Chicago Cubs first baseman Busch has taken another step forward in his development this year, which has included raising his on-base percentage by nearly 40 points.

The Chicago Cubs need a third reliable starting pitcher, and the Kansas City Royals have the man for the job in last season's Cy Young runner-up, Seth Lugo.

Starting pitcher Jameson Taillon threw 47 pitches during a bullpen session Friday at Wrigley Field, per the Cubs. He was placed on the 15-day injured list on July 4 with a right calf strain. Prior to his injury, Taillon had a 4.44 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP across 95.1 innings, including 10 quality starts.

Jon Morosi appeared on a segment of MLB Central on Wednesday and was asked by host Lauren Shehadi about which potential trade candidate has boosted his stock the most in recent weeks. Morosi believes Miami Marlins starting pitcher Edward Cabrera is worthy of holding that distinction.

The Cubs lineup had a bit of a different look Friday, going up against White Sox right-hander Adrian Houser, who is in the midst of the best season of his career. Switch-hitting Vidal Bruján got the start at third base over Matt Shaw, and left-handed hitting Reese McGuire started behind the plate.

The Chicago Cubs have long been expected to be one of baseball's most aggressive teams at next week's trade deadline, especially when it comes to upgrading their pitching staff. With a championship lineup but a rotation which is thin at best,

The Chicago Cubs are predicted by ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan to go all-in at the trade deadline and are the best fit for Washington Nationals MacKenzie Gore.