Overview

• Luis Robert Jr. remained on the roster after trade talks with the Mets, Padres and Phillies collapsed in the deadline’s final hours.
• Chicago sent right-hander Adrian Houser to the Rays in exchange for infielder Curtis Mead and pitchers Duncan Davitt and Ben Peoples.
• The decision to pick up Robert’s $20 million club option for 2026 rather than accept a $2 million buyout locks in two more years of control.
• Robert’s July performance (.353/.441/.549, three homers, 11 RBIs and five stolen bases) reinforced his value to the rebuild.
• Houser’s 6-2 record and 2.10 ERA over 11 starts boosted his trade value and yielded a package aimed at strengthening Chicago’s farm system.