Cubs expected to go shopping for starting pitching at trade deadline

For the first time in awhile, Cubs fans have reason to be excited about the possibilities the trade deadline could bring.

Will the Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara shrink his 8.47 ERA and make himself a trade target? Or will team president Jed Hoyer’s front office turn to more surprising sellers in its search for pitching reinforcements?

One thing’s sure after the Cubs moved to 15 games above .500 with a win on June 1: They will be buyers.

“We’ve got a great group here, and whenever...