Matt McLain is an exciting and talented prospect who could fill a number of needs for the Reds. Full-year historical Major League statistics provided by Pete Palmer and Gary Gillette of Hidden Game Sports. @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-black-italic.woff2') format('woff2'),url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-black-italic.woff') format('woff');font-style:italic;font-weight:900;font-display:fallback;}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g10[id="buttonstyle__Label-sc-vlv7w5-0"]{content:"iwXciG,"}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .icon-globe{margin-left:32px;}/*!sc*/ Perhaps it makes sense to double-dip from UCLA and get his former teammate in Matt McLain. .mHQYb input[type='search']::-ms-clear{display:none;width:0;height:0;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__sponsor-logo img,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__sponsor-logo a{height:56px;}/*!sc*/ Chicago-area prospects growing together in DREAM Series. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-items{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;padding-top:2px;}/*!sc*/ .dMKvOx{line-height:1.2;}/*!sc*/ He signed for a $4.625 million bonus, well over slot value. data-styled.g167[id="Styles__StoryPartContainer-sc-1mfrmm0-0"]{content:"groqnz,"}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g20[id="imagestyle__ImageWrapper-sc-xw1tzz-0"]{content:"evGxub,"}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g89[id="sc-global-feDRkC1"]{content:"sc-global-feDRkC1,"}/*!sc*/ Outfielder Jack Rogers, Cincinnatis ninth-round pick, was promoted from the ACL along with McLain and went 1-for-5 with a triple on Wednesday. data-styled.g11[id="buttonstyle__StyledButton-sc-vlv7w5-1"]{content:"hspSPq,"}/*!sc*/ That move forced Mike Moustakas to third and cleared the way for India to win the second base job. @media (min-width:768px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav--teams__leagues{min-width:600px;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav--teams__divisions{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav--teams__divisions > *{-webkit-flex:1 0 200px;-ms-flex:1 0 200px;flex:1 0 200px;margin-left:0;}}/*!sc*/ .blUWSx .share-icon__close{width:18px;}/*!sc*/ .fuMUTu rect{fill:#ffffff;stroke:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ .dLQAwR{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;margin-right:8px;min-height:48px;margin-bottom:8px;padding-right:8px;}/*!sc*/ McLain. .mHQYb header.mlb-header{width:100%;font-family:'proxima-nova','mlb-primary','Helvetica Neue', 'Helvetica','Arial',sans-serif;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size:14px;font-weight:500;line-height:15px;color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ 'I'm a catcher:' Rose stands out at MLB DREAM Series. .mHQYb .p-search-item__container--sm{font-size:12px;height:30px;min-width:150px;}/*!sc*/ While he still has two more levels of the minors to conquer before he pushes for his debut, he'll get the chance to work with the big-league coaching staff for a few weeks this spring. Date of Diagnosis: Early February, 2021 Current Status: Beginning Maintenance Chemotherapy Pil No journey with pancreatic cancer is easy, but the success Matt McLain has experienced thus far in his, has him questioning what he did to deserve it - and what he might do . In the event that you've never seen De La Cruz play in the minor leagues, consider this a warning - he loves to celebrate after hitting home runs. In the Reds system, he played shortstop for all his games at Dayton and remained at that position with Lookouts until the end of July. McLains isolated power (ISO) increased from .152 in 2021 to .221 in 2022. .dLQAwR .contributor__text--name{color:#222222;font-size:1rem;font-weight:600;line-height:1;margin:0;}/*!sc*/ Long term, a role as utility player seems most likely. Former 1st round pick Matt McLain made sure of that, launching a walk-off homer in the Bottom of the 9th to give the Reds a 4-3 win over their rivels and park-mates the Cleveland Guardians. I went out there, hit in the cages before the game and I was just myself before the game, getting ready to go up there looking for a good pitch to hit, just keep doing that. Its nice to be able to go play again and not worry about any of that stuff, just have fun playing baseball, he said. The slot value for the 17th overall pick was $3.61 . High School: Arnold O. Beckman HS (Irvine, CA), School: University of California, Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA), Minor League Batting Game Logs & Splits (s.2008), More Matt McLain Pages at Baseball Reference, Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Sunday, February 26, 11:03PM. Competing against the other team with them