BREAKING: The Cincinnati Reds have surged into a tie with the New York Mets for the National League’s third and final wild-card playoff spot following a dramatic 3-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers and the Mets’ 6-2 loss to the Miami Marlins on September 30, 2023. This pivotal development marks the Reds’ first chance for a playoff berth since the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
This outcome is significant for both teams: the Reds are aiming to break a decade-long playoff drought while the high-spending Mets, with a staggering $322.6 million payroll, face the possibility of missing the postseason entirely. The Reds now hold the head-to-head tiebreaker against the Mets, intensifying the stakes as the regular season nears its conclusion.
Gavin Lux, the Reds’ left fielder, expressed the team’s focus, stating, “Obviously, I think we can start to feel it a little bit, but at the same time, we’ve got to take care of business.” His determination reflects the urgency felt throughout the Reds’ clubhouse as they prepare for their next critical games.
Despite struggling with a 15-18 record over their last 33 games, the Reds have capitalized on the Mets’ recent slump, where they have lost 16 of their last 25 games. Once atop the league with a record of 45-24 on June 12, the Mets have dramatically faltered, going 37-54 since.
“We’ve put ourselves in this position,” said Mets manager Carlos Mendoza after Friday’s loss. “Here we are. We’ve got to come back tomorrow and the next day now. We’ve got to win the next two and see what happens.”
The Reds (currently 82-78) are not just aiming for a playoff spot; they are desperate to clinch a postseason victory for the first time since 2012 and to win a playoff series for the first time since 1995. The emotional weight of this moment is palpable, as they look to break a 13-series losing streak against the Brewers. Ending this streak could be the key to their postseason aspirations.
Manager Terry Francona, who has a rich history of postseason success, shared the excitement and tension, admitting, “This is as exciting as it gets. To not admit that you’re nervous, I think that would be wrong. I’m nervous as hell.”
The Reds’ path to the postseason is fraught with challenges, but a victory over the Brewers—who have historically been a tough opponent—could catapult them into the playoffs. Reds reliever Tony Santillan noted, “It’d be kind of the perfect time to do it. Season on the line, beat them, win against them and advance to the postseason by beating them. I feel like it’s been a while.”
As the final days of the regular season approach, all eyes will be on Cincinnati and New York. The excitement and tension are building, with fans eager to see which team will secure their place in the playoffs. The stakes could not be higher, making every game a must-watch.