Inside The Friendly Confines

ESPN MLB insider Jesse Rogers takes you beyond the headlines and inside the game with the kind of Northside Baseball access only he can deliver. Presented by Arlington Toyota! The Chicago Cubs are headed into a Wild Card showdown with the San Diego Padres, and Jesse is breaking down everything that could decide the series. On this episode of Inside the Friendly Confines, Jesse looks at the Cubs-Padres pitching matchups, how Chicago should set up its playoff rotation and whether the Cubs bullpen can hold up under postseason pressure. He also examines Alex Bregman’s breakout game against Boston and what it could mean for the Cubs offense heading into October.

ESPN MLB insider Jesse Rogers takes you beyond the headlines and inside the game with the kind of Northside Baseball access only he can deliver. Presented by Arlington Toyota! Chicago Cubs GM Carter Hawkins joins Jesse for a wide-ranging conversation about the team’s playoff push and what lies ahead in October. Plus, Hawkins gives a behind-the-scenes look at his day-to-day role as Cubs general manager and what goes into managing the constant decisions, conversations and preparation required to run a Major League Baseball team.

ESPN MLB insider Jesse Rogers takes you beyond the headlines and inside the game with the kind of Northside Baseball access only he can deliver. Presented by Arlington Toyota! David Kaplan joins Jesse to break down the Cubs playoff push! Kap explains why he believes the Cubs might still be missing a true top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher — the kind of ace who can take the mound in October and give you confidence you’re going to win. He also talks about why Pete Crow-Armstrong has become his favorite player he’s ever covered

The Cubs’ division hopes took a major hit after their loss to the Brewers, but can they hold off the Phillies and secure a Wild Card spot? Jesse Rogers breaks down Craig Counsell’s bullpen decision-making before Cubs Bench Coach Ryan Flaherty joins the show to discuss PCA’s MVP leap, the daily responsibilities of an MLB bench coach and Chicago’s final push toward the playoffs. #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #PeteCrowArmstrong #MLB #RyanFlaherty ESPN MLB insider Jesse Rogers takes you beyond the headlines and inside the game with the kind of Northside Baseball access only he can deliver. Presented by Arlington Toyota!

ESPN MLB insider Jesse Rogers takes you beyond the headlines and inside the game with the kind of Northside Baseball access only he can deliver. Presented by Arlington Toyota! On this episode of Inside the Friendly Confines, ESPN’s Jesse Rogers breaks down how the Cubs are handling Shota Imanaga down the stretch and what his role could look like as Chicago fights for a spot in the postseason. You’ll also hear from Cubs manager Craig Counsell on Imanaga and the bullpen as the team manages its pitching staff for the stretch run. Plus, Jesse shares comments from Cubs legends Jon Lester and Jody Davis as each reflects on earning a spot in the Cubs Hall of Fame and what the honor means to them.

ESPN MLB insider Jesse Rogers takes you beyond the headlines and inside the game with the kind of Northside Baseball access only he can deliver. Presented by Arlington Toyota! Jesse Rogers breaks down the controversy involving Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly and Cubs third base coach Quentin Berry. Jesse examines what happened, whether Kelly may have been tipping pitches and why the situation became a major talking point. Jesse also discusses the latest on Matt Shaw and Dansby Swanson’s injuries, Kevin Gausman’s strong pitching and what his performance means for the Cubs moving forward. Plus, Jesse weighs in on the Cubs’ 150th Anniversary Team and the players who helped define generations of baseball on the North Side. Subscribe for more Chicago Cubs news, analysis, interviews and insider coverage from Jesse Rogers on Inside the Friendly Confines.

ESPN MLB insider Jesse Rogers takes you beyond the headlines and inside the game with the kind of Northside Baseball access only he can deliver. Presented by Arlington Toyota! Cubs relief pitcher Jacob Webb joins the show to detail his success in the Cubs' closer role. He also discusses the Cubs win over the White sox and how he approached pitching to the White Sox power hitters. Also, get an inside scoop on what Cubs mound meetings are like and what Webb does in his free time. All this and more on Inside the Friendly Confines!

ESPN MLB insider Jesse Rogers takes you beyond the headlines and inside the game with the kind of Northside Baseball access only he can deliver. Presented by Arlington Toyota! Cubs TV Analyst Jim Deshaies joins Jesse to break down PCA's rise to stardom. Is he a villain across the league? Also, do the Cubs have good enough pitching to make a run in October? Jesse and JD compare the 2026 team to the 2016 World Series team. All this and more on Inside the Friendly Confines!

ESPN MLB insider Jesse Rogers takes you beyond the headlines and inside the game with the kind of Northside Baseball access only he can deliver. Presented by Arlington Toyota! Jesse Rogers recaps the Chicago Cubs’ moves at the MLB trade deadline and breaks down what the additions of Kevin Gausman, Tyrone Taylor and Clay Holmes mean for the rest of the season. The crew listens to audio from Jed Hoyer.

ESPN MLB insider Jesse Rogers takes you beyond the headlines and inside the game with the kind of Northside Baseball access only he can deliver. Presented by Arlington Toyota! Will the Cubs trade for a young controllable starter or a high-level rental? Jesse breaks down all the options and the Cubs' mindset leading up to the deadline. Also, Jameson Taillon is designated for assignment. Jesse plays sound from Craig Counsell about the veteran's release. Jesse answers fan questions in his mailbag, mentions which prospects could be on the move and more!

ESPN MLB insider Jesse Rogers takes you beyond the headlines and inside the game with the kind of Northside Baseball access only he can deliver. Presented by Arlington Toyota! 2016 Cubs First Base Coach Brandon Hyde joins Jesse to share stories of coaching Kris Bryant, Javier Baez and more. What was it like to work with Joe Maddon? Hyde talks about the team reunion and dedication of Champions Gate outside of Wrigley Field. Also, an important injury update for a Cubs reliever

ESPN MLB insider Jesse Rogers takes you beyond the headlines and inside the game with the kind of Northside Baseball access only he can deliver. Presented by Arlington Toyota! In this episode, Jesse breaks down the Cubs options as the trade deadline nears. Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer sounds more open to making an aggressive move. How will the Cubs address the pitching staff? Also, Jesse plays audio from Cubs VP of Scouting Adam Kantrovitz on the upcoming MLB Draft. NIL and NCAA rules have affected how teams pick players and Jesse explains why. Also, the Cubs may be targeting more pitching this year. All this and more!