Rotowire Jul 22, 2022. button,[type="button"],[type="reset"],[type="submit"]{-webkit-appearance:button;}/*!sc*/ Last spring, he appeared in five exhibition games for the Reds and had a pair of singles and a walk in his seven. @media (min-width:500px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__secondary-logos{-webkit-flex-basis:60%;-ms-flex-preferred-size:60%;flex-basis:60%;}}/*!sc*/ button,select{text-transform:none;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item--mobile-quick-nav .header__nav-top__nav-item--inner{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-pack:start;justify-content:flex-start;height:100%;}/*!sc*/ Hes a very, very good athlete as a big kid who runs well. Pender said. The Reds haven't provided an explanation behind McLain's placement on the IL, but he hadn't played in either of Chattanooga's past two games after apparently getting hurt Thursday against Tennessee. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__tagline--no-sponsor{margin-right:0;}/*!sc*/ No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. 17 overall pick in July's first-year player draft, appeared in two games for the Reds' rookie-level Arizona Complex League affiliate before Cincinnati assigned him to High-A. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__main-nav,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__subnav{height:100%;overflow-x:hidden;overflow-y:auto;overscroll-behavior:contain;touch-action:manipulation;-webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;}/*!sc*/ .groqnz .ad-body-container{border-color:#dddddd;border-style:solid;border-width:1px 0 1px 0;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center;margin:0 2%;min-height:343px;width:96%;}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:768px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top{padding:0 16px;}}/*!sc*/ Matt McLain is the #6 prospect in the Cincinnati Reds system The former UCLA shortstop could reach the big league Reds as early as this year. He developed more flexibility in his swing and the ability to adjust to different styles of pitches. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__main-nav{background-color:#041E42;}/*!sc*/ 17 overall, of the 2021 MLB First-Year Player Draft by Cincinnati . Matt McLain shows off the ball from his first pro homer. An injury to Spencer Steer or Jonathan India would also create a different opening in the infield. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__logo img{width:auto;min-height:31px;max-height:31px;height:100%;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search-item__image{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;margin-right:0.5rem;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;width:55px;}/*!sc*/ Marte, a top-50 prospect in MLB according to most evaluators at 21-years old, calls his ability as a power hitter his strong suit. Hes built like a running back with as much strength as any Reds prospect, and Marte also stole 23 bases last spring. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. He moved to shortstop for his sophomore and junior years. .mHQYb .p-search-item__container--sm{font-size:12px;height:30px;min-width:150px;}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:1024px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-open .header__nav-side{display:none;}}/*!sc*/ .blUWSx .share-icon__close{width:18px;}/*!sc*/ 30. No matter what happens, baseball is way up and down, but youve got to stay level-headed through the good and the bad. .fYCiRB{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-box-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center;height:40px;width:40px;}/*!sc*/ sub{bottom:-0.25em;}/*!sc*/ window.globalState = {"tracking_title":"Major League Baseball","lang":"en"} .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__secondary-logos > *{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex:1 1 auto;-ms-flex:1 1 auto;flex:1 1 auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-box-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center;}/*!sc*/ Publications. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .mlb-header--inner{margin:auto;max-width:none;position:relative;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item--parent[aria-expanded='true'] .header__nav-side__nav-item--inner a,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item--parent[aria-expanded='true'] .header__nav-side__nav-item--inner span{color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .icon *{fill:currentColor;}/*!sc*/ Marte played at High-A last year. High School: Arnold O. Beckman HS (Irvine, CA), School: University of California, Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA), Minor League Batting Game Logs & Splits (s.2008), More Matt McLain Pages at Baseball Reference, Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Sunday, February 26, 11:03PM. .blUWSx .share-list__item{position:absolute;}/*!sc*/ McLain was reassigned to minor-league spring training Saturday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports. .ggWmAj .sticky-header__share