Spring training begins, plus a conversation with Miguel Amaya

Alex Bregman will not be joining the Cubs, and the Cubs Weekly Podcast discussed the ramifications. After a few weeks of speculation, the All-Star third baseman reportedly agreed to a 4-year deal with the Red Sox. That paves a path for Matt Shaw to be the team’s everyday third baseman and host Elise Menaker and Andy Martínez broke down the trickle effects. Martínez discussed how the Cubs reacted to the news of Bregman’s deal with Boston and Menaker examined how Shaw could help the team and improve while in the big leagues. The duo also shared some thoughts from camp as full squad workouts get set to begin.

Later in the podcast, Menaker is joined by Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya. Amaya discusses his offseason, what he focused on to lose weight and build more muscle. Then Amaya, recaps his 2024 campaign, the swing adjustment he made and he hopes to learn from new teammate Carson Kelly. Before they wrapped up, Amaya shares his excitement for Japan and what he’s looking forward to on the opening series next month.