Cubs insider accidentally spills drama on social media that fans were never meant to see

While the focus of Monday night was on the home run derby, locally, Marquee Sports Network's Bruce Levine created some unintentional drama in the world of the Chicago Cubs. Drama that almost certainly will need to be addressed in some fashion.

Now, Levine, while he has had his share of credible information, has become somewhat of a bit in the year 2026. His tweets take some effort to sift through, and grammar isn't always present. That certainly was the case on Monday night, but he also shared information that was likely not meant for the public to see.

The impression is that Levine was texting someone from the Cubs, and inadvertently tweeted a reply that was meant to be a text message. Short of Levine and the unnamed Cubs coach exchanging messages on Twitter, it's hard to comprehend how such a mistake was made.

Regardless of how Levine made that error, the information is now out, and it's problematic for several reasons.

Who are "twinkle dee" and "twinkle dum"?

Let's answer the easiest question first. "Twinkle dee" and "twinkle dum" are most likely Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins. That, in itselt, is problematic.

First, for Levine, he works for Cubs through way of the Marquee Sports Network, and he's also a common presence on their flagship, 104.3 The Score Chicago. Levine is almost always the first person to ask Hoyer and Hawkins questions when they make themselves available, and it likely is because of his connection to the team. That connection now seems to be in question, considering the nature in which Levine seemingly referred to the front office.

It will be curious to see from the Cubs, if there are any consequences for Levine's gaffe. No, Hoyer likely won't issue a response publicly, but he's had incidents before where he's confronted reporters about inaccurate reporting.

It's hard to imagine Levine will lose either of his jobs because of this, but it would be fair to wonder if the Cubs attempt to limit the information he gathers. At the very least, it would seem likely Hoyer and Hawkins won't speak as freely with him as they have in the past.

How did the Cubs front office "sell you guys out" in 2025?

The entire exchange reads as Levine praising whoever he is talking to for their part in the Cubs being 12 games over .500 at the All-Star break, but also, as a warning. Levine sending hope that "twinkle dee" and "twinkle dum" don't sell the team out like they did in 2025. Operating under the assumption he's referring to Hoyer and Hawkins, the indication is that Levine is talking about the activity at last summer's trade deadline.

Levine wasn't wrong. The 2025 Cubs were in a position to chase a bye during the National League Wild Card, and instead, the front office balked at the asking prices for the top-of-the-rotation pitchers available at the deadline. Afterward, Hawkins essentially confirmed the focus may not have been on the 2025 Cubs, but the "2032" Cubs. For better or worse, that could be perceived as the front office selling out on the 2025 team.

Who is Bruce Levine talking to?

Early guesses were that Levine was talking to Craig Counsell. It can't be ruled out, but that also feels like too much of a leap. It's more likely that Levine was talking to someone on Counsell's coaching staff. It's still problematic, considering Levine felt comfortable enough to insult the front office with no fear of repercussion.

The indication is that there could be a divide between the front office and the coaching staff. Considering the position the Cubs were in last summer, it likely was a deflating feeling that the deadline didn't exactly bring the reinforcements that were initially rumored about.

How will the Cubs respond?

This is the less obvious answer. Any consequences for Levine will likely be kept away from the public eye. If we see less of him on Marquee Sports Network, then we might have our answer. But, it seems farfetched to expect Hoyer, or anyone from the Cubs, to go on record about what Levine tweeted by mistake.

It also won't do much to change the direction the Cubs take at the deadline this summer. That said, the battle of public opinion might not be on the team's side if they come up short in their efforts before August 3.

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