Cubs and White Sox Secure Playoff Spots in 2026 MLB Season
The Major League Baseball season has entered its final phase, and both the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox have secured playoff berths. This marks only the fourth occasion in MLB history where both teams have made the postseason simultaneously, previously achieved in 1906, 2008, and 2020.
Cubs
The Cubs will finish second in the National League Central for the fourth straight year. The Milwaukee Brewers have clinched the division title, making it their fourth consecutive win. Cubs manager Craig Counsell celebrated with his team after clinching a spot on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Wrigley Field.
Current Record: 88-73 as of Friday
Friday’s Results: Swept by Red Sox in a doubleheader, losing 4-3 and 2-0
Games Remaining: 1 game against the Red Sox on Sunday in Tampa, Fla.
NL Central: Division won by the Brewers
NL Wild Card: Cubs are 1.5 games behind the Padres for the top spot. They have tiebreakers over the Padres and Phillies.
Their last playoff appearance was in 2025 as the No. 4 seed and top wild card. They defeated the Padres in the wild-card series but lost to the Brewers in the division series. In their history, the Cubs have made 22 postseason appearances in 150 seasons, securing eight division titles, four wild-card spots, 17 pennants, and three championships (1907, 1908, 2016).
40-40 Milestone
Pete Crow-Armstrong achieved the rare feat of 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a season, joining an elite group of players such as José Canseco and Barry Bonds.
White Sox
The White Sox, in a fierce battle with the Cleveland Guardians for the AL Central title, have achieved a stunning turnaround from a series of losing seasons. They have clinched a playoff berth and aim to overtake the Guardians. The White Sox celebrated their postseason entry on September 24, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo.
Current Record: 83-77 as of Friday
Friday’s Result: 6-1 win against the Rockies
Games Remaining: 2 games against the Rockies at home.
AL Central: White Sox trail Guardians by one game and hold the tiebreaker if they finish with the same record.
AL Wild Card: Occupying the No. 3 spot, they can still win the division and shift the Guardians into the wild-card ranks.
Their last playoff appearance was in 2021 as the AL Central champions and No. 3 seed, where they lost to the Astros. In 125 seasons, the White Sox have appeared in the postseason 11 times, winning six division titles and three championships (1906, 1917, and 2005).
Playoff Format
Wild-card round: Best of three series
Division series: Best of five, starts October 3
League Championship Series: Best of seven, starts October 11
World Series: Best of seven, starts October 23
The wild-card round involves the No. 5 seed at No. 4, and No. 6 seed at No. 3, with higher seeds hosting all games. Division series follow a 2-2-1 game format, while the League Championship and World Series use a 2-3-2 layout.