The Chicago Cubs are extremely close to clinching a spot in the 2026 MLB Playoffs. Here's how they can get across the finish line.

The Chicago Cubs had a fantastic opportunity to clinch a playoff spot Tuesday night against the Miami Marlins, but lost in 12 innings.

The Chicago Cubs find themselves in a Wild Card race that they didn’t envision being in a few weeks back. The way things were going, the Cubs appeared destined to host a Wild Card series in the National League for the playoffs.

On Thursday afternoon, the Tampa Bay Rays announced a notable roster move on a player who formerly played for the Chicago Cubs. Speaking to the Rays, in order to make room for Taylor Walls on their roster,

Visit ESPN for Chicago Cubs live scores, video highlights, and latest news. Find standings and the full 2026 season schedule.

The Chicago Cubs enter the final stretch of the regular season with their eyes on October and a lineup that now puts one of baseball’s most dynamic players at the top of the order.

If the season ended today, before games of Sept. 22, the Major League Baseball playoffs would look eerily similar to last year for Milwaukee.

A storm of that magnitude could significantly disrupt the final weekend at Fenway Park, and officials with the Red Sox, Cubs and MLB have already begun discussing possible contingency plans if any games can’t be played at their scheduled times.