The Reds and Mets, at the end of the season, were equal, just with opposing weaknesses. The Mets pitching towards the end of the season was so bad it completely offset a good offense. In the 2nd half the starters had a 5.3 ERA, in the bottom 5. The Reds pitching OTOH was excellent. 3rd most fwar from SP and 10th in ERA for RP. Their offense was as bad as the Mets pitching.
Neither team was fit to face the Dodgers and that's why they fought for the 6th seed.