The Chicago Cubs are facing significant challenges in their starting rotation as they enter the second half of the season. Despite holding a four-game lead in the National League Central, the absence of Justin Steele and the underperformance of pitchers like Ben Brown, Colin Rea, Cade Horton, and Jameson Taillon, whose ERAs are all above 4.00, raises concerns for the Cubs' playoff aspirations.

This issue could have been mitigated had they proceeded with a potential trade for Jesús Luzardo from the Miami Marlins in the offseason. Luzardo has since blossomed into a reliable pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, showcasing his abilities in the majors. With the trade deadline approaching, names like Kris Bubic from the Kansas City Royals have surfaced as potential targets. Bubic, a former top prospect, is enjoying a resurgence after returning from Tommy John surgery and is currently the ace of the Royals’ staff.

To solidify their chances in October, the Cubs must address their pitching woes quickly. The team boasts one of the most potent offenses in baseball, but without a reliable rotation, their postseason hopes could be in jeopardy. Acquiring a pitcher of Bubic's caliber could be exactly what Chicago needs to bolster their rotation for a playoff push.

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.