The Cubs should enjoy their All-Star break, because they will be immediately tested. From a Brewers team that won’t go away to a pressure-packed trade deadline to the playoffs-or-bust expectations, there won’t be many dull moments. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney identify the major storylines that will determine whether this season is a success or a failure.

Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and use code FOUL to get $150 in bonus bets with a $5 bet! #DKPartner

TAP IN to get 20% off Nex Playground, a $50 savings! Play over 45 games including Fruit Ninja, Starri, and Homerun Heroes: Starstrikers!

Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.