If the Chicago Cubs make the postseason, adding another quality starter who can slot into a playoff series would make them a serious World Series threat.

Vinnie Pasquantino hit two of Kansas City’s four two-run homers and doubled on a 3-for-4 afternoon, leading the Royals past the Chicago Cubs 8-4.

Cubs Reportedly Discussing Trade With Royals to Bolster Rotation originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Chicago Cubs are no longer sitting comfortably atop the National League Central. After Chicago held the lead since April 4, an 11-game winning streak by the Milwaukee Brewers has placed the two teams in a tie for first place.

Vinnie Pasquantino hit two homers and drove in four runs to lead the visiting Kansas City Royals to an 8-4 win over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday.

BLANKINGS: The Cubs’ 12 shutouts are one more than they had all of last season. They had 13 in 2023, 18 in 2018 and 21 in 2015. They had 22 in 1969, their most in the Live Ball Era. They had more in seven seasons between 1905 and 1918, with a high of 33 in 1907. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)

Kansas City is 25-26 in road games and 49-52 overall. Royals pitchers have a collective 3.50 ERA, which ranks second in MLB play. The teams play Tuesday for the second time this season.

With now just over a week to go ahead of the MLB trade deadline, real reports of discussions between teams are starting to surface rather than just rumors or id

THE KELLY FILES: Carson Kelly, last 19 games since June 21: .373/.441/.695 (22-for-59) with seven doubles, four home runs, eight RBI and 10 runs scored. THIS DAY IN CUBS HISTORY: Sammy Sosa’s 13th-inning single scored Ricky Gutierrez with the winning run as the Cubs defeated the Brewers 3-2. It happened 25 years ago today, Saturday, July 22, 2000.

Matthew Boyd pitched seven crisp innings for his 11th win, and the Chicago Cubs spoiled Rich Hill's return to the majors with a 6-0 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.