The Chicago Cubs need a third reliable starting pitcher, and the Kansas City Royals have the man for the job in last season's Cy Young runner-up, Seth Lugo.

With now just over a week to go ahead of the MLB trade deadline, real reports of discussions between teams are starting to surface rather than just rumors or id

If the Chicago Cubs make the postseason, adding another quality starter who can slot into a playoff series would make them a serious World Series threat.

The Chicago Cubs (60-41) will host the Kansas City Royals (49-53), in the final game of a three-game series, Wednesday at 2:20 p.m. ET. The favored Cubs (-147 moneyline odds to win) play at home against the Royals (+123). The scheduled starters are Colin Rea (8-3) for the Chicago Cubs, and Seth Lugo (6-5) for the Kansas City Royals.

Kansas City is 25-26 in road games and 49-52 overall. Royals pitchers have a collective 3.50 ERA, which ranks second in MLB play. The teams play Tuesday for the second time this season.

View news about the Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals game played on July 26, 2025 including player news, injury news, predictions, analysis and more.