How Reds can cause chaos in MLB postseason field despite having no chance themselves

The Cincinnati Reds have not had the 2026 MLB season they seemed like they were headed towards earlier this season. It was a strong start, but since then, things have collapsed for the Reds.

While Sal Stewart is the likely NL Rookie of the Year, Cincinnati is looking likely to miss the MLB postseason this year. But that doesn't mean they don't have anything to play for in September.

In fact, as Theo DeRosa of MLB.com highlighted, the Reds can play spoiler and cause some chaos this September with a final stretch of games against only postseason contenders.

Reds can cause chaos in MLB postseason hunt this September

"The Reds' next 19 games are all against National League contenders, giving Cincinnati every opportunity to shake up the playoff picture," DeRosa writes.

The 67-73 Reds are 19.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers, but only 6.5 games back of the Arizona Diamondbacks for the third and final Wild Card spot. It's not over for the Reds yet; it's just an improbable comeback for the Reds.

But to close the 2026 season, the Reds can cause some chaos in the MLB postseason standings. They face the Brewers for a three-game series in Cincinnati, and a series win could put the Brewers at risk of losing the NL Central lead.

They then go up against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team trying to stay in position to earn a bye. A series loss to the Reds could make that difficult.

MORE: How Reds' Sal Stewart has MLB history on his side for NL Rookie of the Year award

In an odd scheduling quirk, the Reds then face the Brewers for three more games, and the Dodgers for a four-game series. The Reds could do some major damage to the Dodgers and Brewers over the next few weeks.

To close out the 2026 season, they have a three-game home series against the Chicago Cubs, followed by a three-game road series against the Atlanta Braves and Toronto Blue Jays.

Every team the Reds face between now and the end of the season is one vying for a postseason spot or seeking better seeding.

If the Reds end September with a winning record, along with their two wins over the San Diego Padres, another postseason contender, the Reds could really cause some chaos as the 2026 season comes to a close.

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