CINCINNATI – Matt McLain is turning heads this spring and is looking like a prime candidate to bounce back after a rough season in 2025.
McLain has hit two home runs during Monday’s Spring Training matchup versus the Chicago Cubs. His first was a three-run shot to left field that was 109.2 MPH off the bat and traveled 412 feet. The home run occurred while manager Terry Francona was on a live interview with the Reds broadcast team.
“Oh my goodness sake.” Francona said. “You guys keep talking to me all you want.. I know it’s just turned March and nobody’s going to remember this come October, but I still love seeing our guys do well. You can’t unsee what he just did.”
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McLain added another home run the next inning. His second of the game traveled 421 feet and was hit 107.6 MPH off the bat.
So far this spring, the 26-year-old is batting .571 with a 1.911 OPS and three home runs. Last season was a disappointing one for McLain, hitting just .249 with a .643 OPS after a promising rookie campaign that saw him hit .290 with a .864 OPS while finishing fifth in Rookie of the Year voting in 2023.
If the Reds can get a version of Matt McLain that is similar to 2023, he would add a dynamic to the lineup that was sorely missed last season.
Spring Training is in full swing as the Reds are facing the Chicago Cubs on Monday, the Cuban National team o Wednesday, the Dodgers on Thursday and the Giants on Friday.
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