Brett Taylor
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Baseball Writer and Podcaster: @BleacherNation
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Articles by Brett Taylor
Bleacher Nation Cubs podcast ep. 85: How the Brewers do it, and what the Cubs do from here
Episode 85 of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast is officially live. This week, Michael and I talk about the dreaded Brewers World Series win, and what it means for the Cubs. More excitingly, the offseason awaits, but the question there: will the Cubs be extra aggressive this time around, knowing that a lockout looms?
Brewers Parade, Pokémon Cards, Mutual Options and Other Cubs Bullets
The Brewers won the World Series earlier this week, as Brett discussed in Thursday’s bullets. I went to the game at Tropicana Field and honestly had an incredible time. The Rays losing wasn’t my preferred outcome, but it was neat to watch a team win its first-ever World Series and see the trophy presentations that followed. The series wasn’t necessarily as competitive as I had hoped, but no one can say the Brewers didn’t deserve to win it all.
Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast Ep. 85: How the Brewers Do It, and What the Cubs Do From Here
Episode 85 of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast is officially live. This week, Michael and I talk about the dreaded Brewers World Series win, and what it means for the Cubs. More excitingly, the offseason awaits, but the question there: will the Cubs be extra aggressive this time around, knowing that a lockout looms?
Turns Out the Cubs Reportedly ARE the Mystery NL Central Team in on Taiwanese Righty Jyun-Yue Tseng
There was a fun little mystery earlier this week when a report out of Taiwan had it that an NL Central club was interested in signing 24-year-old Jyun-Yue Tseng, one of the best relievers in the CPBL. It wouldn’t be implausible for that team to be any of the five NL Central franchises, but it certainly would be fun if it was the Cubs. Until we knew more, though, I couldn’t go much further.
A Note on Trade Speculation and Suggestions at the Outset of the Offseason
A random trade suggestion came across my desk this week, and I wanted to share it. I share this trade suggestion not for its merits, however, but instead to make a very general point for the offseason: The general point is this: if a trade suggestion makes you jump up with ease and shout “DO IT DO IT DO IT,” then it’s probably not a realistic suggestion. That’s obviously true when the trade is one of those patently ridiculous “eighteen mediocre prospects for one good player” volume suggestions.
Caleb Wilson Talks Relationship With Cam Boozer, Their Incredible Dual Auto Rookie Card
Why do sports cards and collectibles cost so much? They’re not made of gold, but they’re still more valuable to some than gold itself. It’s because of the player, the moment and, most importantly, the story behind it. Well, I believe that same reason is why we could be seeing one of the most valuable Caleb Wilson and Cameron Boozer cards about to be unearthed. And here’s why.
Kaima Taira’s Team Has Accepted His Posting Request, So He’s Coming to MLB
Another big-time Japanese star is coming over this offseason to MLB. Following word of Triple-Crown-winning third baseman Teruaki Soto’s coming posting, we now know that righty Kaima Taira – who put together the pitching equivalent season – is coming, too. Per Nikkan Sports, Seibu Lions GM Koji Hiroike announced to the media today that the team has approved Taira’s posting request, which will soon make him available to Major League Baseball teams.
Alcantara Blowing Up, Future Role, Martin’s Progress, Austin, Assad, Radio, and Other Cubs Bullets
BN Chicago Cubs Alcantara Blowing Up, Future Role,.... FRI • 6:30 SAT • 12:00 NOV 2 Cubs @ Padres October 1, 2026 L1 - 4 Bears vs Patriots October 23, 2026 W30 - 24 Bulls vs Knicks October 29, 2026 L127 - 133 Blackhawks @ Red Wings October 29, 2026 L1 - 4 May 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Kevin Alcántara (13) enters the dugout to play the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.
Turns Out the Cubs Stepped Up to Retain John Mallee
We knew the New York Mets had shown an interest in Chicago Cubs assistant hitting coach John Mallee, and we knew that Mallee did not ultimately land with the Mets. Now we know a little more about how exactly it played out: According to the report, the Cubs were so keen to make sure they kept Mallee that they proactively went to him to rework his contract *BEFORE* he even spoke with the Mets.
