5 On It: Who was the MVP of the Cubs’ series sweep of the Mets?

Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show19mApril 20, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

The Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show dives into the Cubs' recent three-game sweep of the Mets, debating who deserved MVP honors. Hosts debate between Jamison Tyone, whose six-inning performance anchored the series, and Caleb Thielbar, who delivered a crucial save and win in high-leverage situations. The conversation shifts to bullpen reliability, with Thielbar earning a strong 8.5/10 confidence rating from one host, while White Sox closer Sir Anthony Dominguez receives a low 2.5/10 due to erratic control and high walk totals. A key discussion follows on managerial mistakes: the Mets' decision to pitch to clutch hitter Nico Horner in the 10th inning versus the White Sox’s choice to pitch to a pitcher in the 11th inning, with the hosts ultimately siding with Carlos Mendoza’s error as worse due to Horner’s proven contact and clutch ability. The segment then turns to the Bears’ draft strategy, with mixed views on whether they should have acquired Dexter Lawrence, balancing defensive need against cap implications. Finally, the hosts share their favorite current players, highlighting Jordan Alvarez, Kyle Schwarber, and Jose Ramirez, with particular praise for Ramirez’s longevity and all-around excellence despite his age. The episode closes with a preview of an upcoming interview with MLB insider Russ Dorsey.

Key Takeaways
1

Caleb Thielbar’s clutch performances in high-leverage situations make him a strong candidate for Cubs' MVP despite not being the most obvious choice.

2

Pitching to Nico Horner in a critical 10th inning was a major managerial error, especially given his elite contact and clutch stats.

3

The White Sox bullpen’s inconsistency, particularly Sir Anthony Dominguez’s high walk rate, is a growing concern.

4

Acquiring premium defensive players like Dexter Lawrence may require overpaying, but the Bears’ inability to develop defensive talent through the draft raises long-term concerns.

5

Jose Ramirez remains a dominant force in baseball, leading the majors in steals without being caught and embodying the complete baseball player.

Chapters
0:00
2 min

MVP Debate: Cubs vs. Mets Series

I'm going with the hipster answer of Jamison Tyone as my MVP for the Cubs series.

Highlight
2:00
3 min

Bullpen Confidence Ratings

He's already got eight walks this season in eight innings compared to 10 strikeouts. His ERA is 5.63.

Highlight
5:00
5 min

Managerial Mistakes: Mets vs. White Sox

It's easily Will Venable. I would love to play Will Venable and connect four because I think I'd just be a few moves ahead of him.

Highlight
10:00
5 min

Bears’ Draft Strategy & Defensive Needs

The hosts debate whether the Bears should have traded for Dexter Lawrence, weighing the need for a dominant defensive tackle against cap and draft asset costs.

15:00
5 min

Favorite Players & Preview of Upcoming Interview

The hosts share their favorite current players, including Jordan Alvarez, Kyle Schwarber, and Jose Ramirez, before previewing an interview with MLB insider Russ Dorsey.

High-Impact Quotes
It's easily Will Venable. I would love to play Will Venable and connect four because I think I'd just be a few moves ahead of him.
Mark Grody11:55
Viral: 90.0
He's already got eight walks this season in eight innings compared to 10 strikeouts. His ERA is 5.63.
Harrison5:09
Viral: 85.0
The job is hard. But I understand that. But so, you know, to bring it full circle, if a guy like that is available and it's rare... when they become available, you might have to overpay for it.
Mark Grody16:10
Viral: 82.0
Speakers

Hosts

RahimiHarrisonMark Grody

Guest

Russ Dorsey
Topics Discussed
Cubs MVP Debate90%Managerial Decision-Making88%Bullpen Reliability85%Clutch Hitting83%Defensive Line Needs80%Pitcher Usage in High-Leverage Situations78%NFL Draft Strategy75%Baseball Player Preferences70%
People & Brands

Caleb Thielbar

person

8xPositive

Nico Horner

person

7xPositive

Jamison Tyone

person

6xPositive

Chicago Bears

organization

6xMixed

Sir Anthony Dominguez

person

5xNegative

Jose Ramirez

person

5xPositive

Carlos Mendoza

person

5xNegative

Dexter Lawrence

person

4xNeutral

Will Venable

person

4xNegative

Kyle Schwarber

person

3xPositive

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