button{font-weight:600;}/*!sc*/ ! However, a potential swing change in pro ball designed to unlock more power could compromise his hit tool, so the eventual offensive output is fluid. data-styled.g139[id="Styles__ContributorContainer-sc-9g3k0d-0"]{content:"dLQAwR,"}/*!sc*/ All the people in the Reds organization have been great, welcoming me and the other guys into the organization and just trying to get us better.. The Reds have officially inked 2021 first rounder SS Matt McLain! Steve was also at all three games of the 2012 NLDS, but its too soon to talk about that. @media (min-width:1024px){.blLcNM .content{grid-column:1 / span 8;}.blLcNM .content .share-btn{-webkit-align-self:flex-end;-ms-flex-item-align:end;align-self:flex-end;margin-bottom:16px;top:0;}}/*!sc*/ But I got accustomed to it. @media screen and (min-width:1024px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item:hover{background-color:#057AFF;}}/*!sc*/ While he still has two more levels of the minors to conquer before he pushes for his debut, he'll get the chance to work with the big-league coaching staff for a few weeks this spring. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav{text-align:left;background-color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ ), the club made the decision to try Suarez at short. .eJdqRG a:hover{color:#0048AB;}/*!sc*/ .blUWSx{height:30px;position:relative;width:30px;}/*!sc*/ McLain, the Reds' first-round pick in 2021, is in his second big-league camp. The slot value for the 17th overall pick was $3.61 million, but as reported by MLB Pipelines Jim Callis, McLain signed for $4,625,000. Instead of going pro, the young right-hander chose to travel 50 miles up the road to attend his hometown college of UCLA. Heading into 2021, the Reds, who were expected to contend for the division title, seemed to be set in the infield. .mHQYb .p-search__list:focus{outline:0;}/*!sc*/ The Reds are trying to get all four players reps at shortstop, but whats most important is how quickly theyre developing. .blUWSx .share-button__link--message{position:absolute;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;height:100%;left:-105px;bottom:2px;padding:0 5px;border-radius:5px;background:#041E42;color:#ffffff;font-family:"proxima-nova","open Sans","Helvetica","Arial",sans-serif;font-size:12px;}/*!sc*/ 12 prospect by MLB Pipeline following a junior season that saw him hit .333 with nine home runs and 36 RBIs. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .icon-globe{margin-left:32px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item--parent[aria-expanded='true']{background-color:#057AFF;}/*!sc*/ @supports (-moz-appearance:none){.koKsQt .share-button__square,.koKsQt .share-button__email{-webkit-filter:brightness(0%);filter:brightness(0%);}}/*!sc*/ Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Former 1st round pick Matt McLain made sure of that, launching a walk-off homer in the Bottom of the 9th to give the Reds a 4-3 win over their rivels and park-mates the Cleveland Guardians. \n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","type":"rich","width":550},"type":"oembed"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"McLain was originally taken in 2018 with the 25th overall pick by the D-backs, but he instead honored his commitment to play for the Bruins. It was a whirlwind month, but one of Cincinnatis most promising young prospects is thrilled to be back focused on the game he loves after the Draft process. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-items{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;padding-top:2px;}/*!sc*/ details{display:block;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search-item__container{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:50px;border-top:0;min-width:250px;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}/*!sc*/ Once McLain is ready to play again, he'll be joined in the Chattanooga infield by top prospect Elly De La Cruz, who was promoted from High-A Dayton on Wednesday. data-styled.g144[id="Styles__StickyHeaderContainer-sc-1wye7kw-0"]{content:"ggWmAj,"}/*!sc*/ .cwEpxl{height:100%;width:100%;border:transparent;background:none;cursor:pointer;-webkit-transition:0.2s;transition:0.2s;padding:0px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search-item a{bottom:0;position:absolute;width:100%;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header{width:100%;font-family:'proxima-nova','mlb-primary','Helvetica Neue', 'Helvetica','Arial',sans-serif;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size:14px;font-weight:500;line-height:15px;color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ .hspSPq svg{padding-top:1px;vertical-align:top;fill:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g21[id="imagestyle__Img-sc-xw1tzz-1"]{content:"ebrWqN,"}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .account--logged-in.active::after{background:#057AFF;}/*!sc*/ One spring training swing doesnt mean much for the big picture. #react-header{width:100%;}/*!sc*/ January 16, 