Reds FeedMatt McLain
2B · Age 27 · Bats Right
Where things stand
Matt McLain is projected to earn $4 million in arbitration for 2027, a significant raise from his current contract, despite posting a .185 batting average and 67 wRC+ in 2026. The Reds second baseman has struggled following a shoulder injury that cost him all of 2024, though the organization indicated it is working with him on his plate approach rather than non-tendering him. McLain remains under team control for three more seasons at minimal cost, but faces competition from emerging prospects like Juan Brito and Oswaldo Cabrera for playing time heading into spring training.
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2026 season
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Matt McLain coverage
Reds could make a costly mistake by chasing buy low trades
The Cincinnati Reds face a difficult offseason situation as they shift toward acquiring contact hitters and well-rounded players. Key roster members like Ke'Bryan Hayes, Matt McLain, Nick Lodolo, and Hunter Greene all had poor 2026 seasons, making it risky to trade them away at low value. General Manager Nick Krall has had success with low-cost free agent signings like Nathaniel Lowe and JJ Bleday, but the team lacks the financial resources and prospect depth to make major moves in free agency or trades. The Reds may be better served allowing their current players to recover and rebuild their value rather than pursuing aggressive roster changes.
Blog Red MachineRISING: Juan Brito & Hector Rodriguez IGNITE Fresh Optimism Among Reds Fans for 2027
The Cincinnati Reds' disappointing 2026 season has given way to optimism about young prospects like Juan Brito and Hector Rodriguez who could reshape the lineup for 2027. The hosts examine which emerging talents deserve playing time while questioning the futures of underperforming veterans Matt McLain and Ke'Bryan Hayes, and debate how prospects like Oswaldo Cabrera and Carlos Jorge might fit into a crowded roster battle. The episode also explores the team's recent trade deadline moves and considers what fans would realistically pay for a Reds World Series championship.
Locked On RedsReds' castoff is thriving with Rays and highlights a key offseason need
Ryan Vilade, a utility player the Cincinnati Reds traded to Tampa Bay for cash in November 2025, has emerged as a key contributor for the Rays during their playoff run, including hitting a go-ahead home run in their ALDS Game 3 victory over the Yankees. The Reds acquired Vilade from St. Louis in June 2025 but left him in Triple-A, blocked by Matt McLain and Noelvi Marte, before dealing him away. With the Rays, Vilade played multiple infield and outfield positions across 96 games and posted a -0.1 wins above average, a performance that could have significantly helped Cincinnati's position players, who contributed a third-worst -10 wins above average in 2026. The move highlights a missed opportunity for the Reds, who struggled at non-pitcher positions despite having Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart.
Blog Red MachineMatt McLain's arbitration estimate shouldn't scare the Reds away
Matt McLain is projected to earn $4 million in arbitration for the 2027 season, a $1.7 million raise from his current $2.3 million contract, despite batting .185 with a 67 wRC+ in 2026. The Reds second baseman has struggled over the past two seasons following a shoulder injury that cost him all of 2024, but General Manager Brad Meador indicated the team is working with McLain on his approach at the plate. Rather than non-tendering him, the Reds should retain McLain and let him compete for his job in spring training, as the organization has developed depth at second base with players like Edwin Arroyo, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Spencer Steer available as alternatives.
Blog Red MachineArbitration raises could cost the Reds a lot of their 2027 budget
The Cincinnati Reds have 12 arbitration-eligible players heading into 2027, with projected salary increases totaling roughly $24 million according to MLB Trade Rumors. Elly De La Cruz is expected to receive the largest raise, jumping from $780,000 to $7.9 million, while other notable increases include Andrew Abbott ($4.5 million), JJ Bleday ($4.8 million), and Matt McLain ($4 million). The Reds will have over $63 million in salary coming off the books from expiring contracts and mutual options, meaning arbitration raises would consume about a third of that freed-up money if all players are retained.
Redleg NationReds will be stuck with two (maybe three) of their worst offensive problems in 2027
The Cincinnati Reds endured a disastrous 2026 season, ranking last in batting average, on-base percentage, and several other offensive categories while also struggling with pitching and defense. The team's roster construction makes significant changes unlikely this offseason, particularly regarding three of their worst hitters: Matt McLain, Jose Trevino, and Ke'Bryan Hayes. McLain remains under team control for three more seasons at minimal cost, Trevino will likely stay as the primary catcher after Tyler Stephenson enters free agency, and Hayes is locked into a $29 million contract through 2029 that the Reds are unlikely to absorb.