on our side. .eJdqRG p{margin-top:0;}/*!sc*/ That showed how much we felt he could manage it mentally. Subscribe to Stathead Baseball: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Baseball Reference Database. @media (min-width:1024px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav{opacity:0;display:none;left:-9999px;position:absolute;margin:0px;-webkit-transition:opacity 100ms ease 100ms;transition:opacity 100ms ease 100ms;pointer-events:initial;border-top:solid 4px #002867;border-radius:0 0 6px 6px;box-shadow:0px 0px 14px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0.25);}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__content{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-box-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-pack:start;justify-content:flex-start;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__item,.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__group-title{padding:11px 8px;white-space:nowrap;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__item:not(.header__subnav--teams__team),.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__group-title{display:block;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__group{-webkit-flex:1 1 auto;-ms-flex:1 1 auto;flex:1 1 auto;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__group-title{background-color:#ffffff;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item{position:relative;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item:hover .header__nav-top__nav-item__text,.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item[aria-expanded='true'] .header__nav-top__nav-item__text{opacity:1;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item--parent[aria-expanded='true']{border-bottom:none;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item--parent[aria-expanded='true']::after{opacity:1;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item--parent[aria-expanded='true'] .header__subnav{display:block;opacity:1;top:52px;left:0px;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item--parent[aria-expanded='true'] .header__subnav--pin-to-right{right:0;left:auto;}}/*!sc*/ Matt McLain, the Reds 6th rated prospect, capped a come-from-behind win with a walk-off solo home run off of the top of the scoreboard in left-center to seal a 4-3 victory over the Cleveland . The strikeout rate is a bit high, but the Reds certainly seem to have nailed their first-round pick in last year's draft. .epHHrr{text-align:center;max-width:100%;margin:0 auto;}/*!sc*/ Preface: Just about any route for Matt McLain to win a big league job this spring would involve a scintillating March performance and/or a huge number of injuries to players ahead of him. .mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-open .header__nav-top{height:56px;}/*!sc*/ Hes an intelligent kid. .hspSPq:hover{cursor:pointer;background-color:#0462CC;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-container__primary{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;width:100%;padding:0px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__logo--mlb a{text-align:center;}/*!sc*/ Required fields are marked *. Amateur career [ edit] @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-extrabold-italic.woff2') format('woff2'),url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-extrabold-italic.woff') format('woff');font-style:italic;font-weight:800;font-display:fallback;}/*!sc*/ If you want to watch a bunch (12+ minutes!) McLain, a 21-year-old shortstop out of UCLA, signed just days away from the Aug. 1 deadline. window.globalState = {"tracking_title":"Major League Baseball","lang":"en"} .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top .icon,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top .p-icon *{fill:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ Reds farm director Shawn Pender said they pushed him as hard as we ever pushed anyone. McLain hit .273/.387/.424 for the Dragons, with three homers in 119 plate appearances. @media screen and (min-width:1024px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item:hover{background-color:#057AFF;}}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-open .header__nav-top .header__nav-top__button-menu--icon span:nth-child(3){-webkit-transform:rotate(-45deg);-ms-transform:rotate(-45deg);transform:rotate(-45deg);}/*!sc*/ 17 by the Cincinnati Reds","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:01:15","mp4AvcPlayback":"https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2021/2021-07/11/3213355a-0d203551-955fd5b6-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4","slug":"mclain-on-being-drafted-by-reds","tags":[{"__typename":"Tag","slug":"teamid-113","title":"Cincinnati Reds"},{"__typename":"Tag","slug":"playerid-680574","title":"Matt