The Reds reached the postseason but were swept by the Dodgers, underscoring a lack of true power in the middle of the order. Ownership must expand payroll to target a legitimate slugger via free agency or trade, closing the gap with the Dodgers and Phillies.

With Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart emerging, Cincinnati can still contend, but only if Castellini commits to a big-bat upgrade. Otherwise the 30-year playoff drought remains and the window could close on 2026.

Cincinnati's season ends with an 8-4 loss to Los Angeles in the NL Wild Card Game 2, sealing a 0-5 playoff record this decade for the Reds. Sal Stewart delivered a two-run single and three RBIs, but a costly sixth inning throwing error opened the floodgates as Los Angeles pulled away. The Reds loaded the bases with no outs in the sixth but could not push across a run.

Still, Cincinnati's late-season surge and a budding core offer strong fantasy upside for 2026. Stewart, De La Cruz, Steer and Friedl flashed real upside, while Yamamoto locked the Dodgers in and Hernandez and Freeman supplied the offense. The Reds will look to build on the foundation next year.

Dodgers take the series‑clinching win in Los Angeles, riding Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s 9‑strikeout, career‑high 113‑pitch effort to an 8‑4 victory over Cincinnati. A decisive four‑run sixth, sparked by Betts’ three two‑bag hits and Teoscar Hernández’s two‑run double, turned a 2‑0 hole into a comfortable lead as the bullpen closed it out.

Los Angeles advances to face Philadelphia in the NLDS in Philly, with Ohtani breaking an 0‑for‑9 skid with an RBI in the sixth and the rest of the lineup contributing 13 hits. The Reds pushed early but couldn’t sustain the charge, and Yamamoto’s finish plus a late Roki Sasaki appearance sealed the Dodgers’ path to the next round.

Cincinnati hung a six-run third to turn a tense game, then held on as Sal Stewart and Miguel Andújar sparked the rally with an RBI single and a run-scoring double; Noelvi Marte started the inning and the Reds never looked back.

Andrew Abbott steadied, Emilio Pagán closed for his 32nd save, and Cincinnati moved within one win or a Mets loss of the NL third wild-card as the teams prepare for Sunday’s finale and a potential clash with the Dodgers.