Reds just hinted that Matt McLain's roster spot is no longer guaranteed

After seeing the Cincinnati Reds ink Eugenio Suárez to a one-year, $15 million deal, most fans assumed he'd become the team's everyday designated hitter. As such, the Cincinnati faithful expect to see Spencer Steer moved back to the outfield in order to get Sal Stewart's bat into the everyday lineup at first base. But Nick Krall may have other plans once the team touches down in Goodyear, Arizona.

The Reds president of baseball operations spoke during Suárez's introductory press conference about the team's defensive alignment. Based on Krall's statements, fans should expect to see several position battles once spring training gets underway, including second base.

Charlie Clifford of NBC5 in Cincinnati reported that Suárez and Stewart will see time at DH in addition to both first and third base. Look for Steer to get some reps at first base while also logging time in the outfield. Curiously, however, Krall mentioned that both Steer and Stewart are expected to put in some work at the second base as well. In other words, Matt McLain, you're officially on notice.

Reds infielders Spencer Steer and Sal Stewart could challenge Matt McLain for playing time at second base

This shouldn't come as a shock. After all, it's not as if McLain put up All-Star caliber numbers in 2025. After a one-year layoff due to shoulder surgery, McLain returned to the diamond last season, but looked like a shell of the player who was a Rookie of the Year candidate in 2023. He appeared in 147 games, but hit just .220/.300/.343 with a 77 wRC+.

But McLain's defense at second base kept him in the everyday lineup. While he was worth -6 defensive runs saved (DRS), he posted 6 outs above average (OAA) — the fourth most in the majors for a second baseman — and owned a .988 fielding percentage.

Obviously Krall wasn't suggesting that McLain will be riding the bench, and there's every reason to believe that he'll be the Reds Opening Day second baseman when Cincinnati sets foot at Great American Ball Park on March 26 against the Boston Red Sox. But giving Steer and Stewart some extra reps at the keystone this spring can't hurt, and will help keep everyone fresh through a grueling 162-game season.

All four players, and third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes, are expected to be part of the Reds' everyday lineup this season. But if McLain struggles out of gate, don't be surprised if one of Steer or Stewart gets a longer look at second base as the season goes along.