The Reds have been searching for a spark and might have found it. With every game, the Reds’ buzz is getting louder, and a rising star is marking his comeback early in the season. One player’s exceptional performance could be the spark the squad has been waiting for as they aim to make a significant push this season. Matt McLain has returned, as the Reds prepare for a deep postseason run in 2025, this will give the lineup new vitality after he missed time due to injury in 2024. Can he maintain this momentum and guide the Reds to something exceptional?
For pitchers, shoulder problems are a significant problem. Although they are typically not as terrible, they are nonetheless bad news for batters. This spring, Matt McLain has only hit three balls. His exit speeds were 112.3 mph, 104.7 mph, and 103.5 mph. McLain briefly appeared in the Arizona Fall League following the regular season last year. In Arizona, he reached his maximum exit speed of 106.8 mph. His maximum exit velocity as a rookie in 2023 was 109.9 mph.
Despite struggling through injury setbacks and missing significant playing time, Matt McLain has returned to regain his position and reach a new level of performance. In a recent conversation with MLB Network, he said, “If we have everyone healthy, everyone can get rolling at the same time. There’s no reason this team shouldn’t be in it deep into October.” He added, “I feel strong, and I’m ready to go.”
“If we have everyone healthy, everyone can get rolling at the same time. There’s no reason this team shouldn’t be in it deep into October.”
Matt McLain and the talented @Reds have their sights set on the Postseason
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— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 12, 2025
Matt McLain’s message is to set an example for the team and not only focus on individual achievement. He makes a straightforward yet impactful call to action: Be unique, stay healthy, and keep the common goal in mind. This motto captures McLain’s path and the team mentality Francona’s Reds must embrace to compete at the highest level. The flames are starting to flicker, but will they catch, burn, and light a way to October glory?
The Reds’ strategy for 2025 after Matt McLain’s Return:
The Cincinnati Reds have made health a key component of their approach as they aim for a deep playoff run in 2025. Following a terrible 77-85 record at the end of the 2024 season, which was caused mainly by injuries, the Reds are trying to maintain the best possible lineup. The comeback of Matt McLain from injury gives the infield a big boost by giving the lineup more power and consistency. Before injuries ruined his 2024 season, McLain batted .290 in 2023 with 16 home runs and 48 RBIs. He has demonstrated encouraging form in spring training.
With improved training regimens and careful workload management, the Reds are committed to preventing injuries and ensuring the health of essential players like McLain, Elly De La Cruz, Hunter Greene, and TJ Friedl throughout the season. The pitching rotation looks good with Brandon Williamson and Graham Ashcraft, however Williamson might miss most of 2025 due to his recuperation from Tommy John surgery.
The Reds’ game plan relies on their young blood to step up and achieve consistent results. Matt McLain’s flexibility as an infielder makes him a fixture in the lineup, but the team also expects significant contributions from Elly De La Cruz and Hunter Greene. Management has clarified their stance by starting the season with 36 players on a 40-man roster. Since Williamson’s absence has created a void in the rotation, they are looking into possible deals to balance the roster, increase outfield depth, and get more pitching support.
The Cincinnati Reds’ goal for 2025 is clear—a deep postseason run. Their 2024 playoff chances were 21.7%, which emphasizes how important it is for their core players to produce consistently. Thanks to Matt McLain’s comeback, the Reds have a significant advantage in their offensive and defensive settings.
Will the Reds’ strategy, based on Matt McLain’s comeback and a healthy squad, finally lead to a deep postseason run, or will injuries and inconsistencies from the past dash their dreams for 2025?
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