Chicago Cubs news and notes — Ben Brown, Nico Hoerner, Damon Minor

We cover the coverage like PCA covers center field.

Slow news weekend, as usual at this time of year. December is our slowest month despite the Winter Meetings, commencing on the Day of Infamy this year, though next year is liable to be more infamous. 1994 is calling.

2032 is listening.

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• Andrew Baggarly (The Athletic {$}): For Giants’ Damon Minor, second journey to the big leagues is most meaningful. “A Triple-A hitting coach cannot afford to have a bad day.”

• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): 5 reasons for the Cubs to be thankful heading into 2026. “… here are five things the Cubs can give thanks for when it comes to the roster currently in place.”

• Randy Holt (North Side Baseball*): Ben Brown’s role has been set in stone by his own failures. “Is there a path toward continued starting opportunities for Ben Brown, or is he destined for relief work in some form?”

• Jacob Zanolla (Cubs Insider*): Building Cubs’ holiday wishlist: starting pitcher, bullpen, outfielder. “The Cubs need a good starting pitcher to do more than just provide depth.“

• Mark Feinsand (MLB.com*): Potential trade candidates from every club. “Hoerner is in the final year of the three-year, $35 million extension he signed in March 2023…“

Food For Thought:

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