Manager Will Venable returns to face his previous team Friday when the White Sox begin a three-game series against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Venable spent 2023-24 on Bruce Bochy’s staff as the associate manager.

Despite losing three impact starters for an extended period of time (one for the year), the Chicago Cubs still maintain a comfortable lead over the NL Central. However, while their trade deadline priority is the rotation, there are some other areas that could use a boost. One spot in particular would be the bench.

The Chicago Cubs are off to a blazing start after 70 games. Their 42-28 record is just five games off the pace set by the 2016 Cubs team that went on to win 103 regular season games, followed by their first World Series victory since 1908.

Four teams are reported to be the most aggressive buyers, ahead of this year's MLB trade deadline. The deadline is July 31.

The Chicago Cubs go into MLB games today with one of the best records in baseball, outperforming expectations even amid