On this edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast: Best of 2024, we revisit conversations surrounding the 2016 World Series championship. Ben Zobrist discusses his career and that incredible fall while former reliever Justin Grimm explains the moment he realized the Cubs were a team of destiny.

Plus, former outfielder Brian McRae details how he and a bunch of his ex-Cubs teammates still have a group chat that was blowing up during the 2016 World Series run.

The offseason has really kicked off in earnest this week and the Cubs Weekly Podcast broke it all down. Tuesday was the last day to protect players from the Rule 5 draft, and the Cubs added two prospects to their 40-man roster, Owen Caissie and Ben Cowles. Then, on Wednesday, the team acquired righty reliever Eli Morgan for outfield prospect Alfonsin Rosario and designated Patrick Wisdom for assignment.

Tony Andracki and Andy Martínez discussed all the roster moves, including why they parted ways with reliever Adbert Alzolay and outfielder Brennen Davis. The duo then answers some questions from fans about potential trades and future statues at Wrigley Field.

In the second half of the podcast, Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong joins Cole Wright to discuss his 2024 campaign, his offseason and much more.

Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki answer a variety of fan-submitted questions in the latest mailbag edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast.

Questions include:

-What free agent pitcher will the Cubs realistically pursue and acquire?

-Are the Cubs going to pursue Roki Sasaki?

-Who is the No. 1 free agent the Cubs are eyeing this winter?

-Who are the Cubs looking to sign at catcher?

-Are Matt Shaw and Owen Caissie trade pieces?

-When will we see a 2016 Cubs documentary?

-Are the Cubs contenders in 2025?

-What is the weirdest fan interaction of your career?

The 2024 GM Meetings wrapped up Thursday morning in San Antonio and they were rather eventful. Andy Martínez and Bruce Levine summarized the events of the week on the latest edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast. The biggest news came on Wednesday, when longtime Cubs legend Kyle Hendricks signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels. The duo recalled his tenure in Chicago, what he meant to the team and how he’ll fit with the Angels.

Levine and Martínez share their thoughts on the return of Cody Bellinger, what it means to the Cubs and how they try and improve their offense moving forward. They discuss the Cubs pursuits in the starting pitching market and the latest on Nico Hoerner and Ben Brown’s injuries. The pair share their lasting takeaway from the Meetings including one player that caught their attention this week.

Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki rank the Top 10 building blocks on the Cubs roster entering 2025 as Jed Hoyer and Co. work to get the team back into the playoffs after a 4-year drought.

The duo explains why Pete Crow-Armstrong tops the list and why Justin Steele ranks above Shota Imanaga. Plus, some intriguing young players make surprise appearances in the Top 10 while key veterans find themselves in the "Honorable Mentions" category.

Plus, Martínez and Andracki analyze the Nico Hoerner injury news and how that could permeate through the Cubs offseason.

On the latest edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast, Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki debate a quintet of hot button issues surrounding this team. Topics include the bullpen, the offense, the rotation, the catching spot and whether or not the Cubs are set up to make the playoffs in 2025.

Plus, Martínez and Andracki pick their 2024 Cubs Awards, including:

-MVP

-Cy Young

-Rookie of the Year

-Best Moment

-Most important on-field development

-Most impactful roster move

-Biggest surprise

Taylor McGregor, Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki make their picks for the top storylines of the 2024 Cubs season and what it means moving forward for this franchise.

Selections include:

-The development of Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch

-The roller coaster nature of the Cubs offense

-Another season of May/June swoon

-Shota Imanaga's incredible rookie campaign

-The volatility of the Cubs bullpen

-The rise - and fall - of young pitching

-Kyle Hendricks' emotional send-off

Jed Hoyer held his end-of-season press conference this week and our panel of Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki broke down the key takeaways from his 43-minute long session with Chicago media.

What stood out most from Hoyer's comments? How has the team reacted to another season without a playoff appearance?

Plus, we discuss the Cody Bellinger Conundrum, the coaching staff changes and Kyle Hendricks' emotional send-off.