Derek Falvey arrived in Minnesota from the Guardians' front office, a system known for maximizing pitching and churning the roster efficiently. Manager Rocco Baldelli came from the Rays, where roster manipulation and deadline boldness are basically a front-office tradition.

The Chicago Cubs have found their closer in Daniel Palencia, but adding a closer like Jhoan Durán would boost their chances at October baseball.

Even if the Cubs aggressively bolster their roster, they'll need to depend on their stars and manager to hold off the Brewers.