MLB Postseason: Cubs and White Sox in the Playoffs

The Major League Baseball season has reached its conclusion, and both the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox have secured spots in the playoffs. This marks only the fourth time in MLB history that both teams have reached the postseason in the same year, following occurrences in 1906, 2008, and 2020.

Cubs’ Journey

The Cubs finished second in the National League Central for the fourth consecutive season. The Milwaukee Brewers clinched their fourth straight division title, leaving the Cubs in the runner-up spot yet again.

Manager Craig Counsell celebrated with his team after securing a playoff berth on Thursday, September 24, 2026. The Cubs concluded the regular season with a record of 89-73. Their final game was a 6-2 victory over the Red Sox.

Postseason Details

The Cubs are set to face the San Diego Padres in a best-of-three wild-card series beginning Tuesday. The team enters the playoffs as the NL’s No. 5 seed. Previously, in the 2025 postseason, the Cubs reached the division series after defeating the Padres but eventually lost to the Brewers.

Historically, the Cubs have made 22 postseason appearances over 150 seasons. Their record includes eight division titles, four wild-card berths, 17 pennants, and three championships (1907, 1908, 2016).

40-40 Feat

Pete Crow-Armstrong made headlines by becoming the seventh player in MLB history to achieve 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a single season. He ended with 45 home runs and 41 stolen bases. This milestone was previously reached by players such as José Canseco (Athletics, 1988), Barry Bonds (Giants, 1996), and others.

White Sox’s Path

The White Sox had an impressive turnaround season, with a record of 84-78. On Sunday, they celebrated a 4-2 victory over the Rockies. Although the Guardians clinched the AL Central and earned a first-round bye, the White Sox secured the AL’s No. 6 seed and will face the Houston Astros in the upcoming wild-card series.

The White Sox’s last postseason appearance was in 2021 as AL Central champions. They have made the playoffs 11 times over 125 seasons, claiming six division titles, one wild-card berth, six pennants, and three championships (1906, 1917, 2005).

Playoff Schedule Overview

National League Wild-card Round

• Series: Best-of-three, all at higher seed
• No. 5 Cubs at No. 4 Padres: Games commence Tuesday at Petco Park, San Diego
• No. 6 Phillies at No. 3 Braves: Games begin Tuesday at Truist Park, Atlanta

American League Wild-card Round

• No. 6 White Sox at No. 3 Astros: Series begins Tuesday at Daikin Park, Houston
• No. 5 Red Sox at No. 4 Yankees: Games start Tuesday at Yankee Stadium, New York

Division series are scheduled from October 3-10, while championship series follow from October 11-20. The highly anticipated World Series will run from October 23-31, maintaining a best-of-seven format.