Patrick Mooney

Part of Chicago's calculus at the trade deadline is its well-rounded position players are good enough to win multiple rounds in October.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has a close relationship with his Detroit counterpart, Scott Harris.

ST. LOUIS -- In a wide-ranging search for pitching reinforcements, the Chicago Cubs are considering Tarik Skubal as their blockbuster option ahead of Monday's trade deadline, according to several baseball officials who were granted anonymity to candidly discuss a still-developing market.

Jed Hoyer's personal stake in this venture is enormous. How aggressive will his Cubs be at the trade deadline?

Any club that adds Freddy Peralta would be hoping that the two-time All-Star benefits from a change of scenery.

The volume of pitching that the Cubs want to add is both a hedge against more injuries as well as a reward for the group’s determination.

Pitching is wanted in Chicago, the Yankees need offense, Taylor Ward remains in Baltimore for now, and other notes.

“Tarik’s going to an awesome situation,” Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd said. “And it’s our job to beat him.”

On Monday, Jed Hoyer went out and got the bat-missing, right-handed reliever his team needs.

The Cubs chased Kevin Gausman for years. On Monday, they finally got him, along with two more trades to bolster the rotation.