The calendar has turned to July, but the Aug. 3 trade deadline is still more than three weeks away, the latest it can be under MLB’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. In the time since our first Urgency Index, we’ve not seen a single blockbuster deal, likely a byproduct of the later date, plus how many teams are in contention for at least a wild-card berth.We have, however, seen the landscape change for several teams, whether it be their contention status or needs. Urgency Index 2.0 is a mix of immediate needs, as well as projections of where teams might find themselves in the coming weeks.This week, it’s Tim Britton on starters, Chad Jennings on bats and Eno Sarris on relief arms.Starting PitchersChicago CubsAlthough the Cubs have the best playoff chances among these five teams (with odds above 70 percent, per FanGraphs), they might have the most dire rotation situation in the here and now. With Edward Cabrera, Ben Brown and Jameson Taillon all on the IL, Chicago already made one short-term move to add 2025 All-Star David Peterson from the New York Mets. (Peterson looked good in his first start, less so in his second.) Cabrera is unlikely to return until August, and there’s no timeline for Brown right now. Elsewhere, Justin Steele is unlikely to make it all the way back to starting by season’s end.The Cubs’ intent this season wasn’t just to make the postseason but to make noise within it, and this rotation needs a major boost to do that.Chicago White SoxLook, we’re past the midseason point, and the White Sox are in first place. They represent a legitimate threat to make the postseason, either by winning the American League Central or claiming a wild card in a league lacking obvious postseason contenders. Their odds sit at better than 40 percent, according to FanGraphs.Davis Martin has had an All-Star-worthy season, but the White Sox could still use another arm. (Jason Miller / Getty Images)And while Chicago’s offense sure looks solid, it needs at least one starting pitcher. Davis Martin and Sean Burke have been terrific at the front of the rotation, but they’re on pace to smash their career highs in innings and the Sox have been searching for fits at the back end for much of the season. Adding another arm, preferably one capable of starting a postseason game, should be a priority.St. Louis CardinalsLike the White Sox, the Cardinals are contending ahead of schedule in 2026. St. Louis’ playoff odds reside around 35 percent in the competitive National League Central, and despite pristine health, its starting rotation has been its weakness since the season started.The projections like Dustin May going forward and think Michael McGreevy will fall back to earth a bit. Matthew Liberatore has been the most disappointing piece in that rotation, and the Cardinals could benefit by adding an arm toward the top of the quintet to push everyone down a notch — and prep for the inevitable IL stint.Houston AstrosWhile the Astros have fought their way back into the playoff hunt in the AL, their rotation remains a muddle. Hunter Brown’s return provides a huge boost, and Spencer Arrighetti has had a nice year. But Mike Burrows was just optioned to Triple A, and it’s impossible to know what Tatsuya Imai is going to bring every time he takes the mound. Ronel Blanco, Lance McCullers Jr. and Hayden Wesneski are all potential options to help in the second half. But few front offices have as much urgency at this deadline as Houston’s, and the rotation is where those efforts need to be focused.Miami MarlinsDon’t look now, but Miami was the sport’s hottest team in June, emerging as a threat not just to make the postseason but even to win the NL East. And uncharacteristically for the Marlins, that run has been predicated on the strength of their offense. The rotation behind Max Meyer has left a bit to be desired, with Miami cycling through fifth starters all season. Losing Robby Snelling for the season was a major blow. That leaves an opening for a starter, preferably one that could slot into a playoff rotation should the Marlins get there.Honorable mentions: Orioles, Twins, DiamondbacksBatsAtlanta BravesThe Braves’ offense is slipping, so much so that in the past week their season wRC+ fell below 100 (meaning below league average). That’s surely triggering alarm bells as the Brewers have seized the second-best record in the NL while the Phillies and Marlins gain ground in the NL East. The Braves could still use another starting pitcher, but they’ve rocketed to the top of our offensive urgency ranking.