Matt McLain is playing center field during the Arizona Fall League, which has led many to speculate he could be switching positions in 2025. However, McLain said he would prefer to remain at second base or shortstop.
“I really like the infield, and I know the impact I make there,” McLain said to Kyle Odegard of SportsCasting.com.
McLain, who missed all of last season due to shoulder surgery, played 53 games at shortstop and 37 at second base as a rookie in 2023. He recorded an OPS+ of 127 in 89 games, accumulating 3.7 WAR.
Matt McLain Wants to Remain Infielder Next Season
The Reds have a crowded infield, which might be why Cincinnati is preparing him for a position switch. McLain prefers second base or shortstop and his work in center field over the past few weeks is not a test run for next year.
“People have kind of taken it and run with it. It’s moreso to get at-bats here, because everyone has their priority players. We have two shortstops and a second baseman that are priority, and I was added like the day before the first game. So they asked me, ‘Hey, can you play other positions to get more at-bats?’ And I said yes.”
While McLain has his positional reference, he’s working hard to improve in center field, a spot he hasn’t played since his freshman year at UCLA in 2019.
“It’s good,” McLain said. “I had a couple of tough plays out there, which was cool. The first game I got some action, too. It’s cool. I’m an athlete. I’m a baseball player and I’m going to do it to the best of my ability. So when I see center field in the lineup, when I see short, I see second, I’m going to play it.”
McLain mentioned making several adjustments in the outfield during the Fall League.
“It’s definitely the way the ball carries out here sometimes,” McLain said. “Some of the balls keep going, and it feels like you’re running forever. The outfield is pretty big here. There was a ball I should have caught – that I think I should have caught – and it just felt like I was running 100 yards. So it’s getting used to that, like, hey, when’s that wall coming up, and that I would have to get comfortable with.”
The Reds Brass Ultimately Deciding Where McLain Plays
Reds president of baseball operations Nick Kralled talked with Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer about McLain playing center field.
“It’s a wait and see,” Krall said. “Let’s jsut have him play, get some at-bats. He played there in college, so he knew he could do it. India’s played some left. He’s played third in his career. He’s played second; and first base last year in spring training.
“I think we have options,” Krall said.
Mclain seems open to playing just about anywhere other than one particular position.
“I like shortstop and second, but it doesn’t matter what I like. Whatever I am in the lineup, I’m good. I can make (an impact) in center field because I am a baseball player at the end of the day. We’ll see what happens. I’ll player wherever. I can play literally anywhere except catcher.”
The Reds have a clear plan for McLain in 2025.
Main Photo: © Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
