Chicago Clubs Clinch Postseason Berths During Final Weekend of MLB Regular Season

The Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs clinched playoff spots on Thursday, marking the first time both franchises secured berths on the same day.

Entering the final three days of the 2026 regular season, the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs have both clinched playoff berths. According to ESPN Research, Thursday marked the first time in history both clubs secured postseason spots on the same day. During the clincher, Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong became the seventh member of the 40/40 club. He currently leads the National League home run race with 45, tied with Kyle Schwarber, and has 107 RBIs.

In the American League Central, the Cleveland Guardians (83-76) hold a one-game lead over the White Sox (82-77). While Cleveland won six straight before a 1-0 loss on Wednesday, the White Sox hold the tiebreaker. Chicago will start Sean Burke, Davis Martin, and Anthony Kay against the Rockies this weekend. Cleveland’s rotation features Gavin Williams on Friday and Tanner Bibee on Saturday, with Parker Messick available Sunday. The division winner earns the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye.

The AL West title remains undecided between the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros, both sitting at 79-80. Houston holds the tiebreaker. Texas will start Jacob deGrom and MacKenzie Gore this weekend, while Houston counters with Hayden Wesneski and Hunter Brown. The Milwaukee Brewers (100-59) have already secured the NL’s No. 1 seed, while the Los Angeles Dodgers (97-62) locked in the No. 2 seed and a bye.

Individual milestones include Justin Verlander’s final career start Saturday at Comerica Park. Verlander enters the outing with 266 wins and 3,554 strikeouts. Max Scherzer, who has 3,550 strikeouts, may start Sunday for Toronto on short rest. Additionally, Colston Montgomery tied the single-season strikeout record of 223 on Thursday. In the MVP race, Yordan Alvarez leads the AL with a .315 average and 151 estimated runs created, while Luis Arraez leads the NL batting race at .310.