RADIO
Matt McLain is a fantasy baseball waiver wire pickup for hitters heading into Week 12 (2023). Target McLain as a free-agent shortstop on the waiver wire.
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues
ROSTERED IN: 58% of Leagues
ANALYSIS: In a game where Elly De La Cruz was supposed to burst onto the scene as the league's next superstar, shortstop Matt McLain stole the show with a walk-off single in a 3-for-6 performance against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
MATTY MCLUTCH @mattmclain_ pic.twitter.com/36tsQVSunR
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) June 7, 2023
The 23-year-old has been spectacular this season. He forced himself onto the major league after slashing .348/.474/.710 with 12 home runs, 40 RBI, 30 runs, and 10 stolen bases in 38 games with Triple-A Louisville. And since his call-up in mid-May, the rookie is slashing .341/.396/.500 with two home runs, 10 RBI, 17 runs, and a stolen base in 20 games.
But there are reasons to be concerned. McLain’s expected wOBA and batting average are nearly 60 points lower than his actual numbers, and his xSLG is 84 points lower.
With that, McLain is ultimately a major-league-level player. His 28.9 ft/sec sprint speed is in the 91st percentile, he barrels 9.5% of the time, he measures as an above-average defender, and he will still stand as an above-average hitter if his statistics regress to his expected statistics.
He’ll continue to take loads of plate appearances as well. While McLain and Elly De La Cruz are both listed as shortstops, they likely won’t clash for playing time.
McLain was at shortstop on Tuesday, and De La Cruz debuted as a third baseman. Both should stick at those positions, for the time being, with McLain having proven himself with above-average defense at the major-league level.
A defensive gem by Matt McLain as he flashes the leather and takes one away!
💎@mattmclain_ @Reds pic.twitter.com/wWUW1GSro9— Bally Sports Cincinnati (@BallySportsCIN) June 4, 2023
Nick Senzel had occupied third before De La Cruz’s debut, but he is on the 10-day IL and can take starts in a barren Cincinnati outfield. Nevertheless, the Reds have too many holes in their lineup for any of their up-and-coming stars to worry about the availability of playing time.
McLain has cemented himself at the two-hole in a Reds lineup that is becoming increasingly lethal. While he may not keep this level of production up, his elite speed and contact skills should keep him rostered in all leagues.
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