What Is the Cubs' Magic Number, and How Can They Clinch a Playoff Spot Wednesday?

Marlins vs. Cubs MLB picks: No excuse for motivated Cubbies to lose Wednesday

The Cubs are now in a three-way tie for the NL's top wild-card spot

Chicago Cubs Magic Number Update: Clinching Scenarios After Bad Marlins Loss

The Chicago Cubs are battling for a playoff spot. Discover their chances and what they need to secure a Wild Card position.

What is the Cubs' magic number, and how can they clinch a playoff spot Wednesday?

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 22: Fans are seen in the grandstand during the eleventh inning of a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field on September 22, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Isaac Wasserman/Getty Images)

Cubs try again to clinch playoff spot vs. visiting Marlins

(Photo credit: Sam Navarro)The Chicago Cubs will have their second chance to clinch a playoff spot on Wednesday when they host the Miami Marlins for the second of their three-game set.Manager Craig Counsell's team will need to recover quickly from an 8-2 loss in 12 innings to the Marlins (77-80) on Tuesday. The Cubs (87-70) had opportunities to secure a National League wild-card spot but went just 1-for-1

Cubs collapse in 12th, magic number remains at one

CHICAGO - The Chicago Cubs (87-70) certainly don't make things easy for themselves, and Tuesday night was no exception to that.