Chicago Cubs and White Sox Remain in Playoff Hunt
Both Chicago baseball teams are battling for postseason berths as the regular season reaches its final stages.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Baseball
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The Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox are currently positioned in playoff contention. The Milwaukee Brewers have already clinched the National League Central division title.
Why it matters
Securing a postseason berth remains critical for both Chicago franchises as they navigate the final weeks of the regular season. Each team holds essential tiebreakers that could decide their fates in tight races.
The Cubs hold an 85-69 record with a wild-card magic number of 3, while the White Sox sit at 78-76 with a division magic number of 9. Pete Crow-Armstrong has recorded 44 home runs and 37 stolen bases this season.
The players
Chicago Cubs
This professional baseball team is based in Chicago and competes in the National League Central.
Chicago White Sox
This professional baseball team is based in Chicago and competes in the American League Central.
Milwaukee Brewers
This professional baseball team represents Milwaukee and has secured the National League Central division title.
Cleveland Guardians
This professional baseball team is based in Cleveland and currently leads the White Sox by one game.
Pete Crow-Armstrong
He is a professional baseball player who has achieved 44 home runs and 37 stolen bases this season.
The details
The Cubs own the necessary tiebreakers over the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres to secure a spot, while the White Sox hold a tiebreaker over the Cleveland Guardians. With eight games remaining for both clubs, the White Sox currently trail the Guardians by one game for the division lead.
Timeline
September 18, 2026, was the date data was last updated.
September 29-October 1, 2026, marks the wild-card playoff round.
October 3-10, 2026, are the dates for the division series playoffs.
October 11-20, 2026, will host the League Championship Series.
October 23-31, 2026, is the window for the World Series.
Season Trajectory
The postseason race in Chicago directly determines which teams will move into the 2026 Major League Baseball postseason qualification structure. These results will finalize the playoff bracket and dictate the competitive landscape heading into October.
The Cubs maintain a wild-card magic number of 3 with eight games remaining, meaning they control their own path to a berth. The White Sox remain within one game of the division lead, ensuring their final eight matchups will determine their standing against the Cleveland Guardians.
The takeaway
The race for the postseason remains intense as both Chicago teams rely on their existing tiebreakers to stay ahead of direct rivals. Fans should monitor the remaining eight games closely, as these outcomes will finalize the playoff picture for both clubs.
Further reading
For more updates on the local baseball season, visit the Chicago Baseball section.
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