John McDonnell/AP Photos
The Cubs enter September in a different position than last year. Last year, on Sept. 2, the Cubs had a 59.5% chance of clinching a wild-card spot and a 69.9% chance of making the playoffs, according to FanGraphs. The Cubs then went 12-16 in September and choked away a chance at the playoffs. Instead of peaking, the club was descending.
This year, the Cubs are entering September healthy and playing their best ball of the season, coming off an 18-8 August with a plus-46 run differential.