Throughout the season the CBS Sports MLB analysts will present a weekly Batting Around discussion, examining just about everything. The latest happenings, a past topic, perspectives about the direction of baseball, all types of content. Last week we considered if the Braves or Orioles are in a greater situation to rebound in 2026. Now we’ll handle the NL wild card battle.
Which team is most likely to overcome the Mets for the third wild card position?
R.J. Anderson: Objectively, the answer is the Giants. They not only possess the most lenient outstanding schedule of the NL wild card hopefuls, but the Reds and the Diamondbacks are facing two of the five most challenging remaining slates in the majors. Remember, schedule strength doesn’t always determine performance. The Giants might mishandle this opportunity or another club might succeed despite tougher opposition. However, in a complicated scenario such as the NL wild card competition, it’s always beneficial to experience a sense of assurance and foreseeability — and, if nothing else, that’s what the Giants’ schedule presents.
Dayn Perry: I’m inclined to say the Reds, partly because, dissimilar to the Giants, they maintain the head-to-head tiebreaker versus the Mets. In terms of the schedule, they’re currently slated to bypass Paul Skenes during their three-game set with the Pirates. They still have seven games in total against the Cubs and Brewers outstanding. That series with Milwaukee concludes the regular season, and the Brewers might be in “rest and maintain fitness for the playoffs” mode by that juncture of the schedule.
2025 MLB playoff predictions: Baseball rankings, forecasts, probabilities as AL West intensifies, wild card races become confused
Kate Feldman
Mike Axisa: I’m not a supporter of the three-wild card setup. I believe the postseason scope is overly extensive, but acknowledge the positives: the NL postseason competitions would be uninteresting without the third wild card this year. Practically every other NL competition, including seeding, is determined.
In any case, to respond to the question, I’ll suggest the Reds. I harbor significant reservations about the D-backs’ bullpen and the Giants seem to be losing momentum. The Reds have performed admirably much of the season and I believe it’s more probable Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and others conclude the season performing strongly than Arizona’s relief crew improving. Cincinnati possesses the tiebreaker against the Mets, therefore they’re essentially one game closer than what the standings indicate. Ultimately, I anticipate the Mets securing that third wild card position. I simply believe the Reds possess the greatest opportunity to overtake them among the teams participating in the competition.
Matt Snyder: I think the accurate response is none of those listed and the Mets will make it despite attempting to sabotage this opportunity commencing in mid-June. We acquire sound arguments each season in this arrangement that the playoffs involve too many teams and we shouldn’t be celebrating mediocrity with a playoff slot. I’ll stop evading a response, however, and opt for the Giants. They only have the Dodgers, Rockies and Cardinals remaining and the Dodgers are considerably beatable currently.