2023. data-styled.g146[id="Styles__StickyHeadline-sc-1wye7kw-2"]{content:"cHcHkC,"}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header[data-is-club] .header__nav-top .header__nav-top__tagline img,.mHQYb header.mlb-header[data-is-microsite] .header__nav-top .header__nav-top__tagline img{height:56px;max-width:512px;line-height:56px;}/*!sc*/ : 180 lbs Bats: R / Throws: R Drafted in the 1st round (17th overall). .hspSPq:hover svg path{fill:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ .dLQAwR .contributor__text--name{color:#222222;font-size:1rem;font-weight:600;line-height:1;margin:0;}/*!sc*/ McLain faced adversity at a high level last year, and he wasnt fazed. During an interview with Bally Sports Ohio broadcaster Jim Day on Monday, Matt McLain was reminded of the conversation that he had with fellow prospect Elly De La Cruz after Saturday's walk-off victory. The fact that McLain is bypassing Low-A entirely isn't completely shocking, given that he was regarded as one of the more advanced hitters of his draft class following a three-year college career at UCLA. Theyre all really good guys, really welcoming. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-container{-webkit-order:99;-ms-flex-order:99;order:99;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex:99 1 100%;-ms-flex:99 1 100%;flex:99 1 100%;width:100%;}/*!sc*/ Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. .mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-open .header__nav-side .header__subnav__item,.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-open .header__nav-side .header__subnav__group-title{padding:14px 10px;}/*!sc*/ He'd been slumping pretty badly before this stretch, posting a meager .617 OPS with zero homers over his prior 16 contests. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? .mHQYb .p-search__input--icon{position:absolute;top:0.75rem;right:1rem;}/*!sc*/ De La Cruz, McLain and Marte have very different histories and different skill sets. .groqnz{margin-bottom:32px;}/*!sc*/ GLENDALE, Ariz. - When the Reds selected Matt McLain with the 17th overall pick in the 2021 Draft out of UCLA, he immediately looked to be on track to become the club's starting shortstop for years to come so long as his development progressed. window.appId = '' Exactly one month to the day after he was selected by the Cincinnati Reds with the 17th overall selection in the 2021 MLB Draft, Matt McLain arrived on a full-season field. In the Reds system, he played shortstop for all his games at Dayton and remained at that position with Lookouts until the end of July. It was more like getting in there, getting acclimated into baseball shape as fast as you could and then see where things go from there.. January 15, 2023. .blUWSx .share-button__close{top:6px;left:5px;}/*!sc*/ body.article .ad-top-container{background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:8px 0;min-height:66px;}/*!sc*/ .blUWSx .share-icon__button{background:none;border:none;padding:0;}/*!sc*/ small{font-size:80%;}/*!sc*/ .blUWSx .share-icon__square{width:30px;}/*!sc*/ 12 prospect by MLB Pipeline following a junior season that saw him hit .333 with nine home runs and 36 RBIs.\n\nWith McLains signing, the Reds only unsigned pick is 11th-rounder Shawn Guilliams.\n\n Reds 2021 Draft Tracker","type":"markdown"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2021-07-12T03:29:46.642Z","description":"Shortstop Matt McLain discusses being drafted No. The Book: Playing the Percentages in Baseball. 1. Long term, a role as utility player seems most likely. He has reason to celebrate. 12. Matt is an experienced teacher educator, having previously taught design and technology (D&T) in two Merseyside secondary schools. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__main-nav{background-color:#081c3b;width:145px;-ms-overflow-style:none;}/*!sc*/ Scouts considered McLain one of the top high school players in the country coming out of Irvine, California in 2018. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__group-title{color:#aaaaaa;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;background-color:#ffffff;text-transform:uppercase;}/*!sc*/ De La Cruz bounced between shortstop and third base during his time at Dayton and is expected to continue seeing reps at both positions, which should allow a healthy McLain to see consistent time at the two middle-infield spots. McLain, the No. McLain (wrist) was activated from the 7-day injured list Friday, Doug Gray of RedsMinorLeagues.com reports. @media (min-width:768px){.epHHrr{max-width:500px;}}/*!sc*/ h1.Styles__HeadlineContainer-sc-19rm04l-0{font-size:2.074rem;margin-bottom:8px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__tagline img{max-width:100%;}/*!sc*/ That said, if Jose Barrero struggles this spring, it could open the door for either McLain or De La Cruz. button::-moz-focus-inner,[type="button"]::-moz-focus-inner,[type="reset"]::-moz-focus-inner,[type="submit"]::-moz-focus-inner{border-style:none;padding:0;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-container__primary{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;width:100%;padding:0px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__sponsor-logo