We are two years removed from Matt McLain missing all of the 2024 MLB season. In 2025 and 2026, the former first-round pick has left a lot to be desired. He's had his moments, but he needs to make them consistent.

Struggling in 2025 after a shoulder injury was to be expected. McLain had a 78 OPS+ and a 0.1 bWAR in his return season. But 2026 was supposed to be the year we saw improvement, and his numbers got worse.

In 2026, McLain had an OPS+ of 69 and a bWAR of -0.6. His batting average was 35 points lower in 2026, and his on-base percentage was 26 points lower as well. For a guy the Reds deemed to be part of the next great Reds team, the trend isn't promising.

The more you look into it, the worse it gets.…