Reds FeedMatt McLain
2B · Age 27 · Bats Right
Where things stand
Matt McLain is facing a critical juncture with the Cincinnati Reds after a disappointing 2026 season marked by offensive struggles despite solid defense at second base. With a 78 wRC+ through most of the year, McLain needs to post an .800 OPS in September to prove he deserves another opportunity with the team, as recent signs of improvement over his last 13 games have not yet demonstrated sustained performance. The Reds are exploring alternatives to replace him, including potential free-agent targets, though any trade of McLain would likely return minimal value given his declining production since his 2023 debut.
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2026 season
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Matt McLain coverage
Elly De La Cruz injury scare vs. Cubs leaves Reds with major questions
Elly De La Cruz left Sunday's game against the Cubs in the seventh inning with left quad tightness, an unusual move for the Reds shortstop who typically stays through the final out. De La Cruz was 2-for-4 with a run scored before his exit and had legged out an infield single earlier in the game, similar to the play that caused a hamstring injury costing him three weeks earlier this season. If De La Cruz requires significant time off, the Reds can deploy Matt McLain and Edwin Arroyo at shortstop while their star recovers. Manager Terry Francona is expected to provide more details about the injury's severity soon.
Blog Red MachineMatt McLain has a short September window to save his Reds' future
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain is facing a critical September after struggling through most of 2026 with a 78 wRC+, far below his impressive 129 mark as a rookie. Though his defensive play has been excellent with over 115 games without an error, his offensive inconsistency has kept him in the lineup only due to the lack of viable alternatives like Edwin Arroyo. Recent signs of improvement show a 98 wRC+ over his last 13 games, but the production stems mainly from timely extra-base hits rather than sustained performance. The 27-year-old needs to post an .800 OPS in September to prove he deserves another opportunity; otherwise, the Reds will likely explore other options in free agency and trades.
Blog Red MachineMatt McLain and Ke'Bryan Hayes are creating a major Reds' roster dilemma
The Cincinnati Reds rank last in weighted runs created plus at 87 and 27th in runs scored, with third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes and second baseman Matt McLain contributing significantly to the offensive struggles. Hayes is having his worst season with a .453 OPS and 19 wRC+, while also posting career-lows in defensive metrics, though his $23 million contract through 2029 makes him nearly impossible to trade. McLain has seen his value decline since his 2023 debut, posting a 79 wRC+ despite solid defense at second base, but the Reds would have to accept minimal return to move him. The team faces a difficult offseason decision as Hayes appears untradeable due to his contract while McLain could only be dealt at a steep discount.
Blog Red MachineHunter Greene's injury puts Reds' 2027 payroll in the spotlight
Hunter Greene underwent Tommy John surgery and is likely to miss the 2027 season, though his $15.3 million salary will still count against Cincinnati's payroll that year. The Reds currently have only four players with guaranteed 2027 contracts totaling $40.32 million, but face significant arbitration raises for players including Elly De La Cruz, Andrew Abbott, and Matt McLain. De La Cruz is expected to earn somewhere between $4.2 million and $8.5 million based on recent comparable deals, while Abbott and McLain could collectively earn around $15 million or more. With additional arbitration-eligible players and potential non-tenders to consider, the Reds' 2027 payroll could reach $70-75 million.
Blog Red MachineTerry Francona may have quietly revealed the Reds' biggest offseason need
Terry Francona stated he would prefer Elly De La Cruz not bat leadoff for the Reds, citing the burden placed on De La Cruz and Sal Stewart as the team's only consistent offensive performers. The manager's comments suggest Cincinnati will pursue a traditional, contact-oriented leadoff hitter in the offseason, though finding one that fits the team's budget may prove difficult. Luis Arraez is mentioned as a possible target to replace struggling second baseman Matt McLain, though he lacks the plate discipline and speed of a classic leadoff hitter.
Blog Red MachineReds' 2027 reset must include a change beyond just Nick Krall
The Cincinnati Reds' 2027 reset must address problems beyond President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall, whose roster construction has underperformed relative to available resources. While Krall bears responsibility for the team's struggles, hitting coach Chris Valaika also deserves scrutiny after the Reds ranked near the bottom in most offensive categories over the past two seasons despite the development of Elly De La Cruz and the addition of Sal Stewart. Key players like TJ Friedl, Noelvi Marte, and Matt McLain have all experienced significant statistical declines, suggesting coaching and approach issues beyond roster talent. The team's offensive strategy appears one-dimensional, relying heavily on home runs rather than a comprehensive plan at the plate.
Blog Red MachineReds may have their new 'core four' ready to make some noise in the minors
The Cincinnati Reds' original "core four" prospects from 2023 have largely disappointed, with only Elly De La Cruz succeeding at the major league level while Matt McLain struggled with injuries, Noelvi Marte lost playing time, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand was released. The organization is now developing a new group of young talent including 2026 first-round pick Justin Lebron, who went 2-for-5 with a double in his professional debut with the Dayton Dragons, and fellow 2026 draft pick Mulivai Levu, who hit a two-run homer in his debut with the Daytona Tortugas. Other prospects contributing include Eric Becker from the University of Virginia and Tyson Lewis, a 2024 second-round pick hitting .279 with six home runs in High-A ball.
Blog Red MachineAstros DFA might have provided the Reds with an ideal Spencer Steer stand-in
Spencer Steer's wrist sprain has left the Reds searching for depth after trading Nathaniel Lowe and optioning Ivan Johnson. Shay Whitcomb, recently designated for assignment by the Astros, offers a potential solution as a versatile defender capable of playing multiple infield and outfield positions. Though Whitcomb struggled with the Astros this season, posting a .130 average in 17 games, he performed better at Triple-A with a .274 average and nine home runs. The 27-year-old is a pre-arbitration player with remaining minor-league options, making him a low-risk addition who could compete at second base alongside Matt McLain and Edwin Arroyo.
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