All the latest MLB rumors, from the Cubs' focus on pitching upgrades, to the Padres' willingness to trade Mason Miller and the Mets' uncertain path forward with Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor.

Danny Parker / Four Seam Images via Associated Press When Dan Kantrovitz, the Chicago Cubs’ vice president of scouting, spoke with reporters a week before this month’s MLB draft, he didn’t do much to hide the team’s hand.

Old Reliable will start the second half for the Chicago Cubs. The team has announced their starting arms for their first post-All-Star break series against the Minnesota Twins. Colin Rea will get the ball first on Friday night,

The investment in Mississippi right-hander Cade Townsend with the No. 23 pick paved the way for the Chicago Cubs to hone in on pitching — they drafted 16 total.

With the 23rd pick in the MLB Draft, the Chicago Cubs drafted right-handed pitcher Cade Townsend from Mississippi, a 21-year-old with reportedly some of the bes

Day 1 of the 2026 Draft included the Cubs' picks from Rounds 1-4, including Cade Townsend at No. 23 overall. Day 2 begins Sunday at 10:30 a.m. CT through the conclusion of the Draft, spanning Rounds 5-20.

The Cubs are happy to have survived an avalanche of pitching injuries and a monthlong offensive slump to find themselves in playoff position at the start of the second half. But their championship-level goals demand much more than simply survival.

Here’s who was hot and not for the Cubs over the past week.