Matt McLain's rejection of Reds' contract extension could be a blessing in disguise

Before the 2025 regular season began, Cincinnati Reds infielder Matt McLain was asked what the priority was for the team. His answer was straightforward and, for Reds fans, undeniably optimistic: Health.

It was a simple but telling response. After all, it was health — or the lack thereof — that ultimately derailed the Reds’ 2024 campaign. A promising young core spent much of last season sidelined, and hopes for a postseason push faded into the distance.

But entering 2025, there was renewed energy. The roster was mostly healthy, the vibes were strong, and McLain’s sentiment echoed what many around the organization were feeling: if this group could stay on the field, they had a real shot.

Matt McLain’s injury struggles continue, clouding Reds' hopes for contract extension

Unfortunately, that optimism has already taken a hit — most notably for McLain himself. Just eight games into the season, the 25-year-old was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain.

While both McLain and manager Terry Francona expressed confidence in a quick return, it’s hard to ignore the growing narrative surrounding McLain’s durability. In light of his decision to turn down contract extension offers earlier this year, his early-season injury reignites concerns about his long-term availability.

For all of McLain’s talent, his injury history is impossible to overlook. When healthy, he’s great. In those eight games before hitting the IL this year, McLain homered three times, drove in five runs, and swiped a base. But flashes of brilliance have consistently been interrupted by his time off the field. A quick look at his injury timeline paints a concerning picture:

• August 2023: Right oblique strain, ending his rookie season prematurely.
• March 2024: Left shoulder injury during a spring training workout, requiring surgery to repair cartilage and his labrum. He missed the entire 2024 season.
• April 2025: Left hamstring strain, placing him back on the IL.

McLain has yet to complete a full season in the major leagues without a significant injury setback. In fact, his entire 2024 season was lost before it even began. That kind of track record makes it difficult for a front office to confidently invest in a long-term deal, no matter how talented the player.

To be fair, the Reds aren’t out of time. McLain isn’t arbitration-eligible until 2027, and he’s under team control through 2029. There’s runway for him to get healthy, stay healthy, and prove that his early career injury woes aren’t a permanent part of his story.

But for now, the extension talks have gone quiet — to his own doing — and perhaps that’s for the best. Until McLain can prove he can withstand the rigors of a full MLB season, both he and the Reds may be better off keeping the focus on the field.

There’s no denying McLain’s ceiling. Reds fans have seen it, even in limited action. The hope now is that this latest setback is just that. Not another chapter in an all-too-familiar pattern.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors