"The Cubs desperately want another starter at the deadline, targeting Mitch Keller of the Pirates, and would include outfield prospect Owen Caissie to make it work," Nightengale wrote on Sunday. Keller has previously been an All Star, and he would be a boost near the front of the Cubs' rotation.

Closing in on Thursday’s deadline, this is what we’re hearing, based on information from league sources: • The Cubs are very interested in MacKenzie Gore, a top-of-the-rotation arm under team control through 2027.