The St. Louis Cardinals (28-22) and Chicago Cubs (27-22) are battling for first place in the NL Central heading into Memorial Day Weekend. If the standings hold, it could change Chicago’s plans for shaking up its roster.

Since the 2021 MLB season began, there have been rumors that the Cubs might trade some of their top players before the July 30 deadline. The odds of Chicago moving the likes of Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo significantly decrease with the Cubs in the thick of the playoff race.

The Cubs have turned a corner since starting the season with a 12-16 record. Chicago has won 15 of its last 21 games. The Cubs are up to fourth in the National League in batting average and OPS, led by players who have been in trade speculation.

Bryant, Rizzo and Javy Baez are all trade candidates because they are in the final year of their respective contracts. Closer Craig Kimbrel has also been viewed as a player who could be moved this summer.

Bryant is having an MVP-caliber season, hitting .320/.405/.604. Baez is tied with Bryant for the team lead with 11 home runs and 32 RBI. Rizzo is playing well in May, hitting .294/.402/.441 in 68 at-bats.

Chicago beat St. Louis twice in a three-game series last week. The Cardinals have won two straight games to maintain a half-game lead atop the division.

The Cubs won the 2020 NL Central title and the Cardinals finished in second place. Despite low expectations coming into the season, Chicago back is in the thick of the division and wild-card race.

The Milwaukee Brewer (25-25) are three games behind the Cardinals. The Cincinnati Reds (22-26) are third in runs scored, but the NL’s worst ERA is preventing the team from being a playoff contender.

The Pittsburgh Pirates (18-31) are in last place and have the third-worst record in baseball.

Kris Bryant Cubs mets
Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs in action against the New York Mets during a game at Citi Field on August 29, 2019 in New York City. Rich Schultz/Getty Images
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