Matt McLain Shines as Reds Dominate Cubs in Spring Opener

The Cincinnati Reds faced off against the Chicago Cubs on Monday afternoon, marking their first spring meeting of the season. By the end of the game, nearly every player’s performance was a testament to their potential, but none shone brighter than Matt McLain. After a challenging 2025 season with a .220/.300/.343 batting line in 577 plate appearances, McLain showcased his rejuvenation by hitting two home runs in a commanding 17-9 victory over their NL Central rivals.

Manager Terry Francona has been searching for the ideal player to fill the #2 spot in the batting order since his arrival in Cincinnati. McLain, who had previously emerged as the Reds’ best hitter before his injury in 2024, fits the mold perfectly. His ability to break up the lefty-heavy lineup of TJ Friedl and Elly De La Cruz makes him a prime candidate for that role. Last season, McLain struggled and found himself at the bottom of the order, with his exceptional defensive skills the only reason he retained his spot in the lineup.

However, early spring performances suggest that McLain’s hard work is paying off. As Charlie Goldsmith pointed out after the game, McLain has adopted a longer bat, allowing him to handle outside sliders more effectively. His dedication to refining both his approach and positioning at the plate is evident, and if he continues this trajectory, the Reds will be in a stronger position to accommodate Ke’Bryan Hayes, who has been primarily a defensive asset.

Monday’s game also featured notable contributions from other players, including a home run from Noelvi Marte, another blast from Sal Stewart, and a solid performance from Friedl, who reached base twice and scored two runs. Rece Hinds added to the offensive explosion with a home run of his own, while Hayes delivered a two-hit, three-RBI outing that might quell some questions about his hitting struggles, at least temporarily. This offensive outburst came despite starter Brady Singer being hit hard in his first outing of the spring, something that, while concerning, is not yet alarming.

The Reds will take a break on Tuesday before facing Team Cuba on Wednesday in an exhibition game to help prepare the Cuban team for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. The starting pitcher for the Reds is still to be announced, and details on how to follow the game remain unclear, aside from audio coverage on 700 WLW. The first pitch is scheduled for 3:05 PM ET at Goodyear Ballpark.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.