The Cubs’ biggest need, with about a week before the July 31 deadline, is starting pitching. Lugo, who held the Cubs to four hits and two runs in six innings, will be highly sought after by contending teams if the Royals make him available. But their trade-deadline direction is unclear.

The Kansas City Royals have told other teams they would need to be offered "controllable outfield help" in order to consider trading pitcher Seth Lugo, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.