Here’s a bold statement: Matt McLain’s journey with the Reds is far from over, and 2026 could be the year he silences the doubters. But here’s where it gets controversial—despite a rocky 2025 season, the Reds are doubling down on McLain as their starting second baseman. Is this a leap of faith, or do they see something the rest of us don’t? Let’s dive in.
In Goodyear, Arizona, the buzz around McLain is palpable. Nick Krall and Terry Francona aren’t just saying they believe in him—they’re putting their money where their mouth is. After trading Gavin Lux and designating Santiago Espinal for assignment during the offseason, McLain stands as the undisputed second baseman on the Reds’ projected big league roster. And this is the part most people miss—the organization isn’t just giving him a chance; they’re betting the farm on his comeback.
Francona puts it plainly: ‘We believe he’s a really good player.’ But it’s not just blind faith. It’s about patience and recognizing potential. ‘Sometimes, you have to be more patient with some players because you know it’s in there,’ Francona explains. ‘If you pull the plug too quick, you miss out on some good baseball.’
McLain’s story is a rollercoaster. In 2023, as a rookie, he was the Reds’ standout player. But a season-ending shoulder injury in 2024 derailed his momentum. He returned in 2025, yet history tells us these injuries often require an extra year for full recovery. Last season, McLain struggled, finishing with one of the worst OPS in MLB (.643) and a WAR of 0.0. Here’s the kicker—despite the numbers, his teammates rave about his character. TJ Friedl notes, ‘He was never down on himself… That’s a testament to his character.’
McLain’s 2025 wasn’t all doom and gloom. Every time his playing time dipped—like in early June and mid-August—he responded with hot streaks. ‘When my back was against the wall, I went full competitive mode,’ McLain admits. But consistency eluded him. He’d get lost in the mechanics, overthinking instead of competing. ‘Finding that balance again is going to be really big for me this year,’ he says.
The Reds’ front office and coaching staff never wavered in their support. Francona, in particular, stuck by him, even during a critical stretch in September when McLain’s spot was on the line. And McLain delivered, hitting .321 over nine games. Yet, the success was fleeting, as he slumped again in the season’s final weeks.
Here’s the controversial part—even in his worst moments, McLain showed flashes of brilliance. In the playoffs against the Dodgers, he looked like the player the Reds believe he can be. ‘I’m a competitor, I’m a winner,’ McLain declares. ‘I’ve got to remind myself that every day.’
This offseason, McLain worked harder than ever, focusing on his health and swing. He’s added muscle, which could boost his power numbers. His goals for 2026? Improve pitch recognition early in counts, do more damage in hitter-friendly situations, and cut down on chasing bad pitches. ‘He has so much potential,’ says catcher Jose Trevino. ‘He’s eager to prove to himself who he is.’
But the biggest question remains: Can McLain handle the mental grind? Slumps are inevitable, but how he responds will define his career. ‘I’m getting better at finding that switch,’ he says. With a fresh start in 2026, the Reds are banking on him flipping it for good.
So, what do you think? Is the Reds’ faith in McLain justified, or are they setting themselves up for disappointment? Let’s hear your take in the comments!
