The Cincinnati Reds’ 2024 season has been filled with frustration and injury setbacks, and the latest news surrounding promising infielder Matt McLain only adds to that theme. After undergoing shoulder surgery in March, McLain has been sidelined all season, and hopes of his return this year have now all but vanished.
Initially targeting an August comeback, McLain’s rehab was derailed by a rib cage stress reaction roughly six weeks ago. Reds manager David Bell, speaking to reporters recently, confirmed what many feared: a 2024 return is no longer realistic. “It’s probably not going to happen,” Bell told the media, including Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.
The 25-year-old infielder was one of Cincinnati’s brightest stars in 2023, finishing fifth in NL Rookie of the Year voting after slashing .290/.357/.507 with 23 doubles, 16 home runs, and 14 stolen bases in just 89 games. In addition to his offensive prowess, McLain impressed defensively, splitting time between shortstop and second base and posting strong metrics with 2 OAA (outs above average) and 4 DRS (defensive runs saved). In just over half a season, he accumulated 3.1 fWAR, proving himself as a legitimate five-tool player.
With those impressive numbers, McLain was expected to be a major contributor for the Reds in 2024. However, injuries have kept him from building on his rookie campaign, and his absence has only compounded the struggles of Cincinnati’s talented, yet underperforming young core. Players like Spencer Steer and Will Benson, who broke out in 2023, have struggled to find consistency, while Noelvi Marte has been unable to regain form following an 80-game PED suspension. To make matters worse, Christian Encarnacion-Strand has been sidelined since May after undergoing wrist surgery, leaving the Reds’ lineup thin.
The Reds, currently sitting in fourth place in the NL Central, 10.5 games out of a Wild Card spot, are on pace to finish 78-84. After coming close to a postseason berth in 2023, their regression this season has been disappointing. The team ranks 16th in ERA (4.06) and has struggled mightily on offense, ranking 26th in wRC+ (89) and fielding run value (-23), according to Baseball Savant.
As the Reds limp toward the end of a difficult season, all eyes will turn toward 2025. McLain’s long-term health is now the priority, and Cincinnati is hopeful that he can return stronger than ever for a full campaign next year. For now, though, the team will have to wait to see what their young star can do over the course of a full season, as they focus on regrouping for the future.
