As the Cincinnati Reds gear up for the 2026 season, all eyes are on Matt McLain. The big question is: which version of McLain will show up? Will it be the 2023 sensation who finished fifth in the NL Rookie of the Year voting despite playing just 89 games, or the 2025 struggler with a .643 OPS?
McLain's journey hasn't been easy. After missing all of 2024 due to left shoulder surgery, there was hope that his 2025 struggles were just a phase of regaining strength. Spring training has now provided a glimpse of what could be.
Now, let's not get carried away with spring training stats, where players often experiment and face varied competition. But when a player tops the league in every major offensive category, you can't help but take notice. McLain is leading MLB with:
- 5 home runs
- 12 RBIs
- 17 hits
- 13 runs
- A .607 batting average
- A 1.179 slugging percentage
- A 1.846 OPS
These numbers aren't just impressive; they're eye-popping, suggesting there might be substance behind the stats, even if it's just a small sample size.
McLain's resurgence could be the spark the Reds need. Last year, Cincinnati's lineup was average at best.
They've already bolstered their power by signing Eugenio Suarez. With young talents like Elly De La Cruz, Noelvi Marte, and Sal Stewart expected to progress, the lineup is poised for a leap forward.
What the Reds have been missing is a dynamic table setter in the second spot. McLain seems ready to embrace that role, potentially amplifying the impact of De La Cruz and Suarez in the heart of the order.
At 26, McLain might still have something to prove, and his current form suggests he's up to the challenge. While it's wise to temper expectations, a bit of cautious optimism feels justified. If McLain's hot streak continues into the regular season, the Reds could find themselves exceeding expectations in 2026.