Baseball Notes: Cubs and White Sox Gear Up for Important Stretch

The Cubs and White Sox are heading into the final week before the All-Star break with hopes of making a strong playoff push. Both teams are looking to strengthen their pitching roster. The trade deadline on August 3 adds a layer of urgency. Sox GM Chris Getz and Cubs President Jed Hoyer have decisions to make about how aggressive to be.

The White Sox will soon welcome back slugger Munetaka Murakami, while the Cubs expect to see Jameson Taillon and Edward Cabrera return to the rotation. Getz benefits from the unexpected success of the Sox, and Hoyer must navigate the Cubs’ inconsistent first half of the season.

It has been a really up-and-down season, Hoyer stated. I hope we can level out. Our performance will determine our trade activity and needs. It is a crucial stretch as we approach August 3.

Mune Time

There’s a call for MLB to invite Murakami to the Home Run Derby in Philadelphia, even if recovery from his hamstring injury limits participation to just swinging. Showcasing another Japanese player could be beneficial for baseball and the Sox, who have only one All-Star, Miguel Vargas.

PCA Watch

Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs center fielder, secured the most outfield votes in player voting for the NL All-Star team. However, his standing in fan balloting dropped, possibly due to an incident with a fan and remarks in a magazine interview. These events may have influenced fan perceptions.

Roch Chalk or No Roch?

The 2026 MLB draft approaches with uncertainty. Initially, UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky was a favorite for the White Sox’s top pick. Now, contenders include Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson and Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey. The Athletic’s Keith Law suggests Emerson might be preferred due to scout opinions, while the front office leans toward Lackey.

Finally Seeing Red

Sox starter Davis Martin did not receive enough votes for the All-Star game, leading to Sox manager Will Venable’s frustration. Martin could still be included if other pitchers withdraw. Despite recent challenges, his first half of the season was strong.

Trump Card

If former President Donald Trump can use connections to benefit the U.S. World Cup soccer team, could the same influence apply in MLB? Contemplations include reinstating Armando Galarraga’s 2010 perfect game or reversing unfair calls from past MLB seasons, like the 2017 sign-stealing scandal or the 1985 World Series decision.

Revisiting ‘The Trade’

The White Sox and Red Sox trade involving Garrett Crochet is pivotal. Chessie Meidroth, Kyle Teel, and Braden Montgomery, who joined the White Sox in the trade, have contributed significantly. Despite Crochet’s previous success, injuries have hindered his current season, and the White Sox have thrived.

Almost Stars

The current pool of All-Star pitchers like Chase Burns and Eduardo Rodriguez may be talented, yet the quality of the legendary 1968 All-Star Game lineup is incomparable. In that historic game, pitchers like Don Drysdale and Bob Gibson showcased exceptional skill, making it challenging to claim modern pitchers surpass past greats.

Joe’s Back

Former Cubs manager Joe Maddon is returning to Chicago for a live podcast event with Anthony Rizzo and David Ross on July 16. Additionally, Maddon plans a charity dinner on July 19 to support the homeless through his Two Burnt Feet foundation. The dinner, hosted at Adalina Italian restaurant, aims to raise funds for Care for Friends.