Blog Red MachineREVEALED: CINCINNATI REDS 2026 Collapse—Did Terry Francona’s DECISIONS Make Or Break The Team? | Cincinnati Reds Podcast
The Cincinnati Reds finished 2026 with a disappointing 75-87 record, and the episode examines whether manager Terry Francona's decisions contributed to the collapse. Despite bright spots like Elly De La Cruz's 30-30 season, Sal Stewart's rookie success, and Chase Burns' emergence as an ace, the team struggled with offensive inconsistency, rotation injuries to Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo, and bullpen fatigue, while Francona faced criticism for his reluctance to adjust lineups and his reliance on underperforming veterans. The host grades Francona's 2026 performance a C and questions whether he can adapt his managing style to maximize young talent like Noelvi Marte and Matt McLain heading into 2027.
Locked On RedsReds' late-season additions make trading Edwin Arroyo even more probable
Edwin Arroyo struggled in his 2026 major league opportunity with the Reds, batting .223 with a .264 slugging percentage across 50 games despite posting a career-best .891 OPS at Triple-A. The Reds' recent acquisitions of Juan Brito and Oswaldo Cabrera, combined with the presence of Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz, have crowded the middle infield and diminished Arroyo's path to regular playing time. With younger prospects like Leo Balcazar rising through the system, the Reds may look to trade Arroyo during the offseason, potentially using his defensive skills and value as a package piece to acquire bullpen help.
Blog Red MachineJuan Brito's September breakout comes with a catch the Reds can't overlook
Since his September 1 call-up, Juan Brito has posted a .341 batting average with three home runs and a 155 wRC+ over 15 games, positioning himself as a candidate for a 2027 roster spot. However, his performance drops significantly against right-handed pitchers, where he's hitting just .147 with a 22 wRC+, a weakness he'll need to address to secure an everyday role. Brito's versatility across multiple positions, particularly second base, could help him compete with underperforming incumbents Matt McLain and Edwin Arroyo. His ability to play multiple positions also provides insurance if Spencer Steer's offseason wrist surgery causes a lengthy recovery.
Blog Red MachineThe Reds rank dead last in one area they can’t afford to ignore
The Cincinnati Reds rank last in baseball in defensive runs saved at -40, a disappointing result given manager Terry Francona's emphasis on improving defense and the team's acquisition of elite defender Ke'Bryan Hayes at the 2025 deadline. Despite these efforts, the Reds have shown minimal improvement across multiple defensive metrics since 2024, ranking 20th in fielding percentage and 11th in errors. The team faces a difficult tradeoff: their best defenders like Hayes and Matt McLain struggle offensively and are difficult to keep in the lineup, while replacing them would likely worsen the defense further.
Blog Red MachineBROKEN: Cincinnati Reds BLASTED by Barry Larkin—Change MUST Happen NOW
Barry Larkin and Joey Votto express frustration with the Cincinnati Reds organization, calling for significant changes after another disappointing season. The hosts examine questionable front office decisions including the acquisition of Oswaldo Cabrera and the decision to designate TJ Friedl for assignment, while questioning the team's tendency to prioritize scouting evaluations over actual performance. The episode also discusses overlooked players like Matt McLain and debates whether the Reds' emphasis on versatility over production represents a flawed organizational philosophy that needs to be abandoned.
Locked On RedsDisturbing Elly De La Cruz stat reveals the Reds' urgent need for help
Since August 17, Elly De La Cruz has been exceptional for the Cincinnati Reds, batting .366 with eight home runs and a 195 wRC+, accumulating 2.4 fWAR—the second-most among position players. However, the rest of the Reds' lineup has combined for just 0.1 fWAR during that same span, compared to 6.5 fWAR for the Chicago Cubs' supporting cast around Pete Crow-Armstrong. The Reds have gone 13-19 since mid-August and are eliminated from playoff contention, while several role players including Matt McLain, Jose Trevino, and JJ Bleday have posted negative WAR figures. The team needs to provide better offensive support around De La Cruz to remain competitive in the National League.
