News Summary
The Cincinnati Reds have secured their first playoff berth since 2020, finishing the season with a record of 83-79. Despite a 4-2 loss to the Brewers, they clinched the National League’s third wild card spot thanks to the Mets’ loss. Celebrations ensued in Milwaukee, where the Brewers congratulated the Reds on their achievement. As they prepare to face the Dodgers in the Wild Card Series, this milestone marks the Reds’ first postseason appearance in a full 162-game season since 2013.
Cincinnati
The Cincinnati Reds clinched their first playoff berth since 2020 on Sunday afternoon, achieving this milestone with a final record of 83-79. This significant accomplishment came despite a 4-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on the final day of the regular season. The Reds secured the National League’s third wild card spot, thanks to the New York Mets losing to the Miami Marlins by a score of 4-0, which allowed Cincinnati to clinch.
Both the Reds and Mets finished the season with the same record, but Cincinnati claimed the tiebreaker by winning the head-to-head series 4-2 against New York. Just prior to the season’s conclusion, the Reds were trailing the Mets by three games on September 16, yet they surged, winning eight of their last eleven games to clinch a postseason spot.
Celebrations took place in the Reds’ clubhouse on Kids Run the Bases Day in Milwaukee. Notably, the Brewers displayed a congratulatory graphic on their video board, acknowledging Cincinnati’s achievement. This gesture was recognized as a classy move from a divisional rival.
The Reds are set to play the Los Angeles Dodgers in a best-of-three Wild Card Series, beginning on Tuesday at 9:08 PM ET at Dodger Stadium. Game 1 will be aired on ESPN, with expectations that Hunter Greene will start for Cincinnati. Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday night at 9:08 PM ET, also broadcast on ESPN, and a potential Game 3, if necessary, will take place on Thursday.
Historic Milestone
This playoff berth marks a historic moment for the Reds, as it is the first time in franchise history that they clinched on the final day of the regular season, as indicated by the Elias Sports Bureau. It also represents the Reds’ first postseason appearance since the pandemic-shortened season of 2020 and their first full 162-game season playoff appearance since 2013. Moreover, the Reds have not won a playoff game since 2012 and have not won a postseason series since 1995.
Late Season Success
The Reds’ late-season success can be attributed in part to significant roster changes made at the trade deadline, which bolstered their chances as they entered the final stretch of the season. By concluding the season with a winning record after appearing to lag behind, the Reds showcased resilience and determination, which were critical in their playoff run.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Milwaukee Brewers Clinch Best Record in Baseball
Milwaukee Brewers Set Franchise Record with 97 Wins
Milwaukee Brewers Clinch Best Record in MLB
Milwaukee Brewers Clinch Best Record in MLB
Milwaukee Brewers Clinch NL Central Division Title Again
Additional Resources
- MLB: Reds Clinch 2025 Playoff Berth
- Wikipedia: Cincinnati Reds
- ESPN: Reds Clinch Wild Card Spot
- Google Search: Cincinnati Reds 2025 playoffs
- CBS Sports: Reds Clinch MLB Playoff Spot
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- Redleg Nation: How the Reds Can Clinch a Playoff Birth
- Google News: Cincinnati Reds playoff news
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
