The Cubs and White Sox are approaching the final week before the All-Star break with hopes for a playoff run. Both teams need pitching, a common theme across Major League Baseball. The trade deadline looms on August 3, leaving uncertainty about the moves Sox general manager Chris Getz and Cubs President Jed Hoyer might make. The Sox will soon regain slugger Munetaka Murakami, while the Cubs are expecting the return of pitchers Jameson Taillon and Edward Cabrera.
Getz enjoys unexpected success with the Sox, while Hoyer’s Cubs display inconsistency. Hoyer expressed the importance of upcoming games, stating that team performance will guide future decisions. “It has been a really up-and-down season,” Hoyer admitted. “Our play is going to dictate how aggressive we are and what our needs are. … We’ve got about a month to go, and that will determine a lot of what we do before August 3.”
Mune Time
MLB should consider inviting Murakami to the Home Run Derby in Philadelphia, even if he opts out. If Murakami can start a minor-league rehab, hitting in the derby could be feasible. Featuring another Japanese talent could benefit MLB and the Sox, who have only one All-Star representative, Miguel Vargas.
PCA Watch
Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong led player voting for the NL All-Star team with 610 votes, surpassing Corbin Carroll’s 501 votes. Fan voting, however, did not favor him after previous support. His viral response to a harassing Sox fan and a critical interview of Dodgers fans might have impacted his popularity. Crow-Armstrong is likely to become a regular All-Star and could gain national affection.
Roch Chalk — or No Roch?
Uncertainty surrounds the White Sox’s top pick in the 2026 draft. UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky was an expert favorite, but attention has shifted toward Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson and Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey. Keith Law from The Athletic suggests Sox scouts lean toward Emerson, while the front office considers Lackey.
Finally Seeing Red
Sox starter Davis Martin was overlooked in All-Star voting, leaving manager Will Venable displeased. Martin could still join the roster if another pitcher withdraws, a frequent occurrence today. His strong first half makes him a solid candidate for an All-Star spot.
Trump Card
Could President Donald Trump influence MLB to revisit historical games? Fans joke about him overturning Armando Galarraga’s imperfect 2010 game outcome, the Yankees vs. Astros ALCS of 2017, and the 1985 World Series call favoring the Royals.
Revisiting ‘The Trade’
Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet remains sidelined, missing the White Sox series on the South Side. Sunday marks the first Sox-Red Sox meeting since “The Trade” that landed Chicago several promising players. The Sox’s stronger 2026 season offsets Crochet’s limited contribution to Boston this year. Key acquisitions like Chase Meidroth, with a 3.0 WAR, and Kyle Teel, with a 2.0 WAR, underscore the Sox’s successful trade.
Almost Stars
Pitchers Chase Burns, Eduardo Rodriguez, Max Meyer, Drew Rasmussen, and Parker Messick made the All-Star team, although baseball no longer mirrors the talent from the 1968 ‘Year of the Pitcher.’ Back then, esteemed names like Don Drysdale and Bob Gibson dominated the game. Despite advanced metrics and high velocities today, pitchers from that era set a high standard.
Joe’s Back
Former Cubs manager Joe Maddon returns to Chicago for Rizzo and Ross’ “Lovable Reunion” podcast on July 16. Maddon will also host a charity event for his foundation, Two Burnt Feet, on July 19. The “Thanksmas” dinner will be at Adalina Italian restaurant, supporting the Care for Friends organization.