Here’s who the Cubs could play if they reach the MLB playoffs – NBC Sports Chicago

The Chicago Cubs currently have a spot in the playoffs going into the final week of the regular season, but who they could face in the postseason remains up in the air.

Heading into Monday, the Cubs have a one-game lead over the Miami Marlins in the battle for the final wild-card spot in the National League. They also trail the Arizona Diamondbacks by just half a game in the battle for the second wild card spot.

The Cubs trail the Phillies by five games for the top wild-card spot, but would need to pass them since the Phillies hold the tiebreaker between the two clubs, requiring the Cubs to go a perfect 6-0 and the Phillies to go 0-6 in the final week of the campaign.

With that context in mind, here’s the question on everyone’s mind: Who could the Cubs face in the MLB playoffs if they earn a spot?

Here is your answer:

If the Cubs win the division

Let’s get this one out of the way. The Brewers’ magic number to clinch the division stands at just one entry this week, but that means there’s a chance, however small, that the Cubs can still win the Central berth.

If the Brewers lose, and if the Cubs win, the Cubs win the Central, and will host the Wild Card Series at Wrigley Field starting Tuesday, October 3.

In this scenario, the Cubs would almost certainly face the Brewers as the third wild-card team, as Milwaukee has already clinched a playoff berth at this point.

If the Cubs win the wild card

This question broadens the scope a bit. Like we said, the Cubs will likely overtake the Diamondbacks and earn the second wild card spot in the National League. This means they will be on their way to the Wild Card Series, facing the top-seeded Wild Card club, which will most likely be the Phillies.

This series will begin at Citizens Bank Ballpark on October 3.

If the Cubs secure the third wild-card spot, they will face the winner of the lower division, the Milwaukee Brewers, who mathematically cannot catch the Atlanta Braves or Los Angeles Dodgers in the standings.

Both teams will earn a bye in the Division Series, and the Cubs will face the Brewers in Milwaukee starting October 3.

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