Clay Holmes and Matthew Boyd Have Easy Options Decisions, and Will Head Into Free Agency
This Jesse Rogers tweet is making the rounds as “the report” that Clay Holmes and Matthew Boyd have officially hit free agency. I’m not sure that’s precisely what Rogers was saying, but it kinda doesn’t matter, because the options decisions on these guys ARE going to happen today or tomorrow or this weekend. So let’s just call it today. Rogers might be reporting that these decisions have been made, or he might be saying the decisions are obviously forthcoming.
The 2026-27 MLB Offseason: Dates, Deadlines, and When to Expect Which Things (Probably)
BN Chicago Cubs The 2026-27 MLB Offseason: Dates,.... THU • 6:30 FRI • 6:30 NOV 2 Cubs @ Padres October 1, 2026 L1 - 4 Bears vs Patriots October 23, 2026 W30 - 24 Blackhawks vs Kings October 28, 2026 W2 - 1 Bulls vs Knicks October 29, 2026 L127 - 133 © David Banks-Imagn Images The Chicago Cubs have A LOT TO DO this offseason, with a boatload of departures, but also a roster that stands ready to compete in 2027.
The Options Decisions Begin: Michael King Declines His Option and Hits Free Agency
There aren’t a huge number of tough calls on the option front this offseason, but there is nevertheless a significant pool of players who aren’t technically yet free agents, but will be soon. That is to say, over the next few days, options decisions – player, team, and mutual – will be rolling out, and the free agent pool will expand.
Brewers Win It All, Cubs Motivation, Insurance, MLBPA, and Other Cubs Bullets
The Milwaukee Brewers were the best team in the regular season this year. They were also the best team in the postseason. They were the most deserving club to win it all, and they did. That doesn’t always happen with baseball’s tournament, so I do want to say, irrespective of them being a rival that I hate, I do generally appreciate when the actual best team wins it all. Feels fair and justified.
The MLB Offseason Begins RIGHT NOW
Normally, the arrival of the MLB offseason is a moment that gets me pretty pumped. We all like mystery boxes, and the offseason is one of the best ever. All the things that the Chicago Cubs *MIGHT* do to improve their team. It’s exciting, and I love tracking it throughout the winter months. This year, however, there are a couple things that put a huge dent in the excitment. First, the offseason has arrived because the Milwaukee Brewers have won the World Series.
World Series Game 5: Brewers vs Rays (7:00 CT) — Lineups, Pitchers, Broadcast Info, Game Thread
Brewers vs Rays — Yesterday, I said the Rays would need nothing short of a miracle to come back in this series. They completed step one of the potential comeback on Tuesday night, as the Rays offense was able to score twice in the bottom of the 12th to keep their team alive and force a Game 5. Tonight’s matchup will be an even bigger challenge, not only because the Rays had to use so many different pitchers last night but also because they now have to face Jacob Misiorowski.
Cubs Catcher Prospect Miguel Useche Deserves a Nod
Chicago Cubs catching prospect Miguel Useche is turning heads in the Arizona Fall League, and I wanted to give him a little love this afternoon. Useche’s path has been a unique one, as we’ve discussed before: he was a great performer as a senior in college in 2024, but did not get drafted and did not get signed. So he headed to indy ball for the start of the 2025 season.
A New Pitcher Target from Taiwan, Perhaps? Jyun-Yue Tseng Hits the Market
When Taiwan (playing as Chinese Taipei) stunned Korea in the World Baseball Classic earlier this year, it was 24-year-old reliever Jyun-Yue Tseng on the mound for the final three outs. Tseng went on to dominate in the CPBL this year, allowing just 9 earned runs over 48 appearances (51.1 IP) as Fubon’s closer, striking out 65 and walking 13.
PSA Announces the Return of the “Value” Tier, Plus Updated Turnaround Times
A grading announcement from PSA today, after months and months of working through a significant backlog of grading requests. That work continues, but the situation is improving. The announcement features an update on some turnaround times AND the return of the “Value” tier of grading: From PSA: “We are adjusting the estimated turnaround times of the Priority and Standard service levels, reducing the estimate by 20 days for each service to provide faster grading to customers.
How Did the Card Market React to the White Sox Surprise October Run?
Between August 7 and September 9, four PSA 10 copies of Chase Meidroth’s orange refractor autograph from 2022 Bowman Draft Chrome sold for $285 to $304. On October 5, the day the White Sox took a 2-0 lead in the ALDS, one sold for $467.99. Eight days later, with Chicago’s season over, two more went at auction for $259.80 and $305. That round trip is the clearest picture of what October did to the White Sox card market.
