GLENDALE, Ariz. — Matt McLain missed the entire 2024 MLB season after left shoulder surgery, so the Reds’ star has come to the Arizona Fall League to get some at-bats.
But it’s his position on the field that has raised eyebrows, as the talented infielder has taken reps in center field for the Glendale Desert Dogs.
The Reds have a crowded infield, which has led some to speculate that Cincinnati is preparing him for a position switch in 2025, but McLain told SportsCasting.com that he prefers second base or shortstop, and that 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,” McLain said. “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.”
Matt McLain (MI/OF-CIN)
The ball just sounds different coming off his bat than most other hitters in the AFL. This swing produced a 431-foot HR to dead center. McLain also looked good in CF, and I'm curious if the Reds give him more looks there. pic.twitter.com/5RtGmTPYaG
— Chris Clegg (@ChrisCleggMiLB) October 30, 2024
McLain didn’t outright shut down the notion that he could switch positions next season, but if the decision was his, it’s clear where he would remain.
McLain had an OPS+ of 127 in 89 games as a rookie in 2023, accumulating 3.7 WAR, including 0.8 on defense, per Baseball Reference.
He played 53 games at shortstop and 37 at second base.
“I really like the infield, and I know the impact I make there,” McLain said.
While McLain has his positional preference, he’s working hard to improve in center field, a spot he hasn’t played since his freshman year of college at UCLA in 2019.
“It’s good,” McLain said. “I had a couple tough plays out there (Tuesday), which was cool. The first game I got some good action, too. It’s cool. I’m an athlete. I’m a baseball player. I’m going to go do what I’m asked, 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 go play it.”
McLain said there have been a few notable adjustments he’s made while playing outfield in 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 outfields are pretty big here. There was a ball (Tuesday) 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, that I would have to get comfortable with.”
The Reds assuredly have a plan for McLain in 2025, which will come into clearer focus in the coming months.
While the 25-year-old likes the idea of wielding an above average bat at a premium infield spot, McLain understands the decision is out of his hands.
“I like shortstop and second, but it doesn’t matter what I like,” McLain said. “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 play wherever. I can play literally anywhere except catcher.”
