We hold these truths to be self-evident: That the Cubs can clinch a playoff berth today, and that Cade Horton is superior to Paul Skenes. The Cubs’ magic number stood at two prior to yesterday’s win, which would normally have meant that their win and a loss from one of the teams trailing in the Wild Card standings meant clinching a playoff berth. However, the Diamondbacks and Giants playing each other meant a scenario in which the Cubs, Padres, Dodgers and one of those two NL West teams above could all finish with 87 wins.
Chicago Cubs Lineup (9/17/25): Busch Leads Off, Suzuki Returns, Boyd Starting Clinch Day
