Reds' offseason optimism clashes with surprising 2026 playoff odds

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene (21) | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesFanGraphs isn't exactly enthusiastic about the Cincinnati Reds' chances to return to the MLB Postseason in 2026. The playoff odds calculator gives the Reds just a 19.5% chance to play in October, which ranks 11th in the Senior Circuit.

The Reds' playoff odds come in well below a trio of NL West teams. The San Francisco Giants (37.2%), Arizona Diamondbacks (29.3%), and San Diego Padres (24.5%) all have better odds than Cincinnati to be part of October baseball. Even the Pittsburgh Pirates, who have an illogical 42.5% chance to make it back to the playoffs for the first time since…