If the Chicago Cubs make the postseason, adding another quality starter who can slot into a playoff series would make them a serious World Series threat.

BLANKINGS: The Cubs’ 12 shutouts are one more than they had all of last season. They had 13 in 2023, 18 in 2018 and 21 in 2015. They had 22 in 1969, their most in the Live Ball Era. They had more in seven seasons between 1905 and 1918, with a high of 33 in 1907. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)

The Cubs are favored at home (-142) against the Royals (+120). The Chicago Cubs will hand the ball to Matthew Boyd (10-3, 2.34 ERA), who is looking for win No. 11 on the season, and the Royals will counter with Richard Hill.