Reds and Mets Battle for Final MLB Playoff Spot in Dramatic Finale

As the 2025 Major League Baseball regular season comes to a close, the final playoff berth remains up for grabs in a dramatic showdown between the Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets. The two teams are currently tied at 83-78 records, with the Reds needing to either defeat the Milwaukee Brewers or have the Mets lose to the Miami Marlins on Sunday to clinch the National League's third and final wild card spot.

The Reds, who last reached the playoffs in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, have been surging lately, winning 8 of their last 10 games. Meanwhile, the Mets, who made it to the National League Championship Series last year, have struggled since a hot start, going just 38-54 since June 12.

Reds closer Emilio Pagán exemplifies his team's sense of urgency, having pitched four straight days to earn his 32nd save on Saturday. "If you could have promised us this in spring training, I think everybody would sign up for it every year," Pagán said. "As cool as it is to clinch ahead of time and kind of know where you're at, to have every single game be this meaningful is a gift."

Whichever team earns the final playoff spot will head to Los Angeles to face the defending World Series champion Dodgers in the NL Wild Card Series starting on Tuesday. It promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the regular season as these two teams battle for a chance to continue their postseason dreams.