The Cubs (63-45) salvaged the final game of their series in Milwaukee to stay within one game of the first-place Brewers. Jed Hoyer made a few minor moves at the trade deadline Thursday but failed to land a big piece and seems content to roll with the current roster as the North Siders welcome the Orioles to Wrigley Field Friday afternoon.
Baltimore (50-59) has had a very disappointing 2025, and dumped several regular players at the deadline. Offensively, there has been some regression from 2024, but the lineup is still dangerous with a .722 team OPS that is 13th best in baseball.