Pete Crow-Armstrong is the Players Choice NL Outstanding Player and Player of the Year for 2026!
As expected and deserved, Pete Crow-Armstrong has won the MLB Players Association honors for the NL’s Outstanding Player and the overall Player of the Year. The awards are voted on by the players, and I have to imagine it’s extra gratifying to receive that recognition from your fellow players.
Rays 12th Inning Comeback, Attempts at Making History, and Other Cubs Bullets
BN Chicago Cubs Rays 12th Inning Comeback, Attempts....
World Series Game 4: Brewers vs Rays (7:00 CT) — Lineups, Pitchers, Broadcast Info, Game Thread
Brewers vs Rays — Anything can happen in the playoffs, but this series is as good as over. The question isn’t if the Brewers will win; it’s how long the series will take before they do. Last night’s beatdown, which saw the Brewers win 10-1 at Tropicana Field, effectively sealed the deal. The Rays will need nothing short of a miracle to have a fighting chance against a Brewers team that looks unstoppable. Both teams won 55 games in their home ballparks this year, the best marks in baseball.
Ian Happ’s Free Agent Contract May Come Down to What a Team Believes About a Certain Part of His 2026 Performance
Some offseason bonding among Chicago Cubs players got me thinking again about Ian Happ’s future: The Ian Happ of it is a reminder that he’s quite close with a number of guys in that clubhouse, and, although it doesn’t mean it’s a lock that he returns or takes less to return or whatever, it does support the idea that Happ probably really does hope to continue his career with the Cubs.
Carson Kelly is Probably Going to Get a Whole Lot of Attention This Offseason
In addition to this year’s positional free agent crop being weak overall, the group of available starting-caliber catchers is extraordinarily thin. Ryan Jeffers and Tyler Stephenson are probably at the top of the heap, and although each is a fine starter, neither is a roster-changer.
Cubs Farm Director Jason Kanzler is Getting Along Pretty Far in the Process for the Mariners’ Managerial Gig
While one important member of the Cubs hitter development group stays (John Mallee), another is moving along with the process of a potential departure.
How Active Will the Chicago Cubs Be Before the Lockout Begins?
Thanks to the Brewers’ win in Game Three of the World Series, it is possible that the MLB offseason begins as soon as tonight. And, with a lockout looming on December 1 when the Collective Bargaining Agreement expires, it’s conceivable we could see more early action on the market than we’re used to.
The Brewers Are Dominating Again, Extra Gear, Maddon Appears, and Other Cubs Bullets
BN Chicago Cubs The Brewers Are Dominating Again,.... TUE • 7:00 WED • 7:00 NOV 2 Cubs @ Padres October 1, 2026 L1 - 4 Bears vs Patriots October 23, 2026 W30 - 24 Blackhawks vs Panthers October 25, 2026 L2 - 3 Bulls @ Celtics October 26, 2026 L99 - 134 Milwaukee Brewers players celebrate their win in Game 3 of the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. on Oct 26, 2026.
Report: Cubs Hitting Coach John Mallee Turns Down the Mets
Less than a week ago, news broke that Cubs assistant hitting coach John Mallee was on the Mets’ list of interviewees for their coaching staff vacancy. And while one coach — an assistant hitting coach, no less — can only be credited (or on the hook) for so much success/failure, losing Mallee was not something we wanted. Recall the story of how much of an impact he’s had on Pete Crow-Armstrong, and the credit PCA gave to Mallee as part of his big breakout this year.
World Series Game 3: Brewers vs Rays (7:00 CT) — Lineups, Pitchers, Broadcast Info, Game Thread
Brewers vs Rays — Obviously, every game of the World Series is important, but there’s a pretty gigantic difference between being down 3-0 and being down 2-1. The former is a death sentence. The latter is overcomeable. And fortunately for the Rays (and my mental health), the pitching matchup should favor Tampa Bay tonight, as a refreshed Freddy Peralta, who has dominated since August (including the playoffs) is taking the mound against his former team. Nice little side-story there.
