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Chicago Cubs Magic Number
Elimination number: 19 — any combination of Chicago Cubs losses and Milwaukee Brewers wins totaling that number ends the division race. The Wild Card stays alive independently.
NL Central Race
| Team | W | L | PCT | GB | L10 | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Brewers | 85 | 51 | .625 | - | 7-3 | W4 |
| Chicago Cubs | 77 | 59 | .566 | 8.0 | 4-6 | W1 |
| St. Louis Cardinals | 68 | 69 | .496 | 17.5 | 3-7 | L1 |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 66 | 71 | .482 | 19.5 | 5-5 | W1 |
| Cincinnati Reds | 64 | 72 | .471 | 21.0 | 4-6 | L1 |
National League Wild Card Race
| Team | W | L | PCT | WCGB | L10 | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Cubs | 77 | 59 | .566 | +5.0 | 4-6 | W1 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | 76 | 60 | .559 | +4.0 | 8-2 | W3 |
| San Diego Padres | 72 | 64 | .529 | - | 5-5 | L2 |
| Arizona Diamondbacks | 73 | 65 | .529 | - | 6-4 | L1 |
| Miami Marlins | 69 | 68 | .504 | 3.5 | 5-5 | W1 |
| St. Louis Cardinals | 68 | 69 | .496 | 4.5 | 3-7 | L1 |
Top 3 Wild Cards reach the postseason.
What Is a Magic Number?
A magic number is how close a division leader is to making the race mathematically over: 163 minus the leader's wins minus the second-place team's losses. Every leader win takes one off; so does every pursuer loss — which is why September scoreboard-watching counts both. When it hits zero, the division is clinched, no math left. Teams that trail don't have a magic number; they have the mirror image, an elimination number, counting down to the day the leader's lead becomes unbeatable.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Updated August 30, 2026 3:56 PM CT. Standings refresh hourly.