Matt McLain's red-hot spring performance has cemented his spot in the Cincinnati Reds lineup heading into the 2026 season. According to Reds manager Terry Francona, McLain will bat second behind leadoff hitter TJ Friedl and ahead of Elly De La Cruz.
The Reds second baseman has produced the best stat line of almost any player throughout Major League Baseball this spring. He's leads the league in hits, home runs, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS. In 13 Cactus League games this spring, McLain is hitting .553/.605/1.105 with six home runs, 13 RBI, and a 326 wRC+.