Matt McLain DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

One MLB evaluator said this week that by the end of the 2024 season, Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain and shortstop Elly De La Cruz will be the best second base/shortstop tandem in baseball. McLain, a former 17th overall pick in 2021 out of UCLA, actually had a better rookie season in 2023 than De La Cruz, hitting .290/.357/.507 with an .864 OPS, 16 home runs, 50 RBI, 14 steals and 65 runs scored in 89 games. However, the 25-year-old missed all of last year due to rib and shoulder injuries, which has left the 5-foot-8, 180-pounder as somewhat of a forgotten man. McLain doesn't look like a power hitter, but he is frequently barreling baseballs and has hit .350 (7-for-20) with a homer and three RBI in his first seven Cactus League games this spring. Don't sleep on McLain, who is RotoBaller's No.5-ranked fantasy second baseman.

Cincinnati Reds infielder Matt McLain has been focusing on playing second base to begin spring training, according to manager Terry Francona. It's worth noting that McLain did take grounders at shortstop, but it seems like second base is going to be his primary home. He was one of the best rookies in 2023, but sadly injuries held McLain back in 2024. Both the Reds and fantasy managers are a bit uncertain what exactly they will be getting from McLain in 2025. There's certainly plenty of upside here, but also a bit of a risk that he'll get back to hitting like he did in 2023.

According to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain could see time in the outfield in 2025. Earlier this week, the Cincinnati Reds traded for second baseman Gavin Lux which complicates their infield depth chart. While Lux could eventually move to the hot corner, McLain has begun to see time in the outfielder during the Arizona Fall League which suggests the team could deploy McLain in a super utility role in 2025. After a promising rookie campaign in 2023, McLain missed the entire 2024 season due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder. In his rookie season, the 25-year-old posted a strong .290/.357/.507 line with 23 doubles, 16 home runs, and 14 stolen bases. Under the hood, he generated a solid 10.8% barrel rate and a .332 xwOBA. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor where McLain plays in 2025 as he could carry high value in all fantasy formats having multiple positional eligibility with the ability to produce in all five standard categories.