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Day 2 of the 2026 Cubs Convention began the same way it always does, with Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer and General Manager Carter Hawkins taking the stage, followed by a session with Cubs manager Craig Counsell. Both times were led by Cubs shortstop Boog Sciambi. But one thing that was different about 2026 was the vibes. Jed Hoyer looked relaxed and confident as he took the stage in a Bears jersey. His answers seemed obvious, he was visible, I dare say: He is free.<\/p>\n
It was a welcome change from the tone the front office has established over the years. Oh, what a difference a winning season makes. I’m kidding, but it seemed like a weight had been lifted off Jed’s shoulders as they discussed everything from team strategy to deferred contracts to stories about his time as a bat boy for the Reds.<\/p>\n
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The postponement was big news on both occasions. The signing of Alex Bregman was the first time this front office signed a free agent contract with a player who had a deferred amount of money. Hoyer indicated that they would agree to make those moves again:<\/p>\n
That is a huge improvement for the team and should allow them to compete in the free market.<\/p>\n
Craig Counsell also discussed Matt Shaw’s role at the 2026 clubs as a highly used player. When asked if he would play in the outfield, the manager’s answer was straightforward: “It will happen. He mentioned Kris Bryant and how he went with the 2016 team which seems to mean Shaw will have a similar role for the Cubs this year. That could be good news for Shaw’s playing time, considering the infield rarely takes days off:<\/p>\n
But the most remarkable parts of these panels, honestly, are how the small stories are made. With the Cubs coming off a season that saw them take the National League Division Series in five games against the Brewers and clearly enjoying the vibes of a big trade and an even bigger free agent signing, everyone seemed relieved.<\/p>\n
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Hoyer told a great story about being kicked out of a Reds Spring Training game at 9:00 a.m. when he was 13 years old and how he talked himself into being a bat boy at age 11. Carter Hawkins asked a tough question about his 2032 comment at the trade deadline and joked that the next day Jed said he should take the pressure off, then Hoyer said. Honestly, it was like they both took a page from Craig Counsell’s playbook. The Cubs’ manager has been largely uninterested in these discussions over the past few seasons.<\/p>\n
Counsel discussed many issues including word building and capital management. But the most endearing moment was him discussing the ejection and the moment last season against the Red Sox when Ryan Flaherty was ejected. Apparently, John Mallee admitted in no uncertain terms that he had actually said it and Counsel discussed being able to choose which coach ended up leaving. The real punchline of that anecdote was the story about how his family had counseled against the umpire the family uses when they have visitors.<\/p>\n
There was a real sense of relief in the staff leading the Cubs from the front office and the dugout. It was a welcome change from some of the angst filled with questions from fans that the front office has had over the past few years. As much as I hope those vibes continue after a successful 2026 campaign, I think the CBA negotiations may make it difficult to repeat this year’s relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great reminder to enjoy these moments, and humor, while we can.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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