Carlos Santana and Aaron Civale joined the Cubs as the playoff chase intensified, giving Chicago veteran depth and bullpen flexibility. Santana, a switch-hitter with post-season pedigree, slides onto Counsell’s bench and offers insurance for a potential lineup shuffle. Civale profiles as a bulk-relief option who could start if needed, preserving rotation options. Cubs promotions of Alcántara and Caissie add youthful upside as Pete Crow-Armstrong cools at the plate.

The moves underscore a pragmatic, veteran-flavored infusion to fortify a 28-man roster on the cusp of a championship push, with Santana eyeing a title before retirement and Civale aiming to leverage this fresh opportunity for impact in high-leverage moments.