For the Cincinnati Reds in 2025, Matt McLain's season was a head-scratcher. After a stellar rookie year in 2023, expectations were sky-high, but McLain's performance left fans puzzled.
Instead of building on his rookie success, McLain's stats took a nosedive, with a .220/.300/.343 slash line that felt like a wake-up call. Now, during an impressive spring training, the 26-year-old believes he's identified the issue behind his struggles.
“The shoulder felt 100 percent last year. Everyone told me you have to give yourself two years," McLain shared. "I didn’t want to believe it, but I kind of believe it now.”
It's a reasonable explanation. Fans often associate injuries with immediate pain, but recovery is more nuanced. Rebuilding strength and regaining form can take time, even if the injury seems healed.
Baseball players are like finely tuned machines. It's not just about swinging a bat; it's about regaining rhythm, refining mechanics, and perfecting timing. That's the beauty-and challenge-of the sport.
McLain's shoulder revelation could set the stage for an All-Star season
It's important to remember that player development isn't a straight line. Just because McLain shone in 2023 doesn't guarantee a repeat or improvement in 2026. However, if his shoulder was indeed the issue, he's poised to leave 2025's woes behind.
McLain offers solid defense at second base and speed on the bases. Offensively, he can hit for both average and power.
Last year's NL All-Star second basemen, Ketel Marte and Brendan Donovan, set a high bar. While Marte dazzled with a 145 wRC+, Donovan, now with the Mariners, made the team with a 119 mark thanks to his all-around game.
McLain has the potential to follow suit.
It's surprising that McLain didn't make ESPN's top-10 MLB second basemen list recently. But considering his pre-injury track record and current spring training form, his potential is undeniable.
More crucially, McLain's comeback could address a significant gap in the Reds' lineup, creating a ripple effect that boosts the entire team. While an All-Star nod would be fantastic, the real win would be revitalizing the Reds' offense-and who says we can't hope for both?