The MLB trade deadline is nearly upon us and the Cubs are right in the thick of the hot stove, with needs in the rotation and the backend of the bullpen.TRANSACTION TRACKERLAST UPDATED: Aug. 1 10:40 p.m.Acquisitions, updates & reactionsJuly 31 1:40 p.m.Tony Andracki: Freddy Peralta and Casey Mize were both scratched from their starts Friday with the New York Mets and Detroit Tigers, respectively.This is an understandable precaution teams take with the trade deadline so close and its a clear indicator that both pitchers should be on the move before Monday wraps up.The Cubs are in the market for starting pitching and either right-hander would represent a boost to the current rotation. Peralta is of particular interest given his rapport with Craig Counsell from their days in Milwaukee together. Peralta, 30, is mired in the worst season of his career (4.99 ERA, -0.2 WHIP). But he was an All-Star last season and finished fifth in NL Cy Young voting with the Brewers, posting a 2.70 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and a league-leading 17 wins.Mize, 29, is a former first overall pick back in 2018. He has a 2.70 ERA this season, but has dealt with injury issues throughout his career, never topping more than 150.1 innings in a season. His velocity has also been down in a major way over his last couple starts.Both pitchers are free agents at the end of the season.[Watch the CHGO Cubs Podcast on YouTube]Other notable Cubs transactions since 7/27July 31[10:36 a.m.] The Cubs have recalled LHP Antoine Kelly from the Iowa Cubs (AAA) and placed RHP Gavin Hollowell on the 15-day injured list (right shoulder inflammation).July 29[5:05 p.m.] The Cubs have selected the contract of RHP Jake Woodford and designated RHP Andrew Wantz for assignment.July 27[3:31 p.m.] The Cubs have selected the contract of RHP Andrew Wantz and designated RHP Jameson Taillon for assignment.Possible targets & important notesSTARTING PITCHERSSandy Alcantara, RHP, Miami MarlinsThe Athletic (Jul. 29): The Marlins are unlikely to make Alcantara available before the deadline.Shane Bieber, RHP, Toronto Blue JaysReid Detmers, LHP, Los Angeles AngelsClay Holmes, RHP, New York MetsCasey Mize, RHP, Detroit TigersMize was scratched from his start Friday as a non-injury precaution leading up to the deadline.Freddy Peralta, RHP, New York MetsThe Athletic (Jul. 29): The Cubs have checked in on Peralta.Peralta was scratched from his start Friday for the Mets.Robbie Ray, LHP, San Francisco GiantsThe Athletic (Jul. 29): The Cubs are considering Tarik Skubal as their blockbuster option but would still prefer to acquire a starter under club control beyond this season.Jos Soriano, RHP, Los Angeles AngelsMichael Wacha, RHP, Kansas City RoyalsLogan Webb, RHP, San Francisco GiantsRELIEF PITCHERSAndrew Kittredge, RHP, Baltimore OriolesMason Miller, RHP, San Diego PadresLuke Weaver, RHP, New York MetsTargets headed elsewhere & other blockbustersTARIK SKUBAL Aug. 1 The Dodgers have acquired LHP Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers for OF Zyhir Hope, RHP River Ryan and RHP Brady Smith.