On a new episode of Home Runs and Handshakes James Neveau and Frank Nova recap the moves the Cubs made (and didn’t make) at the trade deadline. They start off with their anger at the Cubs missing out on their biggest deadline need (3:00), then turn their attention to breaking down what the team DID do:

20:00 - Michael Soroka for SS Ronny Cruz and LF Christian Franklin
25:00 - Andrew Kittredge for SS Wilfri De La Cruz
28:18 - Taylor Rogers for RF Ivan Brethowr
30:00 - Willi Castro for RHP Sam Armstrong and RHP Ryan Gallagher

After breaking down the new acquisitions, they preview the Cubs' upcoming series against the Orioles and the Reds (46:00). Finally, they react to the passing of Ryne Sandberg, and his impact on their lives and the lives of Cubs fans (47:30).

The Chicago Cubs are set for a wild week, and in this episode of Home Runs and Handshakes, James Neveau and Frank Nova get you ready for all of it. The guys sing the praises of Cade Horton and Matt Shaw after this week’s White Sox series (1:00), and then discuss what they’re most excited about as the Cubs prepare to take on the hated Brewers in a titanic showdown of the National League’s best teams (16:45). The MLB trade deadline then takes center stage, with the Cubs’ pursuit of a starting pitcher (fancy a MacKenzie Gore, anyone) and a closer-level reliever drawing the most attention as the deadline approaches (21:00). Finally, the guys end the show by recapping the Cubs’ flurry of rehab assignments, as Jameson Taillon and Miguel Amaya prepare to potentially rejoin the roster (41:33).

On the Episode No. 8 of Home Runs and Handshakes, James Neveau and Frank Nova discuss the ever-tightening National League Central race after the Brewers swept the Dodgers and the Cubs took two-of-three from the Red Sox (1:00). Cade Horton’s duel with Garrett Crochet then takes center stage (8:25). Later, they discuss The Cubs’ offense’s performance against Boston (15:15) and break down Colin Rea and Shota Imanaga’s recent successes (22:00). They wrap up the podcast by previewing the final nine games before the trade deadline (46:30) and provide an update on the team’s efforts to sign their 2025 MLB Draft class (46:30).

0:00 - Intro
1:00 - The state of the NL Central
7:30 - Recapping the Cubs-Red Sox Series
32:15 – Another bullpen game? Say it ain’t so!
42:45 - Previewing the Cubs’ series vs. the Royals and White Sox
46:30 - Cubs draft pick signing updates
50:30 – Was the All-Star Game swing-off a home run?