The Chicago Cubs' all-in strategy appears to be paying off this season, significantly under the guidance of President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer. With a record of 51-35, the Cubs have secured a three-game lead in the National League Central, bolstered by their recent acquisition of Kyle Tucker. However, concerns loom with the absence of Justin Steele, raising doubts about the team's rotation as they head toward the playoffs.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Cubs are expected to remain active, eyeing potential acquisitions to strengthen their lineup. Notably, Kansas City Royals pitcher Kris Bubic has emerged as a possible target. The 27-year-old lefty boasts an impressive 2.25 ERA across 16 starts this season and is under team control until 2027, making him an enticing trade piece for teams looking to bolster their rotation.

The Kansas City Royals are struggling offensively, ranking 27th in OPS and dead last in runs scored. To revive their postseason hopes, they are exploring potential trade options, with Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds emerging as a target. Reynolds, a two-time All-Star, started the year poorly but has shown improvement, raising his OPS significantly in recent months. With a contract that could become burdensome if his performance declines again, the Royals must weigh the benefits of acquiring Reynolds against their need for broader roster upgrades. Currently, only two Royals players have double-digit home runs, highlighting the need for more offensive firepower.

Home run props are the focus for today's MLB betting, featuring players like Alec Burleson, Brandon Lowe, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Maikel Garcia. Burleson has shown impressive power recently, hitting 10 homers this season and enjoying a favorable matchup against Colin Rea, who struggles against left-handed hitters. Lowe, with 19 homers and a solid 1.000 OPS in the last three weeks, faces Chris Paddack. Guerrero Jr. is another strong candidate with 12 homers to his name, looking to capitalize on a weak Angels' bullpen. Garcia, while less prolific, has potential in a hitter-friendly park.

Bobby Witt Jr. showcased his exceptional agility during a recent game, executing a remarkable slide to evade Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh's tag. This impressive move not only confirmed Witt's reputation as one of MLB's premier athletes but also highlighted an unexpected moment of vulnerability for Raleigh, who has otherwise had a stellar season. The moment was pivotal, demonstrating Witt's ability to navigate challenging situations with finesse.

Despite a slightly delayed arrival at home plate, Witt's deft maneuvering resulted in an emphatic safe call by the umpires, underscoring the importance of precision and timing in high-pressure scenarios. This play is likely to be remembered as one of the season's most memorable highlights, reinforcing Witt's rising star status in Major League Baseball.

The Kansas City Royals are keenly aware of the potential impact switch-hitters can have on their lineup, as evidenced by their past success with Kendrys Morales during the 2015 World Series. With the current season proving challenging offensively, the Royals are reportedly exploring trade options to bolster their batting lineup. One name on their radar is Bryan Reynolds from the Pittsburgh Pirates, whose performance has been on an upward trend. This past season, he improved his OPS from .644 in April to .772 in June, indicating a resurgence at the plate. Although concerns exist regarding his defensive metrics, his offensive consistency from 2021 to 2024 suggests he could be an asset. However, acquiring Reynolds comes with financial implications, as he is owed $74 million through 2030, prompting the Royals to weigh their options carefully.