White Sox pitcher Adrian Houser might or might not be on the Cubs’ radar. But the idea of Houser facing a Cubs team that possibly could acquire him at the trade deadline added a little spice to Friday’s opener of the City Series at Rate Field.

The Chicago Cubs line up as one of the prospective buyers, especially for pitching, as baseball’s July 31 trade deadline approaches.

The Chicago Cubs may have their eyes on landing a new centerpiece of the bullpen at next week's trade deadline.

The San Diego Padres might consider trading Dylan Cease at the trade deadline, and the Chicago Cubs could emerge as the best landing spot for a deal.

The Chicago Cubs have been prominently linked in MLB trade rumors this summer to multiple starting pitchers, including a few All-Stars. While adding a starter is still a top priority, Chicago is also making a strong push to improve its bullpen.

Amaya is a gem, but the Cubs are loaded at catcher, with the reliable Carson Kelly locked in as the go-to starter and Reese McGuire as a solid backup. And lest we forget, 21-year-old phenom Moises Ballesteros is waiting in the wings.

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.