On this edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast: Best of 2024, we revisit conversations with Cubs legends of the early 2000's. Aramis Ramírez explains what it meant to be inducted into the Cubs Hall of Fame and how he found out about the honor, and Derrek Lee reflects back on his monumental MVP caliber 2005 season.

Plus, former catcher Geovany Soto recalled what it was like to catch Carlos Zambrano and some history that he made after catching his no-hitter and so much more.

Thursday afternoon marked a big step in the relationship between Sammy Sosa and the Cubs. The former slugger issued an apology to the organization and then, later, Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts issued his own statement, welcoming him back to Chicago and inviting him to Cubs Convention next month.

The Cubs Weekly Podcast recapped the whirlwind day that seemingly brought the icon closer to a return to Wrigley Field. Bruce Levine, Elise Menaker and Andy Martínez recapped the events of the day, including what comes next for both sides. Menaker shared stories of watching Sosa and the impact he had on the fanbase during his dominating run as a Northsider.

Later in the pod, the trio discuss whether this means an induction into the Cubs Hall of Fame is possible — which is announced at Cubs Convention.

The Cubs continued their offseason momentum by trading away Cody Bellinger Tuesday afternoon. Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki react to the deal with the Yankees and break down what the Cubs got in return.

Plus plenty more questions to answer:

-What comes next for the Cubs?

-How do they handle the third base position now and where does prospect Matt Shaw fit in?

-What were initial impressions of Kyle Tucker after his introductory press conference?

-What does the Cubs lineup look like after all these moves?

-How does new catcher Carson Kelly fit into the mix?

We answer these and more on the latest Cubs Weekly Podcast.

The Cubs have pulled off a blockbuster trade. Friday afternoon, the team acquired 2022 World Series champion and 3-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros for infielder Isaac Paredes, right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski and infield prospect Cam Smith. The Cubs Weekly Podcast broke down the seismic trade in an emergency edition of the podcast.

Tony Andracki and Andy Martínez share their thoughts on the trade and what it means for the Cubs. The pair discuss why the Cubs felt the need to pull the trigger now and why — although it’s a heavy price — the Cubs can withstand that kind of deal. Later in the podcast, the duo discusses the ripple effects of the deal and what it means for other players on the roster, like Seiya Suzuki and Cody Bellinger.

The Winter Meetings wrapped up this week and they were a busy one for the Cubs. Andy Martínez was joined by both Bruce Levine and MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian on this week’s edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast.

In the first half of the pod, Levine and Martínez discuss some of the trade rumors surround the team, Craig Counsell’s new coaching staff and the addition of catcher Carson Kelly to the roster.

In the second half of the podcast, Martínez is joined by Bastian and the two recap the week for the Cubs, including rumors surrounding Seiya Suzuki, Kyle Tucker and more. The two discuss Japanese pitcher Rōki Sasaki and how the cubs plan to pitch to him to come to Chicago.

The Cubs made their first big move of the offseason this week, picking up starter Matthew Boyd on a 2-year deal. The lefty is coming off a successful end to 2024 with Cleveland but is less than two years removed from Tommy John surgery.

What does his addition mean to the team? Tony Andracki and Andy Martínez break down Boyd and the effects it has on the rest of the Cubs pitching plans this offseason.

Later in the podcast, Cubs reliever Porter Hodge recaps his 2024 rookie campaign. He shares some memories from the year, including the no-hitter at Wrigley Field and a thrilling win in Los Angeles, where he dealt with some breathing issues.

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.