October 30, 2025
Matt McLain's Shoulder Recovery Could TRANSFORM Cincinnati Reds Entire 2026 Infield
Locked On Reds - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati RedsAbout this episode
The Cincinnati Reds face critical decisions about three key players heading into 2026. Matt McLain's disappointing 2025 season (.220 BA, 0.0 WAR) following shoulder surgery has fans concerned, but his elite late-season peripherals—including a 44.4% hard hit rate versus 37% league average—suggest a bounce-back is coming. Ke'Bryan Hayes presents a fascinating dilemma: his Gold Glove defense and 1.4 WAR justify his $7 million salary, but his offensive struggles (78 OPS+ in 2025) create a lineup black hole through 2029. Graham Ashcraft's 3.99 ERA masks elite performance, with his 2.72 FIP, 99th percentile exit velocity, and league-best 38% chase rate indicating he was victimized by a .342 BABIP and poor defensive support. Jeff Carr and Steven Offenbaker break down advanced metrics to defend these players against fan criticism while acknowledging legitimate concerns. The hosts analyze McLain's recovery timeline from total labrum repair, debate whether Hayes' defensive value outweighs offensive limitations, and make the case for Ashcraft as a potential closer candidate. They also discuss bullpen construction, roster philosophy, and realistic expectations for each player's 2026 contribution. Tune in now for statistical deep dives and expert analysis on these crucial Cincinnati Reds roster decisions. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-reds/ https://www.youtube.com/@LockedOnReds?sub_confirmation=1 Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnMLB BOOKMARK Sports Illustrated’s Cincinnati Reds site, Inside the Reds! https://www.si.com/mlb/reds/ Also follow @jefffcarr and @soffenbaker on Twitter JOIN THE DISCORD SERVER: https://discord.gg/STMcRDyMCt For your next listen, check out the Locked On MLB podcast. Get Sully’s take on MLB! He has it all covered every single day. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PrizePicks Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.PrizePicks — Run Your Game.Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) #Reds #CincinnatiReds #MLB Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.