The Chicago Cubs are World Series contenders in the National League, but could use the trade deadline to get a pitching boost.

There’s a difference between playoff odds and World Series odds,” Jed Hoyer said. “Just getting in is not necessarily the ticket."

If the Houston Astros are in the market for a starting pitcher, Zac Gallen would be an intriguing buy-low candidate at the trade deadline.

The New York Mets have contacted the Pittsburgh Pirates regarding a potential trade for starting pitcher Mitch Keller after the Chicago Cubs initially registered interest, according to Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The Chicago Cubs and New York Mets are two of the best clubs in the National League this season. As the MLB trade deadline approaches, both teams are reportedly pursuing the same All-Star pitcher.

It was just a week ago that the Mets got an up-close look at Keller when he held them to one run over 5 1/3 innings in Pittsburgh’s 9-1 victory over New York on June 27. That outing was part of a nice five-start stretch for Keller that has seen the righty post a 2.