CINCINNATI \u2013 Matt McLain is turning heads this spring and is looking like a prime candidate to bounce back after a rough season in 2025.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
“Oh my goodness sake.” Francona said<\/a>. “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.”<\/p>\n Sign Up For Our DAILY Newsletter for More Free Coverage of the Cincinnati Reds Delivered to YOU Directly<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Make sure you bookmark Cincinnati Reds Talk<\/a> for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and daily coverage of the Cincinnati Reds!<\/p>\n You May Also Like:<\/p>\n How Emilio Pag\u00e1n Played a Role in Pierce Johnson Joining Cincinnati Reds<\/a><\/p>\n Report: Reds Interested in Signing Familiar Face After Breakout 2025 Season<\/a><\/p>\n Hunter Greene Creates Unforgettable Moment for Reds Fan at Redsfest<\/a><\/p>\n Two More Cincinnati Reds Players Crack MLB Network\u2019s Top 100 Players List<\/a><\/p>\n Report: Multiple Teams Interested in Trading for Key Players on Reds Roster<\/a><\/p>\n Reds Star Elly De La Cruz Reveals Status for World Baseball Classic<\/a><\/p>\n Cincinnati Reds 2025 Draft Pick Opens Up on Tough Start to Professional Career<\/a><\/p>\n Why Elly De La Cruz Turned Down Reds Record Breaking Offer<\/a><\/p>\n Cincinnati Reds Announce 2025 Organization Award Winners<\/a><\/p>\n One-on-One With New Reds Outfielder Dane Myers<\/a><\/p>\n One-on-One With Cincinnati Reds Pitcher Rhett Lowder<\/a><\/p>\n How Draft Day Took an Unexpected Turn for New Reds Outfielder Dane Myers<\/a><\/p>\n Nick Krall Reveals Key Details About Cincinnati Reds\u2019 Bullpen Plans<\/a><\/p>\n Nick Krall Has Exciting Message for Reds Fans Following Trade<\/a><\/p>\n Cincinnati Reds Win Total Feels Lower Than Expected<\/a><\/p>\n Previewing Cincinnati Reds Catcher Position Ahead of 2026 Season<\/a><\/p>\n What the Reds\u2019 Gavin Lux Trade Really Means \u2014 and What Could Be Next<\/a><\/p>\n Cincinnati Reds Land Two Top-50 Prospects in 16-Player International Class<\/a><\/p>\n Cincinnati Reds Bring Back Veteran Pitcher on Minor League Deal<\/a><\/p>\n —–<\/p>\n Follow Cincinnati Reds on SI on Twitter\/X: @RedsTalkSI<\/a><\/p>\n Like Our Facebook Page<\/a><\/p>\n Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Reds Podcast<\/a><\/p>\n