The Chicago Cubs quietly climbed to the top of the National League ahead of the All-Star break thanks to a long losing streak by the defending champions Los Angeles Dodgers, but the Milwaukee Brewers have closed the gap in the NL Central thanks to a 10-game winning streak.

Juan Soto dashed home with the go-ahead run in the eighth inning, beating a throw to the plate on Luis Torrens’ sharp grounder to second base, and the New York Mets avoided a three-game sweep with a 3-2 win over the Cincinnati Reds.

The Cincinnati Reds lost in the finale but became just the fourth team to beat the New York Mets in a series at Citi Field this year.

Juan Soto scored the go-ahead run after Edwin Diaz gave up the tying run in the eighth inning in the Mets' 3-2 win over the Reds on Sunday.

The New York Mets need to add pitching ahead of the trade deadline, but there's a chance they also pursue Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan.

There are four main areas the Mets could address between now and July 31: the bullpen, the rotation, center field and third base.

The New York Mets have an opportunity to set the tone for the entire trade deadline. With a few obvious needs, the Mets have the prospect capital and financial might to get the best players available at multiple positions.