Are we about to see back-to-back seasons of MLB infamy? The Rockies have been more competitive of late, but they’re on pace to win just 39 games, which is two fewer than the 2024 White Sox’s record-setting mark of ineptitude.

And it boosted them to a season-best No. 3 position in USA TODAY Sports' power rankings. They supplanted the Dodgers in that spot, a battle that would seem an unfair fight on paper. After all, the Brewers tote a payroll of around $120 million;

MLB insider Jeff Passan of ESPN predicts that the Chicago Cubs will go "really big" at the trade deadline in search of a new starting pitcher.

The Chicago Cubs quietly climbed to the top of the National League ahead of the All-Star break thanks to a long losing streak by the defending champions Los Angeles Dodgers, but the Milwaukee Brewers have closed the gap in the NL Central thanks to a 10-game winning streak.

The Royals are in fourth place in the AL Central and trail in the Wild Card race by 5 1/2 games. They lost 2 of 3 in their first series following the All-Star break in Miami and are 2-4 in their last 6 games.