Cubs Roundup, Nov 5: Bregman's Defense, Crow-Armstrong's 2026, Hall of Fame Managers

[North Side Baseball]

Here is some of the latest Cubs analysis and history from around the internet. The roundup covers Alex Bregman's defensive improvements, Pete Crow-Armstrong's historic season, former managers on the Hall of Fame ballot, the 10-year anniversary of the 2016 World Series, the debate over signing Tarik Skubal, and historical moments from November 4.

• Always solid at third, Bregman found another level. Here's how (MLB.com). Notes how Alex Bregman improved his defensive performance with the Cubs, earning a Gold Glove, and highlights his +9 outs above average, +15 defensive runs saved, and +7 fielding run value in 2025, along with specific adjustments from coach Jonathan Mota.
• After historic season, PCA named NL MVP finalist (MLB.com). Notes that Pete Crow-Armstrong is named an NL MVP finalist after leading MLB with 10.6 fWAR, 45 homers, 41 steals, and elite defensive metrics, surpassing Cubs' previous MVP winners and setting multiple franchise records.
• Ex-Cubs managers Dusty Baker, Lou Piniella, Joe Maddon on ‘Contemporary Baseball Era’ Hall of Fame ballot (Chicago Sun-Times). Notes that former Cubs managers Dusty Baker, Lou Piniella, and Joe Maddon are among eight candidates on the Hall of Fame’s "Contemporary Baseball Era" non-player ballot, with Baker, Piniella, and Maddon each leading the Cubs to playoff appearances and Maddon being the only one to win a World Series with the team.
• The Cubs won the World Series 10 years ago. So much has changed since (The Athletic $$$). Looks back at how the Cubs' 2016 World Series victory marked a turning point, noting changes in the team's culture, roster, and performance since Joe Maddon's leadership led them to their first title in 118 years.
• Cubs free agent target: Tarik Skubal (Bleed Cubbie Blue). Argues the Cubs should avoid signing Tarik Skubal despite his elite status, citing the team's need to spread spending across multiple pitchers rather than committing over $300 million to one, given the uncertainty of their current rotation and the high cost of Skubal's projected contract.
• Chicago Cubs history unpacked — November 4 (Bleed Cubbie Blue). Looks back at key moments in Chicago Cubs history, highlighting Ernie Banks' 1959 back-to-back MVP awards and the 2016 World Series victory parade, along with other notable baseball and non-baseball events from November 4.