The MLB trade deadline has finally arrived, and there’s been a flurry of activity leading up to the final hour.

M ILWAUKEE -- In the midst of a heavyweight battle for first place in the National League Central, the Chicago Cubs are still scouring the landscape for help before Thursday's MLB trade deadline. On their wish list: two starters, a reliever, a potential upgrade at third base and perhaps a backup center fielder.

With the trade deadline approaching, are the Chicago Cubs primed to make a major acquisition for a front-line starting pitcher?

The Chicago Cubs have acquired veteran utility player Willi Castro from the Minnesota Twins, multiple media outlets reported on Thursday afternoon ahead of the trade deadline.

Castro, who gives Cubs versatility on their bench, is the fifth player traded by the Twins in the hours before the deadline.

Milwaukee leads Chicago by one game in the NL Central. The teams meet once more this season, a five-game series at Chicago from Aug. 18-21.