McLain"},{"__typename":"Tag","slug":"mlb-network","title":"MLB Network"},{"__typename":"Tag","slug":"mlb-draft","title":"MLB Draft"}],"templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/injbgmmqlezyxpsgauak","title":"McLain on being drafted by Reds","type":"video","url":"/video/mclain-on-being-drafted-by-reds"}],"storyType":"news","subHeadline":null,"summary":"It took a couple of weeks, but the Reds and their first-round pick put pen to paper, as the club announced on Monday that it had signed Matt McLain, the No. 12. .groqnz{margin-bottom:32px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item{width:100%;-webkit-order:0;-ms-flex-order:0;order:0;background-color:#081c3b;border-bottom:1px solid #002867;}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:768px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__tagline{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-pack:start;justify-content:flex-start;}}/*!sc*/ @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-bold-italic.woff2') format('woff2'),url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-bold-italic.woff') format('woff');font-weight:700;font-style:italic;font-display:fallback;}/*!sc*/ Its been a lot of fun so far.. The Reds are trying to get all four players reps at shortstop, but whats most important is how quickly theyre developing. @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-regular.woff2') format('woff2'),url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-regular.woff') format('woff');font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-display:fallback;}/*!sc*/ Instead of going pro, the young right-hander chose to travel 50 miles up the road to attend his hometown college of UCLA. data-styled.g145[id="Styles__StickyHeaderContent-sc-1wye7kw-1"]{content:"jbYgiH,"}/*!sc*/ .jDETbc{font-family:"proxima-nova","open Sans","Helvetica","Arial",sans-serif;font-size:40px;color:#222222;margin:0;}/*!sc*/ McLain (wrist) was activated from the 7-day injured list Friday, Doug Gray of RedsMinorLeagues.com reports. summary{display:list-item;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .mlb-header__login-menu{border-color:#057AFF;}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:1024px){.blLcNM .content{grid-column:1 / span 8;}.blLcNM .content .share-btn{-webkit-align-self:flex-end;-ms-flex-item-align:end;align-self:flex-end;margin-bottom:16px;top:0;}}/*!sc*/ button,input,optgroup,select,textarea{font-family:inherit;font-size:100%;line-height:1.15;margin:0;}/*!sc*/ @media screen and (-ms-high-contrast:active),(-ms-high-contrast:none){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__url-logo{height:30px;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__url-logo img{min-height:30px;height:auto !important;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__tagline img{width:100%;}}/*!sc*/ India had spent the 2020 COVID season at Prasco Park, quietly working on his game. .blLcNM .content .share-btn{-webkit-align-self:flex-end;-ms-flex-item-align:end;align-self:flex-end;margin-left:auto;min-width:32px;position:relative;top:-16px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__logo a{-webkit-flex:1 0 auto;-ms-flex:1 0 auto;flex:1 0 auto;}/*!sc*/ Last spring, he appeared in five exhibition games for the Reds and had a pair of singles and a walk in his seven. Many historical player head shots courtesy of David Davis. window.appId = '' McLain is a super-athletic kid. [type="search"]{-webkit-appearance:textfield;outline-offset:-2px;}/*!sc*/ .blLcNM{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(12,1fr);grid-gap:24px;font-size:1rem;}/*!sc*/ 07/26/2021: Cincinnati Reds signed SS Matt McLain. The Reds took an extremely aggressive approach, putting McLain in Double-A right away in 2022. He got off to a hot start but faded down the stretch. @media (min-width:768px){.cHcHkC{font-size:1.44rem;max-height:32px;text-overflow:ellipsis;white-space:nowrap;display:block;-webkit-line-clamp:none;-webkit-box-orient:inline-axis;}.cHcHkC::before,.cHcHkC::after{display:none;}}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-open .header__nav-side__nav-item[aria-expanded='true']{-webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb body.side-nav-open{position:fixed;overflow:hidden;overscroll-behavior:none;touch-action:none;}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g142[id="Share-sc-1t9fdg-0"]{content:"koKsQt,"}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:768px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__secondary-logos{-webkit-flex-basis:75%;-ms-flex-preferred-size:75%;flex-basis:75%;}}/*!sc*/ body{margin:0;}/*!sc*/ For third base, you go back to a couple dozen games his freshman year at UCLA. article > section{font-size:1.2rem;font-family:Georgia,serif;}/*!sc*/ Written By Julia Brabant September 2021. @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-medium-it.woff2') format('woff2'),url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-medium-it.woff') format('woff');font-weight:500;font-style:italic;font-display:fallback;}/*!sc*/ .cwEpxl{height:100%;width:100%;border:transparent;background:none;cursor:pointer;-webkit-transition:0.2s;transition:0.2s;padding:0px;}/*!sc*/ Being part of such a performance in a real Minor League atmosphere was a bonus for McLain. 