Reds face brutal playoff reality that would look very different in the AL

The Cincinnati Reds are in the NL Central cellar and their postseason chances have dipped into the single digits. But if the Redlegs were in the American League, they'd be in the thick of the playoff hunt with a little less than six weeks left in the season.

Entering play on August 18, the Reds (60-65) sit in a virtual tie with the Pittsburgh Pirates (61-66). Cincinnati is 6½ games back of the final NL Wild Card spot — currently held by the San Diego Padres — and according to FanGraphs, their playoff odds sit at a meager 0.2%.

The Reds have their work cut out for them if they hope to make a return to the MLB Postseason. With 37 games remaining, Cincinnati would need to post a record in the neighborhood of 27-10 — which is about a .730 winning percentage — over the final month-and-a-half of the season to make a serious case for a spot in the NL Wild Card.

The Reds would be in the thick of the AL Wild Card chase

But if the Reds were playing on the Junior Circuit, their path to the playoffs would be much simpler. In fact, if Cincinnati's current win-loss record would put them in a tie with the Cleveland Guardians who are just one game back of the final Wild Card spot in the American League.

The AL is relatively weak this season. The Tampa Bay Rays hold the top spot with a record of 75-49. The Reds recently won a series against the AL Central-leading Chicago White Sox (65-59), and the Houston Astros lead the AL West despite being just one game above .500.

The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox have all but secured their spot in the postseason. Boston is six games clear of the closest competitor in the AL Wild Card race, but would be clinging to the final spot by a ½ game if they played in the National League.

Last season, the roles were reversed. Cincinnati squeaked into the playoffs with a record of 83-79 while the Astros (87-75) were on the outside looking in despite finishing 12 games over .500.

While this fanciful view of the postseason picture does little to quell the concerns throughout Reds Country, there is a very real element beyond the playoffs that exists. The MLB Draft order is decided by a team's win-loss record. Currently, the Reds would be selecting ninth in next year's draft — though the draft lottery could certainly alter their position.

It just goes to show the unpredictable nature of baseball. Cincinnati's not out of it yet, but they'll need to rattled off about eight or nine wins in a row to make meaningful run during the final month of the season.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow