Wild Card Race
Cubs Loss Creates Three-Team National League Wild Card Tie After Extra Innings
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Rafe Perich maintained a 133 wRC+ after cooling from 164, while improving his contact skills: his strikeout rate fell to 17.1% and his whiff rate to 21.9%.
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Josh Knoth’s second half was complicated by his recovery from Tommy John surgery and a late start to the year; the reviewer said Knoth could still deliver on the recommendation next season, when he is expected to begin at Double-A.
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In the Cubs’ loss, Matt Shaw popped out on a bunt attempt in the 10th inning after making two poor-looking attempts at the pitch; the article noted that a successful bunt might have set up an Ian Happ sacrifice fly, though that outcome was not certain.
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The surgery that became known as Tommy John surgery involved Dr. Frank Jobe transplanting a tendon from John’s right wrist to his left elbow in 1974; the procedure helped John win 164 additional games.
The Chicago Cubs' 12-inning loss to the Miami Marlins on Tuesday left them tied with the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres for the three National League wild-card spots, all three teams sitting at 87-70 records. Bleacher Nation reported that Chicago went 1-for-18 with runners in scoring position and squandered multiple chances to walk off, including a failed bunt attempt by Matt Shaw in the 10th inning that could have set up a go-ahead play.
The loss highlighted the Cubs' late-season struggles with clutch hitting as they enter the final stretch of the regular season. Meanwhile, a year-end prospect review showed mixed results from 2026 recommendations, with some young players like Rafe Perich improving their contact skills despite cooling production numbers.
Cubs Squander Chance in 10th, Collapse in 12th
In the 10th inning with the score tied, Cubs infielder Matt Shaw made two poor bunt attempts before popping out on a high pitch. Bleacher Nation noted that a successful bunt might have set up an Ian Happ sacrifice fly, though that outcome was not certain. The missed opportunity proved costly when Miami's bullpen gave up nothing more, and the game went to extra innings.
The Marlins broke through in the 12th, scoring six runs to put away the Cubs 8-2. Chicago's bullpen burned through seven pitchers in the loss, raising concerns about depth heading into the final games. Manager Craig Counsell kept his assessment simple: Bleacher Nation reported he said, 'We needed a hit, and we didn't get a hit.'
Three-Way Tie Sets Up Dramatic Final Week
All three wild-card contenders now hold identical 87-70 records with five games left in the regular season. The Cubs, Phillies, and Padres will battle down the stretch with tiebreaker rules — head-to-head records and intradivision performance — determining final seeding and home-field advantage. Chicago's loss came after the Phillies won and the Padres lost, giving each team a chance to gain ground.
The tight race means every remaining game carries massive weight. The Cubs still have time to escape the three-team knot, but their poor hitting with runners in scoring position has become a major liability. One win or loss could determine whether Chicago hosts or travels for the wild-card round.
Perich Cools but Shows Skill Improvements
Prospect Rafe Perich's second half saw his wRC+ drop from 164 to 133, according to Prospects Live's year-end report card. Despite the lower offensive output, Perich made real progress on the mechanical side that matters for long-term success. His strikeout rate fell to 17.1% and his whiff rate dropped to 21.9%, showing he is making better decisions at the plate.
Analysts remain optimistic that Perich's improved contact skills will translate into bigger offensive numbers going forward. Prospects Live graded the recommendation as mixed but promising, with the foundation in place for a breakout season. The focus on discipline over raw power suggests a maturing approach to hitting.
Knoth's Surgery Recovery Extends Into Next Season
Josh Knoth's second half was complicated by his recovery from Tommy John surgery, which delayed his 2026 debut. Prospects Live noted that despite the setback, Knoth could still deliver on his original recommendation next season when he is expected to begin at Double-A. Pitch quality remains elite, even as workload restrictions limit his availability now.
The historic Tommy John surgery dates back to 1974, when Dr. Frank Jobe transplanted a tendon from pitcher Tommy John's right wrist to his left elbow. AP News reported that John went on to win 164 additional games after the groundbreaking procedure. Knoth's recovery follows the same pathway that has extended many modern pitchers' careers.
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