Cubs Magic Number Shrinks as Fight for NL Wild Card

The Chicago Cubs have clinched their first playoff appearance in five years. But their battle for postseason positioning isn’t over yet.

They’re eyeing the No. 4 seed in the National League Wild Card race. That home-field advantage feels more like a moving target lately, especially with a recent slump stirring up concern.

After dropping three straight games to the surging Cincinnati Reds, the Cubs have let other contenders creep closer. Now, with just seven games left, the pressure’s on.

Cubs Clinch Playoff Spot but Struggle for Wild Card Seeding

At 88-67, the Cubs punched their ticket to the 2024 postseason. Still, their current form has fans feeling uneasy.

That three-game skid against the Reds didn’t cost them a playoff spot, but it’s put their quest for the fourth seed in jeopardy. Heading into Saturday, Chicago’s magic number to lock up home-field advantage for the Wild Card round stood at four.

The Reds, hungry for the last Wild Card spot, have jumped on Chicago’s struggles. Even with Michael Busch’s 30th home run of the season on Saturday, the Cubs lost 6-3 to Cincinnati.

Another missed chance, another bit of ground lost.

Race Heats Up in the National League

Chicago’s main rival for seeding is the San Diego Padres, who trail by four games. San Diego kept their hopes alive by beating the Chicago White Sox 7-3, turning up the heat on the Cubs from afar.

The New York Mets, clinging to their own playoff hopes, stumbled against the Nationals. That stumble kept the Reds just a game out of the final Wild Card slot.

Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers have all but locked up the NL Central. They hold a seven-game lead over Chicago, needing just one more win or Cubs loss to clinch the division mathematically.

Remaining Schedule Could Be Decisive

The Cubs’ next seven games will shape their postseason road. Here’s what’s left:

• One last road game in Cincinnati against the Reds.
• Three home games versus the New York Mets.
• Three home games against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Finishing at Wrigley Field should, in theory, give the Cubs an edge. But nothing’s ever that simple in baseball.

The Mets are desperate for wins. The Cardinals, well, they’d love to play spoiler and mess with Chicago’s momentum.

Home-Field Advantage: More Than Just a Comfort

In the playoffs, home-field advantage means more than just sleeping in your own bed. The Cubs get to feed off that Wrigley crowd, set up pitching matchups for their quirky ballpark, and avoid going into hostile territory for a do-or-die game.

If they want to chase the magic of their historic 2016 World Series run, starting October at home could really matter.

What’s at Stake for Chicago

The playoff spot is in the bag, but the Cubs have a few things left on their checklist:

• Lock down the No. 4 seed in the National League Wild Card standings.
• Secure home-field advantage for the opening playoff round.
• Build some momentum heading into October—nobody wants to limp into the playoffs.

Cubs fans know too well—October baseball doesn’t forgive. A cold finish can be costly, and the difference between playing at Wrigley or on the road in a win-or-go-home game might decide how long this season lasts.

Final Push Toward October

The next week will test the Cubs’ resilience. They’ll need to rebound from adversity, and fast.

The Reds are clawing at the playoff door. The Padres just won’t go away, and the Mets are looming on the schedule.

Chicago can’t take its foot off the gas. If they tighten up their play and keep the offense rolling behind sluggers like Michael Busch, the Cubs could lock in the seed they need.

That could set them up for a deep postseason run—maybe even something special, if things break right.

For fans on the North Side, the message is pretty clear. The playoffs might already be within reach, but the fight for home-field advantage is just getting started.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Cubs Magic Number As They Struggle To LockDown Top NL Wild Card Seed Down Stretch