4 weeks agoOne MLB evaluator said this week that by the end of the 2024 season, Cincinnati Reds second baseman
Matt McLain and shortstop
Elly De La Cruz will be the best second base/shortstop tandem in baseball. McLain, a former 17th overall pick in 2021 out of UCLA, actually had a better rookie season in 2023 than De La Cruz, hitting .290/.357/.507 with an .864 OPS, 16 home runs, 50 RBI, 14 steals and 65 runs scored in 89 games. However, the 25-year-old missed all of last year due to rib and shoulder injuries, which has left the 5-foot-8, 180-pounder as somewhat of a forgotten man. McLain doesn't look like a power hitter, but he is frequently barreling baseballs and has hit .350 (7-for-20) with a homer and three RBI in his first seven Cactus League games this spring. Don't sleep on McLain, who is RotoBaller's No.5-ranked fantasy second baseman.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
1 month agoCincinnati Reds infielder
Matt McLain has been focusing on playing second base to begin spring training, according to manager Terry Francona. It's worth noting that McLain did take grounders at shortstop, but it seems like second base is going to be his primary home. He was one of the best rookies in 2023, but sadly injuries held McLain back in 2024. Both the Reds and fantasy managers are a bit uncertain what exactly they will be getting from McLain in 2025. There's certainly plenty of upside here, but also a bit of a risk that he'll get back to hitting like he did in 2023.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Charlie Goldsmith
3 months agoAccording to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati Reds second baseman
Matt McLain could see time in the outfield in 2025. Earlier this week, the Cincinnati Reds traded for second baseman
Gavin Lux which complicates their infield depth chart. While Lux could eventually move to the hot corner, McLain has begun to see time in the outfielder during the Arizona Fall League which suggests the team could deploy McLain in a super utility role in 2025. After a promising rookie campaign in 2023, McLain missed the entire 2024 season due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder. In his rookie season, the 25-year-old posted a strong .290/.357/.507 line with 23 doubles, 16 home runs, and 14 stolen bases. Under the hood, he generated a solid 10.8% barrel rate and a .332 xwOBA. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor where McLain plays in 2025 as he could carry high value in all fantasy formats having multiple positional eligibility with the ability to produce in all five standard categories.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Gordon Wittenmyer
5 months agoCincinnati Reds infielder
Matt McLain went 3-for-5 with three RBI, a run scored, and stole his first base of the Arizona Fall League on Thursday while manning second base for the Glendale Desert Dogs. The 25-year-old is getting back into the swing of things after missing all of the 2024 regular season due to injury. Through 50 AFL at-bats, McLain is hitting .240 with a pair of doubles and four home runs. When last healthy, the former first-round draft pick put up a .290-16-50-65-14 line in just 89 games in 2023 and could be an under-the-radar value in 2025 fantasy drafts, although it is unclear whether he or former Rookie of the Year
Jonathan India will be playing second base for Cincinnati. If McLain were to gain OF eligibility, a position which he's played a little in the AFL, it could make him even more useful for fantasy.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
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