Since June 2, the Chicago Cubs played 13 games in four cities. Though they went only 7-6, they expanded their lead in the NL Central.

With a focus on strengthening their starting rotation and bullpen, the Chicago Cubs are preparing for the MLB trade deadline. That need is unsurprising, as injuries have depleted the starting rotation that is without Justin Steele due to season-ending surgery on his left elbow.

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Recent megastar breakout Pete Crow-Armstrong was the highest ranking Chicago player, falling in second place behind Athletics human highlight reel Denzel Clarke. There is no shame in finishing in second behind Clarke, at all. More News: Four Cubs Prospects Who Could Become Trade Chips at This Year's Deadline

The Chicago Cubs are on top of the NL Central with a depleted rotation. The quiet consistency of Matthew Boyd is a major reason for their success. Boyd has pitched at least six innings and allowed three earned runs or fewer in 10 of his 14 starts with his new team.

With team president Jed Hoyer making it known the Chicago Cubs will be focused on pitching at the trade deadline, here are three realistic targets for Chicago.

The Pittsburgh Pirates (29-42) visit the Chicago Cubs (42-28) Saturday for the third game of their 4-game series. First pitch from Wrigley Field is at 2:20 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Pirates vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Pirates first. Oneil Cruz singles to right field. Bryan Reynolds lines out to shortstop to Dansby Swanson. Nick Gonzales singles to shallow left field. Oneil Cruz to second. Spencer Horwitz

During the first year of the collaboration, AbbVie will donate $233 for each strikeout made by a Cubs pitcher during home games throughout the regular season.

Kyle Tucker has already become a fan favorite in Chicago and now, the superstar right fielder has revealed what the Cubs are looking to accomplish.