"If the sixth-year GM is on the hot seat, as many in the industry believe, it could be his last chance to chart a course toward contention in 2026 that persuades [team owner Bob] Nutting to give him ...

"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.

The Chicago Cubs line up as one of the prospective buyers, especially for pitching, as baseball’s July 31 trade deadline approaches.

"In the right situation, the right team, the right defense, the right environment, he becomes someone that could start Game 1 of a postseason series," Morosi said.