As we step into September, the National League playoff scene has a new and unexpected contender.

The Chicago Cubs are showing that, apart from their rivals from across town, it’s not too late to make a significant push.

As the hottest team in baseball, the Cubs just wrapped up an impressive 8-1 stint on the road and are riding a season-high six-game winning streak into the week, marking a remarkable climb of six places in YSL News Sports’ power rankings.

Since July 31, Chicago has racked up a record of 20-8 and is 32-18 over their last 50 games, coming within three games of the last NL wild-card spot. Their recent success has been fueled by an offense that has transformed from sluggish to explosive, scoring 99 runs in their last 10 games, which places them at the top of the majors in batting average and OPS during that stretch.

“It’s like we’re living two different seasons, right?” remarks shortstop Dansby Swanson, who was hitting just .201 on July 9 but has rebounded to .293 (46 for 157) in the subsequent 45 games. “You all were telling us we were terrible and couldn’t find ways to score, but now the pressure feels completely different.

“Currently, everyone is playing freely and confidently, whether it’s themselves or someone waiting on deck or at the plate.”

Although the Cubs still need to surpass the New York Mets and Swanson’s previous team, the Atlanta Braves, they have a favorable schedule ahead: only nine of their last 25 contests are against teams with winning records.

Here’s a summary of our latest rankings:

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (-)

• Clayton Kershaw’s toe injury may result in an early end to his season following just eight starts.

➤ ARE THE DODGERS WORRIED ABOUT OCTOBER? The Dodgers might be facing the same postseason challenges again.

2. Philadelphia Phillies (+3)

• Zack Wheeler has been pivotal; his 2.63 ERA would mark a personal best for his career.

3. Milwaukee Brewers (-)

• Brice Turang becomes the first player on the team to achieve 40 steals since Jonathan Villar had 62 in 2016.

4. New York Yankees (-2)

• Anthony Rizzo has returned, but Jasson Dominguez is still absent, despite September roster expansion.

5. Baltimore Orioles (-1)

• Zach Eflin returns from the injured list and delivers a stellar performance at Coors Field, keeping the team at .500 on their road trip.

6. Cleveland Guardians (-)

• Can they please avoid doubleheaders? They stand at 1-17 in such games since the start of 2023.

7. Arizona Diamondbacks (+1)

• Missed the opportunity to gain ground on the Dodgers but remain neck and neck in the race for the top wild card spot.

8. San Diego Padres (+2)

• Another week, another update on Jackson Merrill: His 79 RBIs have already matched the rookie record set by Benito Santiago.

9. Minnesota Twins (-2)

• Royce Lewis has finally homered for the first time since August 12.

10. Houston Astros (+1)

• Now with a perfect 6-0 record when Yusei Kikuchi takes the mound.

11. Atlanta Braves (+1)

• John Brebbia and former player Tyler Matzek add depth to the roster as they prepare for potential playoff action.

12. Kansas City Royals (-3)

• A dramatic ride: After winning three against Cleveland, they climbed to first but quickly lost five and fell into a tie for the second wild card.

13. New York Mets (-)

• Sean Manaea has completed seven innings in five of his last seven outings.

14. Chicago Cubs (+6)

• Pete Crow-Armstrong is on a roll, hitting .341 (30 for 88) with four home runs in his last 26 games.

15. Seattle Mariners (-)

• Fifteenth spot seems to have become their regular place in these rankings.

16. Boston Red Sox (-2)

• August wasn’t their best month for planning a getaway – they ended 13-15.

17. Detroit Tigers (+3)

• With a 70-68 record, they have a genuine opportunity to achieve their first winning season since 2016.

18. St. Louis Cardinals (-)

• Jordan Walker has returned, recently enjoying a five-hit game at Yankee Stadium.

19. San Francisco Giants (-2)

• The era of Thairo Estrada seems to be coming to an end.

20. Tampa Bay Rays (-4)

• What’s the to-do list for them this winter? They’re struggling at 11-19 against AL East rivals.

21. Toronto Blue Jays (+1)

• No one expected they would be in a position to break even this season.

22. Cincinnati Reds (-)

• They currently hold the 22nd-best record but somehow possess a positive run differential of +11.

23. Texas Rangers (+1)

• Jacob deGrom is striking out hitters during his rehab appearances.

24. Pittsburgh Pirates (-)

• Oneil Cruz might be trying his hand at center field – why not give it a shot?

25. Washington Nationals (-)

• Dylan Crews is showcasing all his skills

26. Oakland Athletics (-)

• • • Lawrence Butler Jr. has hit six home runs in just five games.

27. Los Angeles Angels (-)

• • • Caden Dana made a two-run debut in six innings.

28. Miami Marlins (-)

• • • Griffin Conine, yes, the son of Mr. Marlin, has achieved six hits in his first 19 at-bats.

29. Colorado Rockies (-)

• • • Outfielder Hunter Goodman is back with the team as rosters expand in September.

30. Chicago White Sox (-)

• • The record of 31-107 pretty much says it all, doesn’t it?