‘The Streak’ Meets ‘The Chase’
Thirty years ago, if you mentioned “The Streak” to anyone with even a passing interest in or knowledge of baseball, they’d know exactly what you were talking about. Cal Ripken Jr. just about never missed a game in his playing career, amassing a consecutive games played streak of 2,632 games that I can say with confidence will never, ever again be approached (unless, of course, the sport is so fundamentally transformed in its day-to-day operations to make it conceivable again).
Caleb Williams Is Back! And His Card Market Is Heating Up!
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is back in the saddle, and in a big way.
Jacob Misiorowski: Dominator of Batters, Teller of Tall Tales?
Maybe he can keep it up long-term, maybe he can’t. Regardless, as we sit here at this moment, Jacob Misiorowski is one of the most impressive pitchers in recent memory. By that, I don’t just mean his results, which were overwhelming this year (1.80 ERA over 174.2 IP, 2.17 FIP, 37.9% K, 6.6% BB, 3.6% barrel, 6.6 WAR). I mean what he’s able to actually do in order to get those numbers.
WATCH: Jason Heyward Tells the Tale of The Speech
BN Chicago Cubs WATCH: Jason Heyward Tells the.... MON • 6:30 TUE • 7:00 NOV 2 Cubs @ Padres October 1, 2026 L1 - 4 Bears vs Patriots October 23, 2026 W30 - 24 Bulls vs Wizards October 25, 2026 L120 - 124 Blackhawks vs Panthers October 25, 2026 L2 - 3 Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs players Jake Arrieta (49) and Jason Heyward (22) celebrate on the field after defeating the Chicago Cubs in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field.
How About Sonny Gray as a Veteran Rotation Option for the Cubs?
At the outset of trade rumor season back in July, Boston Red Sox righty Sonny Gray was described by Jeff Passan as a “dream” trade target for the Chicago Cubs. In the end it was little more than a dream, of course, as the Red Sox went on a run, didn’t sell, and Gray finished the season in Boston.
Objective Measures of Swingery, Reimagining Realignment, Brewers Are Just Good, and Other Cubs Bullets
The Rays now get a chance to host a World Series game, playing Game Three against the Brewers tonight at 7pm CT.
Brewers Win Game 1, AI Taking Over World Series Broadcast, PCA’s TikTok Bet, and Other Cubs Bullets
After running some errands last night, I grabbed ice cream from Culver’s to eat while watching the World Series. I went with a peanut butter cup concrete, swapping vanilla for chocolate ice cream. I can confirm that it was exactly what I needed after a long day at work. However, I didn’t realize until I sat down at home that I was eating Culver’s while admittedly rooting against the Brewers, which is a little contradictory. Alas, Wisconsin knows how to make good food. I’ll give them that.
World Series Game 1: Rays vs Brewers (7:00 CT) — Lineups, Pitchers, Broadcast Info, Game Thread
Rays vs Brewers — Well, here we are … a bunch of Tampa Bay Rays fans rooting for Nick Martinez to shut down the Brewers lineup tonight in Milwaukee (though I’d also take a total Jacob Misioroswki meltdown if we’re just asking for stuff). Here’s a look at both lineups for Game 1, with first pitch scheduled for 7:00 pm CT. Go Rays.
How Much Does Payroll Actually Impact Competitiveness? Some! But Arguably Not a Ton
It’s a debate that rages every year, but has become only more pronounced in the shadow of a salary cap fight in the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement, and in the wake of two of the sports smaller-payroll clubs making the World Series. How much does big league player payroll actually matter for competitive balance? Are the haves and the have-nots actually throwing things out of whack, or are there just some outliers in both directions here and there?
Brandon Woodruff is Back Once Again, This Time on the Brewers World Series Roster
There are plenty of things I have not loved about the Milwaukee Brewers over the years, and that is also true for Brandon Woodruff, individually. But call me a sap or a sucker or a traitor … this a great story: That’s Brandon Woodruff, who seemed to have suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in July, making it back for the Brewers’ World Series roster. His strong performance earlier this year for the Brewers was already impressive as the 33-year-old has battled shoulder injuries for years now.
Something Unique About Cubs Reliever Ryan Zeferjahn This Season
Chicago Cubs reliever Ryan Zeferjahn fell into a unique group this year: How do you wind up with that weird combination of extreme numbers? Best I can figure – and watching Zeferjahn seems to support it – is that you have to have outrageously nasty stuff and almost no ability to consistently tunnel/locate it. Thus, you get tons of whiffs, but almost no chase. As a byproduct, you also don’t give up particularly great contact, but you walk a lot of guys.
