The New York Yankees released two-time MLB batting champion DJ LeMahieu, ending his seven-year tenure with the team, they announced Thursday.

The Chicago Cubs (55-38) and New York Yankees (52-41) begin a 3-game series Friday. First pitch from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx is set for 7:05 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Cubs vs. Yankees odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

As the Yankees are expected to be buyers, one team potentially looking to sell at the deadline would make an excellent trade partner for New York. Multiple MLB insiders, including ESPN's Jeff Passan, MLB Network's Jon Morosi and MLB.com's Bryan Hoch have linked the Yankees with a potential swoop for a pair of Arizona Diamondbacks standouts.

Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees moved into second in jersey sales behind Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is aiming to be busy ahead of the MLB trade deadline but tried to temper expectations in terms of what might happen.

Former Northeastern player Cam Schlittler was born in Massachusetts but said he always wanted to play for the New York Yankees.

The New York Yankees could look to swing some huge trades this year. They might have to cut ties with their top prospect to land the players they want.

If the Yankees wanted a cheaper option and didn't want to invest future money into someone, Suarez should be the target. Recently, general manager Brian Cashman shared his plans for the trade deadline, and it looked like he was looking to acquire a starting pitcher.