Reds might be one step closer to replacing Matt McLain entirely

Cincinnati Reds fans had high hopes for Matt McLain entering the season. His red-hot showing during spring training had many believing he was in store for a bounce-back campaign in 2026. But McLain's lackluster performance through the first month of the season has those same fans disillusioned, and it would seem that even his manager has his doubts.

In 18 Cactus League games this spring, McLain hit .509/.559/.981 with seven home runs and 16 RBI. This outstanding showing led Reds manager Terry Francona to slot McLain into the No. 2 spot in the batting order — one that Tito put great emphasis on before the year began. But 34 games into the regular season, McLain's hitting a meager .195/.308/.293 with just two homers and nine RBI.

McLain was out of the Reds starting lineup on Saturday, and on Sunday, was moved all the way down to the No. 9 spot in the batting order. Francona took a similar approach with McLain last season, moving him out of the No. 2 hole after he opened the year hitting .165/.299/.298.

If McLain fails to turn things around in the coming weeks, he could be replaced for good — not just in the batting order, but on the active roster.

Reds prospect Edwin Arroyo could unseat Matt McLain

Reds prospect Edwin Arroyo is off to a hot start at Triple-A this season. In 31 games with the Louisville Bats, the 22-year-old infielder is hitting .291/.367/.472 with four home runs, 19 RBI, and a 120 wRC+. A shortstop by trade, Arroyo's been receiving more reps at second base lately. That could be a sign that it's not just the Reds' fans who are losing faith in McLain.

Arroyo, much like McLain, missed all of the the 2024 season after undergoing shoulder surgery. He struggled to find his power through the first-half of the 2025 season (.272/.333/.354), but hit .301/.361/.393 with a 117 wRC+ after the All-Star break.

Last season, the Reds had no viable option to replace McLain in the starting lineup. Santiago Espinal could've filled in defensively at second base, but Tyler Callihan's injury and Jeimer Candelario's release forced Francona to deploy the former All-Star at third base prior to Ke'Bryan Hayes' arrival at the trade deadline.

This year, Francona has already slid Sal Stewart over to second base on occasion, which enabled Spencer Steer to bring his Gold Glove talents back to first base. Steer also has experience at the keystone as well. Add to that Arroyo's ability to play second base, and McLain's status suddenly appears to be on shaky ground.

It may seem like a rash decision, but if McLain fails to turn things around in the coming weeks, the Reds could option him back to the minor leagues and add Arroyo to the Major League roster. Cincinnati's front office and coaching staff has been very patient with McLain, but at some point, that patience is going to wear out.

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