Cubs and White Sox Pursue Playoff Spots as MLB Season Nears End

Cubs and White Sox: Playoff Push

The MLB season is wrapping up, with the Cubs and White Sox battling for postseason spots. Here’s a look at their progress.

The Cubs’ Race

The Cubs have secured a second-place finish in the National League Central, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers who won the division for the fourth consecutive year.

Record: 87-69

Magic number for wild-card spot: 1

Last result: Defeated the Cincinnati Reds 9-1 on Sunday.

Games remaining: 6

NL Wild Card: Cubs are half a game ahead of the Padres and one game ahead of the Phillies for the top wild card spot.

The Cubs hold the tiebreakers against all competitors. They made their last playoff appearance in 2025, exiting after the division series against the Brewers. Historically, the Cubs have reached the postseason 22 times, claiming eight division titles, 17 pennants, and three championships.

White Sox’s Challenge

The White Sox are fiercely competing with the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central. They aim to turn around their recent losing seasons to clinch the division.

Record: 79-76

Magic number for wild-card spot: 5

Last result: Won 3-1 against the Detroit Tigers on Saturday.

Games remaining: 7

AL Central Standings: One game behind the Guardians. The Sox hold the tiebreaker if they finish with the same record as the Guardians.

AL Wild Card: Currently hold the No. 3 spot, with tiebreakers against the Blue Jays but not against the Astros.

In 2021, the Sox appeared in the postseason as AL Central champions. They have reached the playoffs 11 times, securing six division titles, six pennants, and three championships.

MLB Playoff Format

The playoff format includes wild-card, division, league championship, and World Series rounds.

• Wild-card round: Best of three, all games at higher seed.
• Division series: Best of five, 2-2-1 format.
• League Championship Series: Best of seven, 2-3-2 format.
• World Series: Best of seven, 2-3-2 format.