Reds Draft: 3 college position players Cincinnati should target in Round 1

2. Reds should select UCLA shortstop Matt McLain in Round 1.

If Matt McLain were to fall to the Cincinnati Reds at No. 17, the front office must take him. McLain turned down the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2018, preferring instead to go to UCLA. A broken thumb earlier this season limited McLain’s playing time, but the right-handed hitting shortstop is the consensus best college infielder in the class.

McLain is only 5-foot-10, but he’s added some mass to his frame during his time in with the Bruins. While he’s played all over the infield, most scouts feel as though McLain has what it takes to stick at shortstop. If his power doesn’t translate to the bigs, he could always be moved to second base.

I have a funny feeling that some team within the Top 5 of this year’s draft will select Matt McLain below slot in order to spend more later in the draft. In fact, given that the Reds have the 30th-overall pick as compensation for losing Trevor Bauer and the 35th-overall pick (competitive balance lottery), they may avoid McLain all together as he’d likely command more of the team’s draft pool.

If Cincinnati is able to land McLain, its would certainly boost what is a very weak position for them within the farm system. The Reds top shortstop, Jose Barrero, is likely to make it to the majors later this season or early next, leaving the organization virtually devoid of shortstops within their minor leagues.