete alonso performance75%
People & Brands

cubs

other

45xPositive

nico horner

person

24xPositive

michael bush

person

18xNeutral

shota imanaga

person

16xPositive

pete alonso

person

15xNeutral

phillies

other

12xNeutral

colin ray

person

7xPositive

javi assad

person

6xNeutral

carson kelly

person

5xPositive

mets

other

5xNeutral

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