The Chicago Cubs are actively pursuing pitching reinforcements ahead of the upcoming MLB trade deadline, following a split of their recent two-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Chicago holds the top National League Wild Card spot while attempting to close a 5.5-game gap on the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers.
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Front-office leaders have focused on securing controllable starting pitching and bullpen depth after designating veteran starter Jameson Taillon for assignment.
Offense Leading the Way
Since June 11, the Cubs have gone 27-12 while averaging 6.4 runs per game, leading Major League Baseball in runs scored, on-base percentage, and walks during that stretch.
Second baseman Nico Hoerner acknowledged the urgency surrounding the deadline but expressed confidence in the team's core.
"It's always their job to put the best possible team that they can on the field," Hoerner said.
"Absolutely, there's urgency. These games go by fast, and the season gets short."
Veteran left fielder Ian Happ noted the challenging nature of roster adjustments, balancing additions with the impact on current players.
"It's challenging, because the guys that got you to this point are obviously important pieces," Happ said. "So, whenever you add, there's going to be subtraction."
Happ expressed trust in management's decisions and belief in the lineup's ability to maintain its productivity.
"We have so many good players in this lineup that play every day," he said.
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