The Chicago Cubs have been the subject of tons of deadline rumors, but there are only a couple of players they should entertain blockbusters for.

Just 11 months after being released by the Cubs, Adrian Houser may be a candidate to return to Wrigleyville. The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney writes that Houser is one of many pitchers the Cubs “are considering” as deadline upgrades.

The Cubs’ biggest need, with about a week before the July 31 deadline, is starting pitching. Lugo, who held the Cubs to four hits and two runs in six innings, will be highly sought after by contending teams if the Royals make him available. But their trade-deadline direction is unclear.

The Chicago Cubs are expected to make some real upgrades over the course of the next week ahead of the trade deadline. They have been the center of rumors for m

If the Minnesota Twins undergo a significant overhaul before next week's trade deadline, Joe Ryan would net the club its most substantial potential return. Should Twins decision-makers look to the Chicago Cubs if they elect to trade their All-Star starting pitcher?

The Milwaukee Brewers have surged to the top of the National League Central standings. Milwaukee is currently tied for first with the Chicago Cubs and own MLB's best record (34-12) since May 25. Right-hander Freddy Peralta's name continues to surface in trade rumors.

The Chicago Cubs need to add a starting pitcher this month, and they've been linked to Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcántara for quite some time now.

The San Diego Padres have entertained the idea of trading Dylan Cease, as he continues to underperform in the final year of his contract. But getting rid of Cease in the middle of a Wild Card chase feels counteproductive,