Cubs, A's open series with futures at front of mind

(Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images)
Both the host Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics have at least one eye on 2025 as they prepare to meet on Monday night for the opener of a three-game interleague series.

A potential playoff berth is slowly drifting away from Chicago (76-73), which sits five games behind the Mets and the Braves in the National League wild-card race. New York and Atlanta are currently tied for