Height
5'8"
Weight
180 lbs
Age
26
College
UCLA
Draft
2021, Rd 1, #17
Experience
2 yrs
Bats/Throws
R/R
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsB-
| Year | Team | GP | AVG | HR | RBI | OPS | SB | H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 246 | 0.24780701 | 31 | 101 | 0.7294585 | 33 | 226 |
Current Contract
Length
1 year
Total Value
$2.3M
Guaranteed
$1.4M
AAV
$2.3M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
Matt McLain's one-year, $2.3M deal with the Reds earns a B+ CVI, reflecting solid value for a young infielder still establishing himself at the major league level. While McLain flashed promising tools during his rookie campaign, this contract appropriately hedges against the volatility that comes with developing middle infielders who haven't yet proven they can sustain production over a full season. The $2.3M figure represents excellent cost control for a solid starter at second base, a position where reliable defense and league-average offense typically command much higher salaries in free agency. Cincinnati's competitive timeline aligns perfectly with this deal structure — they're not in a rush to overpay for unproven production, but they're securing a key building block at below-market rates while evaluating their long-term plans at the keystone. For a franchise still calibrating its roster construction around emerging talent, this contract gives McLain another year to prove he belongs in their core while maintaining financial flexibility. The one-year term is smart risk management that could look like a steal if McLain takes the expected developmental leap.
Performance Analysis
Matt McLain grades as an All-Star caliber performer among MLB second basemen, earning a B+ Performance grade. He is hitting with a 0.249 batting average and a 0.735 OPS (near the league average of .720) this season. With 31 home runs and 100 RBI through 236 games (a 21-HR, 69-RBI pace over a full season), he brings moderate power to the lineup. His 32 stolen bases add an elite speed dimension that creates additional offensive value. As a sophomore at 26, Matt is a key contributor for the Reds. A 236-game sample provides high confidence in this grade.
Recent Games
| Date | OPP | Result | AB | H | R | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, 4/10 | vs LAA | L 2-10 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wed, 4/8 | @ MIA | L 4-7 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
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