Cubs Contemplate Playoff Paths: division Title a Long Shot, Wild Card Within Reach
CHICAGO, IL – With 3 ½ weeks remaining in the regular season, the Chicago Cubs (80-60) are firmly in the playoff conversation, but manager Craig counsell is wisely keeping his team focused on the present. “It’s just not a thing that you think about right now,” Counsell stated recently from Colorado. “There’s enough baseball games left, and it’s a mistake to get ahead of ourselves.”
As of Thursday, no MLB team had officially clinched a postseason berth, leaving a dynamic and unpredictable landscape for the Cubs and their rivals. While a return to the playoffs feels increasingly likely – FanGraphs currently gives them a 99.8% chance – the path remains fluid. The Cubs’ postseason destiny could hinge on winning the NL Central, securing a coveted Wild Card spot, or even falling short of October baseball altogether.
The Uphill Battle for the Central crown
The Milwaukee Brewers currently hold a commanding 5 ½ game lead in the NL Central, boasting the best record in Major League Baseball at 86-55. Despite owning the tiebreaker over Milwaukee thanks to a 7-6 head-to-head record, a Cubs division title would require a meaningful collapse from the Brewers – a scenario considered unlikely. Winning the division guarantees a first-round bye and automatic advancement to the Division Series,a luxury the Central winner is almost certain to enjoy.
Wild Card Contention: wrigley Field Hosting Potential
Currently, the Cubs are positioned to host a Wild Card series at Wrigley Field. Holding a five-game lead over the current cutoff, they are ahead of the New york Mets (75-65) and closely pursued by the San Diego Padres (7