Blog Red MachineReds' unheralded midseason pickup could be the key to an Edwin Arroyo trade
The Cincinnati Reds acquired infielder Juan Brito off waivers from Cleveland in August, and after being called up two weeks ago, he has performed impressively with a .348 batting average, two home runs, and eight RBIs in eight games. Meanwhile, former top prospect Edwin Arroyo has struggled in two separate stints with the team, posting a .244 average in June and a .059 average during a September callup. Brito's strong play could prompt the Reds to trade Arroyo during the offseason, potentially acquiring pitching help for a rotation weakened by Hunter Greene's Tommy John surgery and Brady Singer's pending free agency. The Reds could use Brito as a backup option alongside Matt McLain at second base in 2027.
Blog Red MachineOBSCURITY: Cincinnati Reds Ownership INSISTS on Status Quo, Nick Krall’s Job Remains Untouched
The Cincinnati Reds ownership has decided to retain general manager Nick Krall, manager Terry Francona, and the entire front office despite a disappointing season and fan discontent. Jeff and Steve discuss whether the organization is prioritizing profits over winning, examine concerns about player development issues like Matt McLain's shoulder problem and underperforming players like TJ Friedl, and question the wisdom of a reported $23 million overpayment for pitcher Brady Singer.
Locked On RedsMcLain (shoulder) scratched: 'Needs a day or two'
MLB.com RedsCincinnati Reds vs Milwaukee Brewers – September 12, 2026
The Cincinnati Reds face the Milwaukee Brewers tonight at 7:10pm ET after losing their last two games by a combined 34-1. Milwaukee clinched a playoff spot with a 20-0 victory last night and remains focused on securing the division title. Cincinnati will start Brady Singer, who has struggled recently with a 6.23 ERA over his last eight starts, while Milwaukee counters with rookie Shane Drohan, whose performance has also declined since the All-Star break with a 5.68 ERA. Matt McLain was scratched from Cincinnati's lineup due to shoulder soreness, though tests showed no serious injury.
Redleg NationCRISIS: Cincinnati Reds Playoff Math ENDS HOPE as Nick Krall’s STRATEGY BACKFIRES
The Cincinnati Reds face playoff elimination with their postseason hopes nearly extinguished, prompting hosts to scrutinize general manager Nick Krall's roster decisions and manager Terry Francona's lineup construction. They argue the team should promote young players like Noelvi Marte and Edwin Arroyo instead of continuing to rely on underperforming veterans, while also questioning the usage patterns of pitchers Andrew Abbott and Chase Burns. The episode concludes with a debate over the future roles of Matt McLain, Ke'Bryan Hayes, and TJ Friedl in Cincinnati's organization.
Locked On RedsBREAKTHROUGH: Cincinnati Reds SHATTER Brewers' Dominance as Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain Deliver
The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Milwaukee Brewers in a weekend series, with Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain leading the offensive charge while rookies Hector Rodriguez and Juan Brito contributed strong performances. The hosts discuss whether this victory signals a turning point for Cincinnati's contention hopes and examine the broader implications for the NL Central, including questions about the Reds' front office direction and the Brewers' ability to compete for a World Series title.
Locked On RedsREDS POSTCAST: Cincinnati Reds and Elly De La Cruz CRUSH Milwaukee Brewers in Rain-Soaked Thriller
The Cincinnati Reds ended their losing streak against the Milwaukee Brewers with a power-hitting performance led by Elly De La Cruz, who had a strong game on his Bobblehead Day. Eugenio Suarez contributed a clutch double and smart baserunning, while Tyler Stephenson and Matt McLain also went deep as the Reds' offense overwhelmed Milwaukee despite a two-hour rain delay. The bullpen, featuring Julian Garcia and Emilio Pagan, shut down the Brewers in the late innings to secure the victory.
Locked On RedsTerry Francona's Jose Trevino observation reveals key Reds offseason need
The Cincinnati Reds rank last in MLB with a .596 OPS against fastballs of 95 mph or higher, revealing a significant offensive weakness despite possessing the physical tools to handle high velocity. While Jose Trevino excels against such pitches with a .269 average and .615 slugging percentage, most of the Reds roster struggles dramatically, including a .384 OPS against left-handed fastballs. The team's bat speed, swing mechanics, and attack angles are adequate by league standards, suggesting the issue may stem from coaching or player-specific performance rather than physical limitations. Several Reds hitters like Sal Stewart and Elly De La Cruz perform well against fastballs, but others including Tyler Stephenson, Matt McLain, and TJ Friedl have negative run values in these situations.
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