Something’s quietly shifting for Matt McLain and Reds fans should take notice

For much of the first half, Matt McLain has looked like a player trying to catch up with the game, showing plenty of rust after missing the entire 2024 season due to shoulder surgery. His timing, pitch recognition, and overall production has reflected just that. But now, ever so subtly, things are beginning to shift — and if you're a fan of the Cincinnati Reds, it's time to pay attention.

The numbers don’t lie. In April, McLain struck out 26 times across 19 games. In May, he struck out another 33 times in 28 games. The trend seemed troubling — a young player pressing, over-swinging, and perhaps still trying to find his rhythm after such a long layoff. Yet in June, over 13 games so far, McLain has struck out just 11 times.

It’s a small sample size, but the drop in strikeout frequency can’t be ignored. It suggests he’s seeing the ball better, laying off tough pitches, and beginning to rediscover the plate discipline that made him such an exciting breakout star in 2023.

Matt McLain is quietly turning a corner just in time for the Reds

His slash line also tells a story of gradual recovery. At the start of June, McLain was hitting an abysmal .175/.269/.295. Now, he’s up to .194/.291/.324 — hardly setting the world on fire and yes, still sitting under the Mendoza Line. But a marked improvement considering where he was just weeks ago. He’s already matched his home run total from May and is showing signs of life offensively just as the Reds look to gain momentum before the All-Star break.

This is exactly what McLain told reporters he was working toward. Back in April, during an 0-for-18 slump, he didn’t shy away from accountability. “I’ve got to be better for the team. It’s not a good feeling when the team’s doing well and you’re not,” he told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “Because when you’re not hitting good, you usually strike out. I’ve got to make some adjustments for sure, work on some things and clean it up.”

That work is beginning to show. Credit to Reds manager Terry Francona as well for playing a pivotal role in keeping McLain afloat. He strategically placed McLain lower in the order, gave him days off to reset mentally, and avoided the temptation to panic over slow returns. It’s been a quiet display of player development and long-view thinking — and it’s starting to pay dividends.

As the first half winds down and the Reds look to continue climbing the NL Central, McLain’s subtle turnaround could be a major key. He doesn’t have to carry the lineup. He just has to keep trending in the right direction — and right now, he’s doing exactly that.

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