The Cincinnati Reds have suffered through many injuries to key players this season, but they might have missed Matt McLain more than any other player.
McLain had a breakout campaign in 2023 and was expected to be a core piece of this young Cincy offense this season.
However, he's missed the entire season so far and the earliest he'll return to a baseball field (in the minors) is in mid-August. So is it worth it for fantasy managers to hold onto McLain or not?
How High Is Matt McLain's Fantasy Baseball Potential?
McLain is truly a five-tool talent who flashed some incredible potential last year in his rookie campaign.
In a little more than half a season, McLain posted 16 home runs while driving in 50 runs and swiping 15 stolen bases. He also hit .290 with a .864 OPS.
I miss Matt McLain.
— Reds Daily (@RedsDaily4) June 21, 2024
Elly De La Cruz has been fantastic this season for Cincy, and Noelvi Marte is back from suspension. But McLain might be the best true hitter among them and could slide into second base where the Reds are getting just average production from Jonathan India.
When Might Matt McLain Return to the Major Leagues?
McLain is set to start a minor league rehab assignment on August 12th. Since he's missed so much time this year, he will likely need several weeks (at least) to get going which pushes his return to September.
He's 46% rostered in Yahoo! Leagues, which reflects how favorably managers view his upside. However, he may only have a month or less to contribute fantasy stats and that's if his rehab goes as smoothly as possible.
If you already have McLain on your IL, then you have to hold steady and hope for a big month of September from him. But managers in shallower leagues can probably ignore McLain if he's on waivers, as other players will be ready to contribute to your fantasy team sooner than him.
More Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups

Vinnie Pasquantino, Jo Adell, Tyler Soderstrom - Fantasy Baseball Draft Values
If you need some fantasy baseball sleeper targets then you have come to the right place at RotoBaller! We are living, eating, and breathing all things baseball right now and are focused on getting you ready for those fantasy baseball drafts! Vinnie Pasquantino, Jo Adell, and Tyler Soderstrom are all interesting fantasy targets this year, […]

Pete Crow-Armstrong, Jacob Young, Matt Wallner - Fantasy Baseball Draft Values
If you need some fantasy baseball sleeper targets in your upcoming drafts, then look no further! Today we take a look at three promising young outfielders. Pete Crow-Armstrong, Jacob Young, and Matt Wallner are all interesting fantasy targets this year, but which of these can be considered values at their current ADP? Should you draft […]

Andres Munoz, Raisel Iglesias, Jeff Hoffman - Fantasy Baseball Closer Draft Values
Finding reliable relief pitchers is no easy task and there is a lot of difference in opinion on whether to go after top closers early in drafts or wait until the later rounds. Andres Munoz, Raisel Iglesias, and Jeff Hoffman are all interesting fantasy targets this year at relief pitcher, but which of these three […]

Brandon Pfaadt, Clay Holmes, Nick Lodolo - Fantasy Baseball Draft Values
Why take starting pitchers early in drafts when you can wait and get value with a deep class of solid starters set to take the mound this season? Brandon Pfaadt, Clay Holmes, and Nick Lodolo are all interesting fantasy targets this year, but which of these three can be considered "sleepers" at their current ADP? Should […]

Joey Ortiz, Connor Norby, Michael Conforto - Fantasy Baseball Draft Values
If you need some fantasy baseball sleeper targets or you are looking to avoid busts in your upcoming drafts, then look no further! Joey Ortiz, Connor Norby, and Michael Conforto are all interesting fantasy targets this year, but which of these three are values or busts at their current ADP? Should you draft Ortiz, Norby, […]
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!

Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!