Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona has made it clear that Matt McLain is his go-to guy for the No. 2 spot in the lineup this season. McLain's impressive performance in spring training has solidified his position, showcasing significant progress at the plate.
Francona, reflecting on last year’s lineup, is confident in McLain's abilities. “When you’re on the field and there’s nothing you can’t do, that’s got to be a good feeling,” he remarked.
Spring training stats can be tricky, but McLain's development is hard to ignore. After a challenging 2025, he's focused on refining his approach, setting goals that go beyond just numbers.
“It’s about swinging at the right pitches early in counts and avoiding strikeouts,” McLain explained. “Hitting with runners in scoring position is crucial.”
With McLain locked in at No. 2, Francona has a clear vision for the lineup.
Center fielder TJ Friedl is pegged as the leadoff hitter, tasked with getting on base consistently. Last season, Friedl joined the ranks of Shohei Ohtani and Fernando Tatis Jr. as one of the few leadoff hitters to reach base multiple times in 77 or more games.
“TJ did a remarkable job,” Francona noted. “Being on base leads to good things.”
Friedl’s game is about more than power. His ability to bunt, hit to the opposite field, and maintain a sharp eye makes him a formidable presence at the plate. “I’m sticking to my approach, just fine-tuning a few things,” Friedl said.
McLain's power surge this spring is promising. Positioned at No. 2, he can set the stage for big hitters like Elly De La Cruz and Eugenio Suárez. His knack for hitting left-handed pitchers adds a strategic edge late in games.
“I’m drawing confidence from this spring,” McLain shared. “I’ve worked on driving the ball the other way and refining my approach. It’s about hitting the fastball and being selective with breaking balls.”
The Reds have a solid middle lineup with De La Cruz at third, and Francona is still deciding between Suárez and rookie Sal Stewart for the cleanup spot. “We’ll see how it goes,” Francona said.
“Geno can clean up some of the mess hitting fifth. That’s the idea.”
Stewart’s potential role as a rookie cleanup hitter speaks volumes. “It’s a big compliment to Sal,” Francona acknowledged. “But I might change my mind on the airplane.”
The Reds' lineup depth is a marked improvement from last year. With players like Steer, Tyler Stephenson, and Noelvi Marte potentially hitting in the lower third, the team has a strong foundation. The bench, featuring impact players like Will Benson and Dane Myers, adds further versatility.
The Reds are shaping up to be a formidable force this season, with a lineup that’s both deep and dynamic.