3 bold moves the Reds could make before May 1

2. Bold move the Reds could make before May 1: Promote shortstop Matt McLain to the big leagues.

The Cincinnati Reds have gone out of the way to accelerate Matt McLain's journey through the minor leagues. While the UCLA product has fewer than a month's worth of game at Triple-A, you can easily make the case that he's ready for the major leagues.

Quite frankly, this whole situation is a bit of a mess. The Reds currently have Jose Barrero and Kevin Newman occupying the shortstop position on a regular basis. Neither one has shown much of anything in the batters' box, though Barrero has looked better than he did at the end of last season.

Perhaps the bigger concern for Barrero, however, is his defense. Per Fielding Bible, Barrero's -5 defensive runs saved (DRS) is tied with Jonathan India for the worst on the team.

Anyone can see that the Reds do not see Jose Barrero as a long-term fixture at shortstop. Whether it's Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, or Edwin Arroyo, someone is going to replace Barrero at shortstop very soon.

Maybe the Reds should option Barrero back to Triple-A and try him out as the everyday centerfielder for the Louisville Bats. It would give Barrero the opportunity to learn a new position while also getting everyday at-bats in the minors.

Is it too soon for McLain to make his big league debut? Perhaps, but we're talking about bold moves. McLain is not yet part of the 40-man roster, but the aforementioned release of Luke Maile would open up a spot for one of the Cincinnati Reds top young prospects.