Reds fan favorite infielder turning heads amid 1.637 OPS spring training performance

The Cincinnati Reds are entering the 2026 MLB season with some hope for a big postseason. While they might've missed out on Kyle Schwarber in free agency, the roster is in a great spot as they gear up for an NL Central race.

If the Reds are to make it to the postseason, not only will they need their pitching to step up to the occasion, especially with Hunter Greene out for a while, but they will need one fan favorite infielder to continue his torrid start this spring.

Jim Bowden of The Athletic notes that Reds infielder Matt McLain is the player "turning heads" this spring, and for good reason. With a ridiculous 1.637 OPS this spring training, it's no wonder McLain is drawing praise from multiple Reds executives.

Reds' Matt McLain drawing high praise for 1.637 OPS spring training

"Matt has been outstanding in camp," Nick Krall said. "He has taken good at-bats and hit for power. He has also played great defense."

McLain was great in his rookie season, but after missing the 2024 season with a serious shoulder injury, the Reds' fan favorite infielder took some time getting back to his former self in 2025.

But now, after spending more time recovering, McLain looks ready to have a massive season in 2026 for the Reds, and the Reds know such a year is in store for the young infielder.

"He's fully healthy and looks like himself again," Brad Meador said. "Staying on the ball better, using the whole field, and really driving the ball well."

More: Reds’ Hunter Greene to be out until July amid brutal injury news

The 26-year-old infielder has been incredible this spring, hitting .545 in 44 at-bats with six home runs, 13 RBIs, two stolen bases, and a ridiculous 1.637 OPS.

It's a small sample size, and it's not against the top competition around Major League Baseball. But this is the exact kind of start that the Reds were hoping to see from McLain.

After a .220 average 2025 season for the Reds, with a .643 OPS, McLain is hoping to get back on track and produce numbers closer to his .864 OPS 2023 rookie season than what he showed in 2025.

And while the season is yet to start, there might not be a player getting off to a stronger start this spring. His production in spring training so far has been great, and if he can carry that momentum into 2026, McLain will be in store for a massive season.

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