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For the second consecutive season, the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs will face off in an NL Wild Card series.
The Cubs prevailed in last year's best-of-three, which saw runs at a premium at Wrigley Field with no more than four total runs scored in any of the three games. The 2026 series will be at Petco Park, a generally pitcher-friendly venue that should ensure another set of tight matchups.
The Padres have a veteran squad and are in the postseason for the fourth time in five years, though they have experienced diminishing returns with each appearance. Offense was a major issue for San Diego in this series last fall, with Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado going a combined 2 for 22 at the plate. Perhaps the addition of Ty France, who has been outstanding in his return to the Padres (.863 OPS, 21 HR), and maturation of Jackson Merrill (26 HR, 27 SB) will make a difference.
Speaking of young stars, likely NL MVP Pete Crow-Armstrong enters this series as the unquestioned centerpiece of the Cubs' lineup after making his postseason debut against San Diego in 2025. The 24-year-old has posted outrageous numbers, leading the majors with 9.8 WAR, 45 homers and 119 runs scored with an NL-best .941 OPS. Oh, and 41 stolen bases.
The biggest question for the Cubs might be the effectiveness of Alex Bregman, who suffered facial fractures when he was hit by a foul ball Sept. 20 but returned to the lineup five days later.
It should be a fascinating series in San Diego. Here's when and where to watch every game.
Padres vs. Cubs schedule
The best-of-three series between the Padres and Cubs will be played entirely at Petco Park in San Diego, California.
| Tue., Sept. 29 | Game 1: Padres vs. Cubs | 10 p.m. | NBCSN, fubo, Peacock |
| Wed., Sept. 30 | Game 2: Padres vs. Cubs | 10 p.m. | NBCSN, fubo, Peacock |
| Thu., Oct. 1 | Game 3*: Padres vs. Cubs | 10 p.m. | NBCSN, fubo, Peacock |
* If necessary
Where to watch Padres vs. Cubs
This year's Wild Card series will air on NBC platforms, with every Padres-Cubs game set for broadcast on NBCSN and Peacock. All games can also be streamed live on and fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
MLB postseason schedule 2026
| Tue., Sept. 29 | Wild Card series begin |
| Sat., Oct. 3 | Division Series begin |
| Sun., Oct. 11 | NLCS begins |
| Mon., Oct. 12 | ALCS begins |
| Fri., Oct. 23 | World Series begins |
English (US)