Matt McLain’s struggles could push Reds to keep player fans have been begging to dump
When the Cincinnati Reds added utility infielder Santiago Espinal near the end of spring training in 2024, the team likely understood it had a useful bench piece but probably didn’t anticipate he’d playing as large a role on the team as he has.
Due to injuries to Matt McLain and other starters, Espinal has played 232 games over the last two seasons and has appeared at every defensive position other than pitcher, catcher, and center field. McLain’s disappointing season could clear the way for Espinal to step into an even more pivotal role.
Reds fans probably aren’t rejoicing at the notion of Espinal becoming an everyday player. He has a -1.8 bWAR over his two years with the team and had the worst OPS+ among Reds players who appeared in at least 40 games. More concerningly, Espinal’s 2025 season was worse than 2024 because his power entirely vanished.
Matt McLain’s struggles may force the Reds to lean on Santiago Espinal
Espinal’s versatility and fielding skill provides a modicum of comfort when considering this scenario, but he would have to be the best fielder in the world to overcome the -17 batting run value he produced in 2025. He is particularly bad against fastballs (.195 batting average), which is a recipe for disaster. Sure, he rarely strikes out and consistently puts the ball in play, but if the Reds are hoping to replace the value that McLain brought to the team in his rookie season, Espinal is certainly not the best choice.
The free-agent market at second base, though, is extremely thin. It seems like a foregone conclusion that Ozzie Albies and Brandon Lowe will have their club options picked up by their current teams. That leaves Luis Arraez, who has expressed a desire to stay in San Diego; Gleyber Torres, whose price tag might be too high for the Reds; and a handful of players like Isiah Kiner-Falefa that aren’t much of an upgrade from Espinal.
The Reds are stuck in a tough spot. Maybe McLain will turn things around. Maybe Sal Stewart will move to second base (but then, who’s on first?). Maybe Tyler Callihan will recover from his season-ending injury and step in. Maybe Cincinnati will find a way to avoid penciling in Espinal more than they absolutely have to in 2026.
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