2 years agoThe Reds didn't lack exciting debuts in 2023, but 24-year-old Matt McLain surprised many by producing the best numbers of the bunch. He hit .290/.357/.507 with 16 HR and 14 SB in just 403 PAs for the Reds, missing time at the end of the year due to an oblique injury. McLain added 12 HR and 10 SB in 180 PAs at Triple-A last year, leaving fantasy managers salivating for an encore. Both the power and speed are legit. McLain impressed with his average airborne exit velocity (94.4 mph) and 10.8% rate of Brls/BBE, and his home park had a 131 park factor for HR that led MLB per Statcast. McLain's 37.1 FB% was also a professional low, creating power upside if his FB% returns to its MiLB levels. Likewise, McLain posted a blazing 29 ft./sec Statcast Sprint Speed and 74% SB success rate in 2023, so he should keep the green light. The one knock on McLain is a .385 BABIP that masked a 28.5 K%, but that's not a huge concern. McLain's .256 xBA likely underestimates his speed's impact on his BABIP, while his 28.4% chase rate and 10.5 SwStr% suggest positive K% regression. Update: McLain had shoulder surgery on March 26th to address cartilage damage and repair his labrum. The Reds are hoping he will return this season. McLain becomes a late-round IL stash and is off the draft board in most fantasy leagues heading into 2024.--Rick Lucks - RotoBaller