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MLB
Chicago Cubs
89-73 ·2nd in NL Central ·W1
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Chicago Cubs Magic Number
Postseason Status
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The Chicago Cubs have clinched a postseason berth at 89-73. The NL Central race continues below.
NL Central Race
| Team | W | L | PCT | GB | L10 | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| z - Milwaukee Brewers | 103 | 59 | .636 | - | 8-2 | W5 |
| w - Chicago Cubs | 89 | 73 | .549 | 14.0 | 5-5 | W1 |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 82 | 80 | .506 | 21.0 | 7-3 | W1 |
| St. Louis Cardinals | 77 | 85 | .475 | 26.0 | 2-8 | L4 |
| Cincinnati Reds | 75 | 87 | .463 | 28.0 | 4-6 | L1 |
National League Wild Card Race
| Team | W | L | PCT | WCGB | L10 | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| w - San Diego Padres | 91 | 71 | .562 | +3.0 | 8-2 | W2 |
| w - Chicago Cubs | 89 | 73 | .549 | +1.0 | 5-5 | W1 |
| w - Philadelphia Phillies | 88 | 74 | .543 | - | 4-6 | W1 |
| Arizona Diamondbacks | 86 | 76 | .531 | 2.0 | 6-4 | L2 |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 82 | 80 | .506 | 6.0 | 7-3 | W1 |
| Miami Marlins | 80 | 82 | .494 | 8.0 | 5-5 | W1 |
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
What is the Chicago Cubs magic number?
The Chicago Cubs trail in the NL Central, so their live magic number is the Wild Card one: 0 — any combination of Chicago Cubs wins and Arizona Diamondbacks losses totaling 0 clinches a playoff spot.
What is the Chicago Cubs magic number to clinch a playoff spot?
Chicago Cubs currently hold a Wild Card spot. Their magic number to clinch one is 0 — any combination of Chicago Cubs wins and Arizona Diamondbacks losses totalling 0 secures it. This is separate from the division magic number.
How is a magic number calculated?
For a 162-game MLB season: 163 minus the division leader's wins minus the second-place team's losses. Each leader win or pursuer loss reduces it by one; at zero, the division is clinched.
More Chicago Cubs: Standings · Game Today · Schedule · Latest News
Updated October 19, 2026 9:45 AM CT. Standings refresh hourly.