Bleacher Report overlooks Reds' most obvious breakout star in favor of Gavin Lux

Let's not forget about Matt McLain just yet. Yes, the young Cincinnati Reds infielder missed all of the 2024 season in order to recover from shoulder surgery, but the future remains very bright for the 25-year-old. Amidst a busy offseason for the Reds, it looks like many people are already looking past McLain and what he can bring to the table in 2025.

Following the Reds' addition of Gavin Lux this winter, the former Los Angeles Dodgers infielder has garnered attention as a versatile player who could immediately uplift the profile of the franchise, as they look to make a postseason push in 2025. Lux was chosen by Bleacher Report as the Reds' biggest breakout star. That's an interesting choice, considering McLain will be healthy and ready to go in 2025.

Bleacher Report overlooks Matt McLain as breakout star for Reds in 2025

McLain should be the easiest choice on the board. The former first round draft pick splashed onto the major league scene in 2023 with an .864 OPS and 43 extra-base hits in just 89 games. He quickly showed that he was comfortable playing in the bigs before his injury-plagued season a year ago, so Reds fans should anticipate another productive season in 2025.

To prove that he is at full strength, McLain played in the Arizona Fall League last year. McLain powered four home runs out of the park and walked nine times in 13 games with the Glendale Desert Dogs, and appeared to be back to form, foreshadowing a likely breakout campaign this year.

McLain also spent some time in center field this past fall. A middle infielder by trade, the Reds might have the flexibility to use McLain wherever needed, just like they plan to do with Lux. Cincinnati is one outfielder away from having a strong starting lineup, but if McLain logs any games out there, the Reds' problem could be fixed without any additions.

At 27 years old, Lux never quite tapped into his full potential with the Dodgers, so moving to a new organization could stir up more excitement around how productive he can be. However, McLain is a star in the making. Cincinnati hopes to win a lot of games in 2025, and although it may start with Elly De La Cruz at the top, their overall success may fall on the shoulders of McLain.

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