The Chicago Cubs are currently in a tight race for the third wild card spot between the Miami Marlins and the division rival Cincinnati Reds.

 The Cubs currently are tied with the Marlins for the third wild card spot with both teams having a record of 82-76 and the Reds lurking behind being 1.5 games back of the two teams with a record of 81-78.

Looking at all three teams remaining schedules, the odds are definitely against Cubs considering their current series against the Braves is not going well losing two heartbreaking losses in back-to-back days and having one more game in Atlanta on Thursday and starting a series right after with the NL Central champion Milwaukee Brewers in Milwaukee.

For the Marlins, their schedule is way easier for them splitting a double header Wednesday night against the Mets in New York and then traveling to Pittsburgh after Thursdays game to play 3 games against the Pirates to end the season.

The Reds will need some luck to sneak into the playoffs after splitting a two-game series with the Guardians in Cleveland and the traveling to St. Louis to play 3 games against the Cardinals to finish the year.

With the way the Cubs are playing and not being able to close out games against the All-Star filled Braves lineup, things are not looking promising for the North Siders considering their tough schedule coming up and the bullpen struggles.

As of October 5, 2023, the Chicago Cubs failed to secure the wild card after being swept by the Braves in Atlanta and losing two of three in Milwaukee. The Reds also did not make the playoffs finishing 2 games back. The Marlins on the other hand did make the playoffs and even jumped the Diamondbacks finishing with the second wild card spot after winning two games of three in New York against the Mets and winning two of three in Pittsburgh to secure their bid into the Playoffs. Unfortunately, the Marlins didn’t last long in the playoffs being swept by the Phillies in Philly.