4. McLain (wrist) was activated from the 7-day injured list Friday, Doug Gray of RedsMinorLeagues.com reports. McLain, the Reds' first-round pick in 2021, is in his second big-league camp. Its been long and short at the same time, but its been a lot of fun; new experiences, getting to meet new people, all the Draft guys, he said. That spring, India won an improbable Opening Day roster spot by kicking down the door as well as taking advantage of opportunity. 03/03/2019: SS Matt McLain assigned to UCLA Bruins. .iwXciG{display:inline-block;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top > *{-webkit-order:0;-ms-flex-order:0;order:0;-webkit-flex:1 1 auto;-ms-flex:1 1 auto;flex:1 1 auto;}/*!sc*/ McLain was a three-year starter at UCLA (2019-2021) where he reached All-American status. code,kbd,samp{font-family:monospace,monospace;font-size:1em;}/*!sc*/ .blUWSx{height:30px;position:relative;width:30px;}/*!sc*/ McLain was selected by the Reds with the 17th overall pick in the 2021 Major League Baseball draft . A two-game stint in the Arizona Complex League was all the Reds needed from McLain to see he was ready for an advanced assignment. .mHQYb .p-search__list{z-index:50;min-width:250px;border-radius:6px;-webkit-mask-image:-webkit-radial-gradient(#ffffff,#000000);}/*!sc*/ Apparently, De La Cruz pulled McLain aside and jokingly suggested that the two would need to meet early the next morning so that De La Cruz could teach McLain how to showboat more. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__sponsor-url-logos > *{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:end;-webkit-justify-content:flex-end;-ms-flex-pack:end;justify-content:flex-end;}/*!sc*/ De La Cruz, McLain and Marte have very different histories and different skill sets. Email address: M.N.McLain@ljmu.ac.uk. data-styled.g164[id="Styles__AspectRatioContainer-sc-1t1lmmv-0"]{content:"jiNMQU,"}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search-item__container:hover{background-color:#e6f2ff75;color:#333333;}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:1024px){article > header{padding:0;}}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-items--spillover{display:none;}/*!sc*/ The dramatic shot broke a 3-3 tie, giving the Reds a win over the Cleveland Guardians. @media (min-width:768px){body.article .ad-top-container{min-height:106px;}}/*!sc*/ Here are the best Draft prospects of past decade. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav--teams__league{margin-bottom:5px;}/*!sc*/ Matt McLain 23-Year-Old SS Cincinnati Reds AA 2022 Stats AVG .000 HR 0 RBI 0 R 0 SB 0 2023 Projections AVG HR RBI R SB Unlock Our Projections 2023 Fantasy Outlook McLain hit seven homers and stole seven bases while hitting .271 in his first 23 games at Double-A. .blLcNM .content .share-btn button{font-weight:600;}/*!sc*/ .groqnz.markdown,.groqnz.photo figcaption,.groqnz.oembed .social-embed{padding:0 16px;}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g120[id="headlinestyle__HeadlineWrapper-sc-1ccyctx-0"]{content:"jDETbc,"}/*!sc*/ McLains experience at second is comprised of those 23 games last summer with Chattanooga. In that case, they may simply give the job to Newman by default. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. @media (min-width:768px){.ggWmAj{max-height:60px;padding:16px 32px 16px 24px;}}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item--spotlight{background-color:#333333;}/*!sc*/ The Book: Playing the Percentages in Baseball. The Reds also have Edwin Arroyo, a potentially elite defender who finished last year in Low-A. .mHQYb .p-search__list--multiple-type .p-search-item--team + .p-search-item--player:before{border-top:1px solid #ddd;content:'Players';left:10px;right:10px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item--mobile-quick-nav .header__nav-top__nav-item--inner{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-pack:start;justify-content:flex-start;height:100%;}/*!sc*/ July 26, 2021: Cincinnati Reds signed SS Matt McLain. Matt McLain shows off the ball from his first pro homer. