The Chicago Cubs are trying to make the MLB playoffs for the first time since 2020, and the NL wild card race is coming into focus.

As things stand, the Cubs still have a strong lead over the San Francisco Giants as they try to secure one of the three wild card spots in the league, and they still lead the San Diego Padres in the race for the top wild card spot, which comes with home-field advantage in the first round of the postseason.

Since the playoff format has changed since the Cubs last made the postseason, how does it all work, and if the season ended today, who could Chicago face in October?

Here’s what you need to know.

National League Central Standings:

Milwaukee – 89-56

Chicago Cubs – 81-63 (7.5 GB)

Cincinnati – 72-72 (16.5 GB)

St. Louis – 72-73 (17 GB)

National League W

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