Chicago Cubs news and notes, Hoerner, Imanaga, Brown

Nick Halden (Da Windy City): Cubs frustration grows as Dansby Swanson offensive struggles continue. “Chicago remains a contender, but its shortstop has yet to meet expectations at the plate”

Elias Shuster (Chicago Cubs on SI): Cubs Need to Jump at the Chance to Bring Back Fan Favorite Andrew Chafin. “Andrew Chafin is looking for a new home after choosing to leave the Reds, and the Cubs’ bullpen needs all the help it can get. …..” “The sky has opened up over Wrigley Field, and a big beautiful shining mustache has appeared.”

Connor Liguori (Sporting News): MLB insider links Mets’ ‘prime trade chip’ to Cubs, Braves. “The New York Mets still have at least a month or two to make one of the biggest decisions of the season. Do they buy or sell at the trade deadline, or just stand pat? With the way things are going, they will likely be in sell mode, something totally unexpected heading into 2026.“

Jake Meisener (Cubbies Crib): Disastrous start to the year could make the Red Sox a perfect Cubs trade partner. “The ship is sinking in Boston and Craig Breslow’s team looks like a seller.”

Ryan Herrera (Just Baseball): Shota Imanaga Keeps Putting Tough End To ‘25 Behind Him. “Last year’s second half didn’t go the way Shota Imanaga wanted it to. This year, he’s looked more like the 2024 version of himself.”

Gabe Lacques (USA Today): MLB power rankings: Rampaging Cubs finally look like NL Central bullies. “The National League Central has been baseball’s best division, a fact that seems straight out of the upside down. ”

Jared Wyllys (AllChgo,com): Cubs firing on all cylinders, going 15-3 since mid-April. “The Cubs’ record since April 14 is the best in the majors, and it’s propelled them from a game below .500 and in last place in their division to ten games above .500 and two games ahead in the National League Central.”

Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Cubs Claim LHP Luis Peralta off Waivers from Cardinals. “In their unending quest for emergency pitching depth, the Cubs have claimed left-handed reliever Luis Peralta off waivers from the Cardinals. There was an open spot on the Cubs’ 40-man after Yacksel Ríos was DFA’d earlier in the day.”

Jeff Agrest (Chicago Sun-Times {$}): Ben Brown might’ve found his sweet spot on Cubs’ pitching staff — in bullpen. “Brown’s ERA has plummeted from 5.40 after his first appearance March 26 to 1.82. He hasn’t allowed an earned run since April 8.”

Jake Misener (Cubbies Crib): From red-hot to ice-cold: Pair of former Cubs prospects have hit a wall of late. “Strikeouts are a major problem for Owen Caissie and Cam Smith.”

Andres Chavez (North Side Baseball): Chicago Cubs Hitters Of The Month: April 2026. “The Chicago Cubs had one of the league’s best offenses in April, with three hitters standing out above their peers.”

Dan Fappiano (ClutchPoints): Cubs get closer back with Danny Palencia IL move. “As the Cubs close out their series against the Diamondbacks, closer Danny Palencia is ready to make his return.”

Matt Sullivan (Sporting News): Alex Bregman made best decision of offseason to join Cubs instead of Red Sox. “Bregman made the right call to leave the Red Sox and join the Cubs this past offseason. There might not be a better decision in baseball from any team or player, as Bregman avoided disaster and is on a World Series-caliber team as well.”

Paul Sullivan (Chicago Tribune {$}): How did the Chicago Cubs let Kyle Hendricks join the Detroit Tigers front office? “The Tigers are led by two former Cubs execs — President Scott Harris and general manager Jeff Greenberg — so there is a history that led to the reunion. Still, you’d think Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts would do whatever was possible to get Hendricks back in Chicago, working under President Jed Hoyer.”

Sahadev Sharma (The Athletic {$}): Dansby Swanson’s defense is the constant the Cubs can always rely on. ““Defense is another way to win games,” Swanson said. “I had a lot of opportunities out there today, might set a record for me or something like that (today). It’s a lot of fun.”“