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item__link{width:100%;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;padding:14px;}/*!sc*/ But what would it take for McLain to make the 2023 Reds? Scouts considered McLain one of the top high school players in the country coming out of Irvine, California in 2018. Finally, McLain could win the infield bench slot, either by beating out Newman or Barrero this spring or by an injury to one of those two. Long term, a role as utility player seems most likely. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__tagline--no-sponsor{margin-right:0;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav{display:none;pointer-events:none;}/*!sc*/ .drUhS path{fill:#000000;}/*!sc*/ .groqnz.markdown.youtube,.groqnz.photo figcaption.youtube,.groqnz.oembed .social-embed.youtube{padding:0;}/*!sc*/ While McClain only hit two of his 17 homers in his last 25 games, its worth pointing out De La Cruz didnt hit any homers in his final 20 games. January 15, 2023. McLain was invited to the Reds' big-league camp Friday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. .mHQYb .mlb-header__login-menu__link:hover{background-color:#e2e2e2;color:#002867;border-radius:3px;}/*!sc*/ He wasnt impacted by what Im sure he felt was a subpar performance. Hes now considered more or less a slam dunk shortstop. (FanGraphs). McLain finished the season with a .232 batting average as well as an impressive .816 OPS. Dayton Dragons Exactly one month to the day after he was selected by the Cincinnati Reds with the 17th overall selection in the 2021 MLB Draft, Matt McLain arrived on a full-season field. Even if you're not an avid consumer of collegiate baseball, the name might already sound familiar to you, as McLain was drafted 25th overall by the Diamondbacks in 2018 but did not sign in lieu of his commitment to UCLA. March 3, 2019: ), the club made the decision to try Suarez at short. Winning the shortstop job outright may be McLains most direct route. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__url-logo img{height:30px;}/*!sc*/ To see how they work, what they think and to play with them is fun, McLain said. We'll see whether he can maintain this level of power output; if so, it'll lift his prospect profile considerably, as he already boasts an above-average hit tool and good speed. @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-semibold.woff2') format('woff2'),url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-semibold.woff') format('woff');font-weight:600;font-style:normal;font-display:fallback;}/*!sc*/ Matt McLain is an exciting and talented prospect who could fill a number of needs for the Reds. Reds spring trainingWhy the Cincinnati Reds are emphasizing defense at spring training, Reds spring trainingA breakdown of the pitchers competing for 2 spots in the Cincinnati Reds' rotation, At first, I felt a bit loose out there at third base, Marte said. h5.headlinestyle__HeadlineWrapper-sc-1ccyctx-0{font-weight:normal;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__content,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav--teams{padding:8px;}/*!sc*/ Matt McLain, 23, SS, CIN (AA) AFL: 30 PA, 2 SB, .200/.467/.250 A talented middle infielder now overshadowed by Elly De La Cruz and Noelvi Marte, McLain could make a case for a quick promotion. Facts. De La Cruz emerged out of nowhere with elite power and elite speed to become one of the best players in Minor League Baseball. McLain was drafted in the first round out of high school, put his minor league career on hold to become a star shortstop at UCLA and is now rising up the ranks as fast as any Reds draft pick in some time. Heading into last season, the Reds wanted to get De La Cruz and McLain everyday playing time at shortstop. His walks (34) matched his strikeout total. McLains 9th-inning heroics yesterday recalled Jonathan India in 2021. De La Cruz was somewhat critical of McLain's home run trot after hitting the walk-off winner. 12 prospect by MLB Pipeline following a junior season that saw him hit .333 with nine home runs and 36 RBIs.\n\nWith McLains signing, the Reds only unsigned pick is 11th-rounder Shawn Guilliams.\n\n Reds 2021 Draft Tracker","type":"markdown"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2021-07-12T03:29:46.642Z","description":"Shortstop Matt McLain discusses being drafted No. 17 overall, of the 2021 MLB First-Year Player Draft by Cincinnati . html{font-size:16px;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item:last-child{border:none;}/*!sc*/ body.side-nav-open{max-height:100vh;overflow:hidden;overscroll-behavior:none;touch-action:none;position:fixed;top:0;width:100vw;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search__input--icon--sm{top:0.5rem;right:0.5rem;}/*!sc*/ @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-medium.woff2') format('woff2'),url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-medium.woff') format('woff');font-weight:500;font-style:normal;font-display:fallback;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item--inner::after{display:none;content:'';width:0;height:0;position:absolute;left:auto;right:-1px;top:33%;z-index:calc(99992 + 1);border-color:transparent #ffffff transparent transparent;border-style:solid;border-width:8px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top .header__nav-top__button-menu--icon span:nth-child(2),.