Matt McLain's potential position change could help solve Reds' biggest roster void

The Cincinnati Reds have made upgrading the outfield one of their top priorities this offseason. But what if the team could solve that issue internally? A curious lineup change in the Arizona Fall League on Tuesday may offer Cincinnati a way to bolster the roster without making a trade or signing a big-name free agent this offseason.

When the Glendale Desert Dogs released their lineup for Tuesday's game against the Salt River Rafters, Matt McLain — who'd been playing various places on the infield this fall — was penciled in as the team's starting centerfielder.

McLain missed all of last season after undergoing shoulder surgery and suffering through an oblique injury. McLain was the Reds' best player a year ago, and Cincinnati certainly missed his peresence in the everyday lineup. Might the Reds look to deploy McLain in the outfield this season?

Matt McLain's potential position change could help solve Reds' biggest roster void

Shortly after the 2024 season ended, Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall floated the idea of McLain taking reps in the outfield. Cincinnati's top decision-maker also said the team would entertain the idea of moving McLain, Jonathan India, and Spencer Steer around the diamond in 2025.

The Reds have endured this problem — if you can call it that — for a few years now. Cincinnati has far too many infielders and only so many at-bats available. Last year, the Reds moved Steer off the infield dirt and onto the outfield grass. Will they do the same with McLain in 2025?

It's probably unwise to read too much into one fall league lineup, but it definitely gives the Reds increased options if they are unable to upgrade the outfield this offseason. McLain is also no stranger to center field, as he played there his freshman season at UCLA.

Finding a way to get the best players onto the field as often as possible will be one of new manager Terry Francona's key functions next season. Outside of Tyler Stephenson and Elly De La Cruz, it's fair to say that every player on the Reds roster will be fighting for playing time next spring, and McLain's best chance to get in the lineup every day could come as Cincinnati's centerfielder.

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