The Chicago Cubs are actively pursuing starting pitching as the trade deadline approaches, with reports indicating that they have reached out to various teams for bolstering their rotation. Among the names that have surfaced is Lucas Giolito of the Boston Red Sox, who has displayed solid performance with a 3.36 ERA this season. The Cubs' interest in Giolito underscores their ambition to strengthen their pitching staff as they aim for a playoff push.

However, it remains uncertain whether the Red Sox are willing to part with Giolito, especially as they have been performing well recently with a 9-1 record over their last ten games. Given the Red Sox's competitive stance in the postseason race, retaining a veteran pitcher like Giolito could be beneficial for them. Nevertheless, the Cubs are not limited to Giolito and have several other options available if the Red Sox choose not to trade their ace.

The Chicago Cubs (55-38) are set to face the New York Yankees (52-41) at Yankee Stadium in a highly anticipated matchup. Chris Flexen, boasting a stellar 0.83 ERA this season, will take the mound for the Cubs, while the Yankees will counter with Carlos Rodón, who has a respectable 3.30 ERA. The Yankees are coming off a sweep against the Seattle Mariners, including a thrilling extra-inning victory, while the Cubs recently struggled against the Minnesota Twins, losing two of three games. Despite the Cubs’ recent hiccup, they have performed well against AL teams this season, winning 12 of their last 21 matchups. Betting odds favor the Yankees, listed at -189 on the moneyline, while the Cubs sit at +157. The total for the game is set at 9.0 runs, and recent trends indicate that the Under has hit in 67% of games at Yankee Stadium with Rodón starting. With Flexen’s impressive form and Bellinger's current hitting streak of 15 games, this game promises to be a thrilling encounter.

The New York Yankees aim to extend their winning streak to five games as they face the Chicago Cubs in an interleague matchup this Friday. The Cubs, leading the National League Central with a record of 55-38, are coming off a decisive 8-1 victory against the Minnesota Twins. In contrast, the Yankees, currently second in the American League East, secured a thrilling 6-5 win in 10 innings against the Seattle Mariners. Notably, the Yankees have won seven out of their last ten encounters with the Cubs.

For this game, New York has designated Carlos Rodón (9-6, 3.30 ERA) as their starting pitcher, while Chris Flexen (5-0, 0.83 ERA) will serve as the opener for Chicago. Rodón has displayed commendable form, striking out 127 batters this season. The Yankees are favored at -185 on the money line, with the total runs set at 9 by the bookmakers.

Brice Matthews' recent call-up by the Astros sets the stage for a promising Week 16 in fantasy baseball, with several prospects worth stashing. Baltimore's Samuel Basallo, amidst a catching crisis, has showcased impressive numbers, with a .945 OPS and 17 homers this season at Triple-A. Meanwhile, Owen Caissie and Spencer Jones are both lighting up the minors with significant power. Caissie has homered in seven of his last eight games, while Jones has five home runs in just ten Triple-A games.

In Cleveland, C.J. Kayfus is pushing for a promotion, while Chase DeLauter could add a spark to a struggling Guardians offense. Lastly, Justin Crawford is making waves in the Phillies' system with 28 stolen bases, showcasing a potential game-changing skill set for fantasy owners. These players are solid stash options for those looking to strengthen their rosters ahead of the trade deadline.

The fantasy baseball landscape is evolving as the All-Star break approaches, with crucial updates on relief pitchers and potential waiver wire pickups for saves. The Arizona Diamondbacks are grappling with injuries to their closer, allowing Kevin Ginkel to step up. Meanwhile, in Miami, Ronny Henriquez is emerging as a reliable option, proving his worth with solid outings. The Texas Rangers are in a state of flux regarding their closer role, while the Chicago Cubs' Daniel Palencia remains a strong candidate for fantasy managers looking for saves. Be sure to keep an eye on these developments as they can significantly impact your roster.