Reds may face tough choice between Matt McLain and this fast-rising prospect

The Cincinnati Reds have built their reputation in recent years on the strength of their farm system, turning once-familiar rebuild years into a steady conveyor belt of young, talented players ready to impact the big-league roster.

That pipeline is still flowing strong, but with it comes the inevitable logjam: there aren’t enough everyday spots to go around. Nowhere is that reality clearer than at second base, where a former future cornerstone, Matt McLain, suddenly looks more vulnerable than ever.

At first glance, second base feels like it should belong to McLain by default. After all, he’s only 26 and has now proven he can handle the grind of a full season in the majors. But the truth is more complicated.

Reds’ second base picture gets complicated with Edwin Arroyo’s breakout

McLain’s 2025 season left much to be desired — a .225/.306/.349 slash line with 14 home runs and 48 RBIs across 136 games isn’t disastrous, but for a player once viewed as a long-term piece of Cincinnati’s infield, it was undeniably a step backward. That regression has opened the door for fresh questions about the Reds’ future plans, particularly with a familiar name knocking louder than ever: Edwin Arroyo.

Arroyo has quietly re-emerged as one of the most intriguing storylines in the system. In 120 games at Double-A Chattanooga, the 22-year-old shortstop posted a .284/.345/.371 line with three home runs and 44 RBIs. The power hasn’t yet returned since his 2024 labrum injury, but scouts and player development staff remain convinced it’s still in the tank.

Arroyo’s defense and ability to control at-bats have already drawn notice, and a strong offseason could give him the springboard he needs to leap straight into the Reds’ big-league picture — potentially bypassing Triple-A altogether.

It’s a fascinating twist considering how Arroyo was originally viewed. When the Reds acquired him and Noelvi Marte from Seattle in 2022, Marte was heralded as the jewel of the trade while Arroyo was seen as a project, still years from the majors. Fast-forward three seasons, and the gap has narrowed. The Reds don’t just see Arroyo as an organizational depth piece; they see a potential everyday infielder.

That looming reality puts McLain in a precarious spot. While the Reds reportedly had interest in extending him before 2025, McLain chose to bet on himself, hoping another strong season would boost his market value. Instead, his down year has left the team with leverage — and an incentive to keep their options open.

Cincinnati doesn’t have to rush this decision, as both McLain and Arroyo remain under team control for years. But eventually, the Reds will be forced to answer the question of who anchors second base long-term.

And if Arroyo keeps trending upward, McLain could find himself as the odd man out. That wouldn’t necessarily be the end of the world for Cincinnati — it would mean they’re in a position of strength, holding a trade chip with legitimate big-league experience and the upside to return major value. The challenge will be timing. Sell too early, and the Reds risk missing a bounce-back from McLain. Wait too long, and they could be stuck with a depreciating asset.

For now, the Reds can enjoy the luxury of choice. But make no mistake: the clock is ticking. Arroyo’s rise could very well force Cincinnati into one of the most defining roster decisions that could impact the roster for years. And McLain’s future in a Reds uniform may depend on how quickly that rise continues.

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