Cubs Lead NL Wild Card Race Amid Offensive Struggles

The Chicago Cubs are vying for a spot in the MLB playoffs for the first time since 2020, currently holding a strong lead in the National League wild card race with an eight-game advantage over the San Francisco Giants and a magic number of 11 to clinch a postseason berth. The MLB playoff format has expanded, allowing three wild card teams to enter, with the Cubs aiming to secure the top wild card spot, which grants home-field advantage in the first round. Despite offensive struggles highlighted by a recent 4-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves, the Cubs possess the talent and potential to regain consistency needed for a playoff push. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers lead the NL Central by 7.5 games over Chicago and hold the best MLB record, positioning themselves as strong contenders with a solid roster and a chance to break franchise win records. The Brewers' success, despite losing key players, underscores the challenge the Cubs face in postseason play, as they seek to overcome a dominant division rival to advance in October.