Cubs, White Sox make neat history with postseason berths

Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Cubs, White Sox make neat history with postseason berths

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Sep 24, 2026 5:39 PM ET

Prior to the 2026 season, there had only been three instances (1906, 2008, 2020) of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox making the playoffs in the same season.

The 2026 season can now be added to that short list, as not only have the two Chicago teams clinched a spot in the postseason, but they made history in doing so.

Cubs and White Sox clinched on the same day

With both the Cubs and White Sox winning their respective games on Thursday, each team clinched their spot in the postseason. It is the first time in Chicago history that the two teams have clinched on the same day.

For the Cubs, they are headed back to the postseason for a second consecutive season. The White Sox, on the other hand, will be making their first postseason appearance since 2021 and just their third since 2009.

Hey, Chicago, what do you say?

The Cubs have got more games to play @Cubs are officially #CLINCHED and Postseason-bound!

(MLB x @BudweiserUSA) pic.twitter.com/K4S1ujTGDN
— MLB (@MLB) September 24, 2026

SOUTH SIDE STAND UP!

The @WhiteSox have #CLINCHED a spot in the Postseason!

(MLB x @BudweiserUSA) pic.twitter.com/npKXVzQzs0
— MLB (@MLB) September 24, 2026

Which Chicago team can make a deeper run?

Both of the Chicago teams will be playing in a wild-card series. The White Sox will likely play the winner of the American League West, while the Cubs opponent may not be determined until the final day of the regular season.

There is no denying that the American League is the much easier league this season, and with the way the brackets line up, the White Sox are catching a major break.

They won't have to face any of three AL East postseason teams until the ALCS if they were to advance that far. Meanwhile, the Cubs would play their wild-card series against the 88-win Padres if the season ended today.

Solely based on strength of schedule in the postseason, it's safe to say the White Sox have a legit chance to advance to the ALCS for the first time since their World Series championship in 2005.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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