img,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__sponsor-logo a{height:56px;}/*!sc*/ Newman or Barrero, whoever doesnt play short, could slide to second or third. .drUhS path{fill:#000000;}/*!sc*/ There are a lot of balls that shouldnt be outs that are outs because were out there. main{display:block;}/*!sc*/ Do you have a blog? Here are the best Draft prospects of past decade. I came in just ready to go, McLain said. data-styled.g145[id="Styles__StickyHeaderContent-sc-1wye7kw-1"]{content:"jbYgiH,"}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:375px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav--teams__team--shortname{display:none;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav--teams__team--name{display:inline-block;}}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:768px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__tagline{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-pack:start;justify-content:flex-start;}}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-items--spillover{display:none;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top{background-color:#041E42;}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g114[id="sc-bdfBwQ"]{content:"mHQYb,"}/*!sc*/ It's hard to see him succeeding in the majors without making significant adjustments to cut down on the whiffs. At 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, there are concerns about how much power will come with what could be a high batting average. .blLcNM .content .share-btn{-webkit-align-self:flex-end;-ms-flex-item-align:end;align-self:flex-end;margin-left:auto;min-width:32px;position:relative;top:-16px;}/*!sc*/ The 22-year-old. Matt McLain played center field in 49 of his 61 games his first year at UCLA. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item:last-child{border:none;}/*!sc*/ Especially here in Lansing, the field is really cool, the apartments [beyond] center field. This spring, shortstop prospect Noelvi Marte has joined some of the drills that De La Cruz and McLain went through last summer. One of McLain's teammates, however, was mildly disappointed. Data Provided By He has great hands and natural raw power. McLain went 3-for-7 with two doubles and a triple for his ACL squad. code,kbd,samp{font-family:monospace,monospace;font-size:1em;}/*!sc*/ .hUHmCp > article{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(12,minmax(0,1fr));grid-gap:24px;color:#000000;}/*!sc*/ McLain's home run gave the Reds a 4-3 win over the Cleveland Guardians and it certainly has the fanbase talking about what might be after seeing the former first-round pick show off some power in the team's first Cactus League of the spring. .mHQYb .p-search__input--sm{font-size:12px;height:30px;min-width:150px;}/*!sc*/ Hes been writing about the Reds for more than ten years. Marte was a highly-touted international signing out of the Dominican Republic and became the centerpiece of the Luis Castillo trade last summer. The slot value for the 17th overall pick was $3.61 . McLain, a 21-year-old shortstop out of UCLA, signed just days away from the Aug. 1 deadline. McLain (wrist) was activated from the 7-day injured list Friday, Doug Gray of RedsMinorLeagues.com reports. Thats what I like to do.. @media (min-width:768px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__logo img{min-height:40px;max-height:40px;}}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g122[id="Styles__HeadlineContainer-sc-19rm04l-0"]{content:"dMKvOx,"}/*!sc*/ But with the added power came more strikeouts. Many historical player head shots courtesy of David Davis. McLains 9th-inning heroics yesterday recalled Jonathan India in 2021. us. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top .header__nav-top__button-menu--icon span:nth-child(2),.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top .header__nav-top__button-menu--icon span:nth-child(3){top:8px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb input[type='search']::-ms-clear{display:none;width:0;height:0;}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:1024px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav{opacity:0;display:none;left:-9999px;position:absolute;margin:0px;-webkit-transition:opacity 100ms ease 100ms;transition:opacity 100ms ease 100ms;pointer-events:initial;border-top:solid 4px #002867;border-radius:0 0 6px 6px;box-shadow:0px 0px 14px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0.25);}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__content{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-box-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-pack:start;justify-content:flex-start;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__item,.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__group-title{padding:11px 8px;white-space:nowrap;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__item:not(.header__subnav--teams__team),.