MLB Future Watch: Matt McLain Baseball Cards, Cincinnati Reds – Matt McLain was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds with the 17th overall pick in the 2021 MLB Amateur Draft. The versatile player was just what the Reds needed. As such, they gave him the proper time to hone his skills.
McLain caught fire at UCLA playing college baseball. In 2019, he had 9 doubles, 6 triples, 4 home runs with 30 RBI and 6 steals.
In 2020, he hit .397 with 3 home runs and 19 RBI in a 13-game pandemic-shortened season. The worry at the time was players might lose a year of development because of the pandemic.
In 2021, he hit 14 doubles, 2 triples, and 9 home runs with 36 RBI, and a .333 batting average. This was a great year considering he missed three weeks with a fractured thumb.
After being drafted, McLain hit .429 in Rookie Ball and played some games in A+ ball with the Dayton Dragons. In Dayton, he had 3 home runs and 19 RBI with a .273 batting average.
He was promoted to AA with the Chattanooga Lookouts in 2022. In 103 games, he hit 21 doubles, 5 triples, 17 home runs with 58 RBI, and 27 stolen bases.
McLain started the 2023 year with the Louisville Bats in AAA. He hit 12 doubles, 1 triple, 12 home runs with 40 RBI, and 10 steals with a .348 batting average in just 38 games. That got him promoted to the Reds.
As an MLB rookie, in his first 74 games, McLain hit .297 with 21 doubles, 4 triples, 12 home runs, and 40 RBI. This prospect has played second base, shortstop, and DH. He’s been so good that he has been talked about as a Rookie of the Year candidate. He won’t win, but the fact that he’s in the conversation is a plus for Reds fans. Collectors should take note.
MLB Future Watch: Matt McLain Cards Worth Chasing
One card to get is McLain’s 2022 Bowman 1st paper card. He’s wearing Reds gear in the nice action shot. A simple baseball card still has value to me.
A big card of his to get is his 2021 Leaf Flash Pink autographed card. It’s serial-numbered to 15 but well worth it.
One last fun card is his 2023 Bowman Chrome Scouts Top 100 card. It’s a standout card. It shows that McLain has been a top prospect, and now he’s delivering on the promise.
MLB Future Watch: Matt McLain Baseball Cards, Cincinnati Reds – Stats
Statistical Images generated from Sports Reference as of 08/14/2023.
MLB Future Watch: Matt McLain Baseball Cards, Cincinnati Reds – More Resources
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Russ Cohen
is the author of several top-selling sports related books.
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