The Cubs Cleaned Up in The Fielding Bible Awards, Though There Was One Bizarre Element
As expected, the Chicago Cubs did very well in The Field Bible’s analytically-inclined defensive awards this year. Pete Crow-Armstrong was represented. Alex Bregman was represented. The whole team won an award, too! But as you’ll see, there’s one weird thing that really stands out: You see it, right? That’s Pete Crow-Armstrong winning the award as the best overall defender … but somehow NOT winning the award as the best center fielder? That is, of course, absolute nonsense.
PCA Bears Down, World Series Arrives, Cubs Poach, Old Friend Returns, and Other Cubs Bullets
BN Chicago Cubs PCA Bears Down, World Series.... FRI • 3:00 FRI • 7:00 NOV 2 Cubs @ Padres October 1, 2026 L1 - 4 Blackhawks vs Stars October 17, 2026 L0 - 4 Bulls @ Raptors October 21, 2026 L92 - 135 Bears vs Patriots October 23, 2026 W30 - 24 Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs player Pete Crow-Armstrong looks on prior to the game between New England Patriots and Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
Caleb Wilson’s Debut and the Instant Market Overreaction: What to Do in the First Week
Chicago Bulls rookie forward Caleb Wilson had an official NBA debut to forget, in a miserable 43-point blowout loss to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. The 20-year-old scored 16 points on just .333/.125/.500 shooting splits, along with four rebounds, three steals, and a block, while logging a game-worst -45 plus-minus. That stat set an unfortunate new rookie record.
Chicago Cubs Pitching Prospect Dominick Reid Turning Some Heads in Arizona
It wouldn’t be October without a Chicago Cubs prospect putting together a strong showing out in the Arizona Fall League. Maybe it’s just a matter of probabilities, but it seems like, every year, there’s a Cubs prospect who is wowing folks if the AFL – Owen Ayers, Jonathon Long, James Triantos, Caleb Kilian, Nelson Velazquez, Riley Martin, Matt Mervis … on and on, even going back to the days of Kris Bryant back in 2013.
Cubs Mentioned Again as a Possible Tarik Skubal Suitor
I’m not going to do the preamble every time free agent Tarik Skubal comes up this offseason, because you already know the drill: he’s a perfect fit for the Cubs, obviously, but there is nothing in evidence yet for the organization that indicates they will spend to the level required to sign him. There’s a first time for everything, but, let’s be clear, signing Skubal would be a clear “first time” situation for the Cubs.
No Surgery Expected for Shohei Ohtani, Who Plans to Keep Pitching
After they were easily dispatched by the Brewers, the Dodgers had to start their offseason a little earlier than they’d hoped. That included confronting Shohei Ohtani’s multiple injuries, and the possibility that a surgery or two might be necessary. But now that the after-season evaluations have been completed, the Dodgers do not believe any surgeries will be required to address Ohtani’s knee or biceps issues.
Blackhawks Collector’s Sweet Spot: The Affordable Frank Nazar
What makes collecting sports cards fun and exciting is having cards of your favorite player. I have a decent little collection of Steve Larmer cards, which likely comes as a shock to those who have followed me religiously tweeting #Retire28 for two decades. The Blackhawks might never retire his number, but I have some pretty sweet cards at home.
Ten Years Ago Today, the Chicago Cubs Won the Pennant
With apologies to – and agreement with! – Michael about the Cubs not being able to trade on the 2016 run forever, I do think there are some things worth celebrating on the decade anniversary. For example, here’s one of the absolute best: on this day in 2016, the Cubs beat the Dodgers to win the 2016 National League Championship Series and take their first pennant in 71 years.
Another Member of the Cubs’ Staff is Reportedly Up for the Mariners’ Managerial Gig
The Seattle Mariners’ managerial search reportedly includes a surprising candidate from the Chicago Cubs’ organization, and it’s not someone on the big league staff.
Scoring More or Scoring Consistently, Kelly and the Catcher Market, Cashman, Oda, and Other Cubs Bullets
BN Chicago Cubs Scoring More or Scoring Consistently,....
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