Cincinnati Reds: Three potential neutral sites for postseason baseball

Marlins Park, Miami Marlins

Who wouldn’t want to make a trip to Miami in November? Though the Cincinnati Reds may no longer travel to the state of Florida for spring training, Marlins Park could be a great destination for playoff baseball should the Redlegs make the postseason in 2020. One thing is for sure – the Marlins won’t need it.

While not nearly as close as Milwaukee (392) or Atlanta (460 miles), Miami offers some things that few other venues would. First and foremost, it’s a virtual certainty that the Miami Marlins will not make the postseason. Derek Jeter and company are in the midst of a rebuild and the likelihood of the Marlins making the postseason virtually nil.

Second, it’s an enclosed ballpark. Opened in 2012, Marlins Park has a retractable roof with seating for up to 37,000 fans. Current Reds starter Anthony DeSclafani got his start in the Marlins organization, playing 13 games in 2014 before being dealt to the Cincinnati Reds. Disco, however, hasn’t had much success in Miami, going 1-3 with a 6.17 ERA.

When it comes to pitcher-friendly ballparks, Marlins Park is near the top. While not on par with Petco Park in San Diego or AT&T Park in San Francisco, the Miami Marlins home isn’t a hitter’s paradise like Great American Ball Park.

While it’s no guarantee that the Cincinnati Reds will play in the postseason, or even play home games away from Great American Ball Park, the possibility certainly exists. Major League Baseball and the players remain committed to playing as many games as possible, so extending the season into October is a real possibility.