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__group-title{display:block;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__group{-webkit-flex:1 1 auto;-ms-flex:1 1 auto;flex:1 1 auto;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__group-title{background-color:#ffffff;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item{position:relative;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item:hover .header__nav-top__nav-item__text,.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item[aria-expanded='true'] .header__nav-top__nav-item__text{opacity:1;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item--parent[aria-expanded='true']{border-bottom:none;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item--parent[aria-expanded='true']::after{opacity:1;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item--parent[aria-expanded='true'] .header__subnav{display:block;opacity:1;top:52px;left:0px;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item--parent[aria-expanded='true'] .header__subnav--pin-to-right{right:0;left:auto;}}/*!sc*/ @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-bold.woff2') format('woff2'), url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-bold.woff') format('woff');font-weight:700;font-style:normal;}/*!sc*/ article > section{font-size:1.2rem;font-family:Georgia,serif;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-open .header__nav-top .header__nav-top__button-menu--icon span:nth-child(2){-webkit-transform:rotate(45deg);-ms-transform:rotate(45deg);transform:rotate(45deg);}/*!sc*/ Both shortstops are battling for a spot on the Reds Opening Day roster, but it seems unlikely that either will break camp with the big league club. #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/u8gA6lPAMZ. An above-replacement Cincinnati Reds blog. McLain was one of the stars on offense in a loaded UCLA lineup, hitting .333/.434/.579 with nine homers . Right when we walked in the clubhouse, people were introducing themselves. .ggWmAj .sticky-header__share{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row-reverse;-ms-flex-direction:row-reverse;flex-direction:row-reverse;grid-column:9 / 13;}/*!sc*/ .hUHmCp > article .ad-top-right-container,.hUHmCp > article .ad-bottom-right-container{position:relative;margin-bottom:64px;min-height:250px;}/*!sc*/ One game into the 2023 Reds Cactus League season and Matt McLain has shoved his way to the forefront of the storyline. Matt McLain, the Reds 6th rated prospect, capped a come-from-behind win with a walk-off solo home run off of the top of the scoreboard in left-center to seal a 4-3 victory over the Cleveland . body.article{font-family:"proxima-nova","open Sans","Helvetica","Arial",sans-serif;background-color:#ffffff;line-height:1.5;}/*!sc*/ Reds farm director Shawn Pender said they pushed him as hard as we ever pushed anyone. McLain hit .273/.387/.424 for the Dragons, with three homers in 119 plate appearances. summary{display:list-item;}/*!sc*/ He had a .232. In 2022, Marte learned in High-A that he needed a better plan at the plate. McLain finished the season with a .232 batting average as well as an impressive .816 OPS. .hspSPq .buttonstyle__Label-sc-vlv7w5-0{font-family:"proxima-nova","open Sans","Helvetica","Arial",sans-serif;}/*!sc*/ Statcast Glossary Exit Velocity (EV) How fast, in miles per hour, a ball was hit by a batter. McLains K% jumped from 20% to 28%. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__item{color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-size:14px;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}/*!sc*/ .blUWSx .share-button{position:absolute;top:0;left:0;background:none;border:none;padding:0;cursor:pointer;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__item:focus{outline:1px dotted #041E42;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item--spotlight .header__nav-top__nav-item__text{color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ He maintained a strong walk rate (15.5%). ::-webkit-file-upload-button{-webkit-appearance:button;font:inherit;}/*!sc*/ Name: Matthew McLain Born: Aug 6, 1999 in Tustin, CA High School: Beckman HS, Irvine, Calif. College: UCLA Ht. 17 by the Cincinnati Reds","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:01:15","mp4AvcPlayback":"https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2021/2021-07/11/3213355a-0d203551-955fd5b6-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4","slug":"mclain-on-being-drafted-by-reds","tags":[{"__typename":"Tag","slug":"teamid-113","title":"Cincinnati Reds"},{"__typename":"Tag","slug":"playerid-680574","title":"Matt McLain"},{"__typename":"Tag","slug":"mlb-network","title":"MLB Network"},{"__typename":"Tag","slug":"mlb-draft","title":"MLB Draft"}],"templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/injbgmmqlezyxpsgauak","title":"McLain on being drafted by Reds","type":"video","url":"/video/mclain-on-being-drafted-by-reds"}],"storyType":"news","subHeadline":null,"summary":"It took a couple of weeks, but the Reds and their first-round pick put pen to paper, as the club announced on Monday that it had signed Matt McLain, the No. One of the Dominican Republic and became the centerpiece of the drills that La... 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