Tucker Barnhart was Reds’ last Gold Glover but this rising star may end the streak

On Tuesday, Tucker Barnhart officially retired from MLB, which brought back plenty of memories from his eight-year tenure with the Cincinnati Reds. While he had plenty of highlight moments in that tenure, the two seasons that stand out the most are 2017 and 2020 — the two seasons the switch-hitter won the National League Gold Glove. 

Not only are those seasons the high-water mark of Barnhart’s time with the Reds, but they also mark the last time a Reds player won a Gold Glove. That could change this year thanks to Matt McLain.

Not only is McLain turning a corner in the batter’s box, but he’s also beginning to find his footing in the field as well after undergoing a position change. McLain burst onto the scene in 2023 when he finished fifth in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, before missing all of last season while recovering from shoulder surgery. 

Matt McLain could become the Reds' first Gold Glove winner since Tucker Barnhart

In 2023, McLain primarily played shortstop, where he was worth 2 Outs Above Average (OAA) in the 89 games he played in. That position now belongs to Elly De La Cruz, which led to McLain moving to the keystone — a move that has worked wonders for the Reds this year. 

McLain has been worth 5 OAA this season, which is tops among Reds starters and tied for third among second baseman behind Nick Hoerner and Otto Lopez. While that may seem like cold comfort right now after McLain’s error on Monday contributed to Boston’s big first inning against Chase Burns, there’s no denying that he’s been good all year for the Reds.

The Reds also have a solid defender in Spencer Steer (2 OAA this year), but it would be tough for him to win it at first base due to the presence of Atlanta Braves infielder Matt Olson. There could still be a path for him to win as a utility player, however. 

Not only has McLain and Steer’s improved defense helped the Reds win more games this year, but it’s also helped the team take on manager Terry Francona’s identity. Seemingly every Francona team hung its hat on strong defense and good baserunning.   

No one will ever mistake Elly De La Cruz (-6 OAA) for Omar Vizquel, which is why it’s important the team surrounds him with impact defenders like McLain who is continuing to prove why he’s a key piece of the team’s future. 

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