The Chicago Cubs, after a challenging start to their season, are reigniting hopes for a spot in the National League Wild Card race. The team’s fortunes have notably improved, and the optimism among fans has surged following recent developments. Sunday’s results were particularly encouraging: the Cubs not only completed a sweep of the Washington Nationals but also witnessed a dramatic finish as Nick Castellanos delivered a walk-off single against the Atlanta Braves. Despite being behind the Mets in the standings, Cubs supporters have flocked to social media to celebrate the Braves’ defeat.
A popular fan-driven blog, Bleacher Nation, took to Twitter on Sunday night to share their excitement, exclaiming, “Cubs legend, Nick Castellanos! #BravesLose.” They also updated the standings, revealing that the Cubs are now just three games behind in the NL Wild Card race.
On Twitter, Bleacher Nation posted early in the morning, declaring, “Ladies and gentlemen, we have ourselves a race.” This update captured the growing sense of urgency and possibility within the Cubs’ fan base.
Nick Castellanos According to Fangraphs, the Cubs currently hold only a slim 6.7% chance of making the playoffs, with their primary route being through the Wild Card. The Milwaukee Brewers are on the brink of clinching their division, leaving the Cubs with a narrow path to advance. The Brewers have been dominant recently, with a 9-1 record over their last ten games and seven consecutive wins. Their upcoming series against the Pittsburgh Pirates could further narrow the Cubs’ chances.
The Cubs’ chances are also influenced by the performances of the Mets and Braves. The Mets have a home series against the Boston Red Sox, while the Braves are set to face the Colorado Rockies at home. For the Cubs to maintain their momentum, a series sweep might be necessary to keep up with the pace of their rivals.
Since August 16, the Cubs have been one of the league’s most formidable teams, boasting an 11-3 record that has allowed them to close the gap by 1.5 games on both the Braves and Mets. Although their playoff prospects remain uncertain, their upcoming schedule might offer them a chance to make up significant ground. Following their series with the Pirates, the Cubs will host the New York Yankees and travel to Los Angeles to take on the Dodgers. Fortunately, their schedule eases considerably after these challenging matchups.
Looking ahead, the Cubs will play ten consecutive games against the Rockies, Athletics, and Nationals—opponents against whom they could potentially gain substantial ground. After this stretch, they will face the Philadelphia Phillies and conclude the regular season with a series against the Cincinnati Reds, who may be out of contention by then.
To secure a playoff spot, the Cubs must first surpass the Mets. New York’s remaining schedule includes two series against the Phillies and three games against the Braves, followed by a final series with the Brewers. The Mets’ current advantage over the Cubs in their head-to-head matchups means that if the teams end the season tied, the Mets would take the playoff spot.
A significant factor in the Cubs’ recent success has been the performance of rookie Pete Crow-Armstrong. After a challenging stint last year where he struggled and was sent back to the minors, Crow-Armstrong has made a remarkable return. This season, he has contributed with a .237 batting average, 37 RBIs, and 26 stolen bases over 98 games. His energetic and impactful play has been crucial for the Cubs, and continued strong performances from him will be essential if the team is to make a surprising run to the playoffs.
As the season progresses, the Cubs face a formidable challenge but remain hopeful. With a blend of recent strong performances and an advantageous schedule, they have a chance to defy the odds and secure a playoff berth.