Reds have a compelling reason to move Matt McLain to center field in 2027

The Cincinnati Reds could move Matt McLain from second base to center field in 2027, leveraging his defensive skills and athleticism at a position where the free-agent market is weak. McLain struggled offensively in September 2026, batting .154, but demonstrated elite defense at second base with a 127-game errorless streak and possesses 85th-percentile sprint speed that would translate well to center field, where he played in college. Moving McLain would open second base for prospects like 23-year-old Edwin Arroyo or recent signings Juan Brito and Oswaldo Cabrera, while allowing the Reds to pursue more affordable second base options in free agency rather than overpaying for limited center field talent.

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