The Fourth of July is a huge day for the Cubs for multiple reasons

The Fourth of July is always an important day in American history. For the Chicago Cubs, this day is just a little more important.

The Cubs enter the day 52-35 with a four-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the National League Central and begin a three-game set with the third place St. Louis Cardinals.

Both the Brewers and Cardinals had a great June and made-up ground on the Cubs in the division. What once was a six-and-a-half game lead turned into just two games.

However, the Cubs increased their lead after sweeping the Cleveland Guardians and have a chance to keep the Cardinals far in the rear-view mirror.

On top of this, Cubs manager Craig Counsell announced that right-hander Jameson Taillon will miss “a pretty significant amount of time” with a right calf strain.

With one of Chicago’s best pitchers this season out for the foreseeable future, the Cubs absolutely need to act fast and bring in a quality starting pitcher.

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It just so happens that one starting pitcher that the Cubs have been heavily linked to is starting against the Brewers on this Independence Day.

Miami Marlins ace and former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara will toe the rubber in what should be a great audition for the Cubs.

Alcantara, 29, is probably the best trade chip available despite having a rough season thus far. The 2022 NL Cy Young winner is 4-8 with a 6.98 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP in 16 starts.

Alcantara was having a great June, posting a 2.74 ERA in four starts before getting rocked by the Arizona Diamondbacks on June 28.

Even if the Cubs don’t trade for Alcantara, they need to act fast if they want to solidify their chances at October baseball.

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