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top .header__nav-top__button-menu--icon span:nth-child(3){top:8px;}/*!sc*/ Well come back to this in a minute. data-styled.g114[id="sc-bdfBwQ"]{content:"mHQYb,"}/*!sc*/ @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-regular-italic.woff2') format('woff2'),url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-regular-italic.woff') format('woff');font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-display:fallback;}/*!sc*/ Its just a cool atmosphere, good to be in a ballpark.. But our recent experience with 2021 Rookie of the Year Jonathan India is fresh enough we should ask: Does the 23-year-old Matt McLain have a realistic path to the clubs Opening Day roster? It was a whirlwind month, but one of Cincinnatis most promising young prospects is thrilled to be back focused on the game he loves after the Draft process. De La Cruz bounced between shortstop and third base during his time at Dayton and is expected to continue seeing reps at both positions, which should allow a healthy McLain to see consistent time at the two middle-infield spots. Josh Reidt. .groqnz .ad-body-container .ad-body-inner-container{margin-bottom:32px;padding:43px 0 16px 0;position:relative;text-align:center;width:343px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__main-nav{background-color:#041E42;}/*!sc*/ @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-bold-italic.woff2') format('woff2'), url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-bold-italic.woff') format('woff');font-weight:700;font-style:italic;}/*!sc*/ Possible 1st-rounder Head 'pumped' to be at DREAM Series. .mHQYb .p-search__form{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;}/*!sc*/ textarea{overflow:auto;}/*!sc*/ .ggWmAj .sticky-header__header{grid-column:1 / span 8;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;margin:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;position:relative;z-index:99993;padding:0 14px;background-color:#041e42;box-shadow:1px 0 5px #000000;}/*!sc*/ He's bigger than many who've already done so. McLain, 23, had only played a month at High-A following the 2021 MLB Draft. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item--spotlight{background-color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ This is his most unlikely way to Cincinnati. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav--teams__team--name{display:none;}/*!sc*/ Last week, ESPN's Kiley McDaniel released his first mock, and the Mets landed UCLA standout shortstop Matt McLain. Thursday night against the Tennessee Smokies, Reds shortstop prospect Matt McLain played his 100th game of the season. sub,sup{font-size:75%;line-height:0;position:relative;vertical-align:baseline;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item--inner a,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item--inner span{color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ Add that to the clubs possible wish to play young uns over vets and you could see McLain start at second or third due to an injury. 30. .mHQYb .p-search{display:block;position:relative;color:#333333;width:inherit;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .mlb-header__login-menu--open{display:block;left:auto;opacity:1;}/*!sc*/ Publications. Your email address will not be published. .mHQYb .p-search__input--icon.close-icon:hover{cursor:pointer;}/*!sc*/ Statcast Glossary Exit Velocity (EV) How fast, in miles per hour, a ball was hit by a batter. August 6, 2021: SS Matt McLain assigned to ACL Reds. .XOHMa{bottom:0;left:0;position:absolute;right:0;top:0;}/*!sc*/ Much of the play-by-play, game results, and transaction information both shown and used to create certain data sets was obtained free of charge from and is copyrighted by RetroSheet. .mHQYb .p-search__input{-webkit-appearance:none;position:relative;height:40px;font-family:'mlb-primary','Helvetica Neue','Helvetica','Arial', sans-serif;box-shadow:inset 0 1px 1px rgba(0,0,0,0.075);color:#000;font-size:16px;width:100%;min-width:250px;background-color:#ffffff;border:0px;border-radius:6px;padding:0.25rem 1rem;line-height:1.42857143;margin-bottom:2px;}/*!sc*/ McLain is hitting .278/.365/.593 with three homers, three steals, 12 RBI and 13 runs across 15 games for Double-A Chattanooga. Night against the other team with them on our side Pete Palmer and Gary Gillette Hidden! 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