Matt McLain TURNS DOWN Contract Extension With Cincinnati Reds | Which Players Should Reds Extend?

In early 2025, Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain made headlines by turning down a preliminary contract extension offer from the team before the season began. The Reds, eager to lock up one of their promising young talents, approached McLain with a framework for a long-term deal, but the 25-year-old infielder declined, signaling his intent to bet on himself. McLain described the conversation as “short,” noting that the terms “didn’t line up” with his expectations, a decision that reflects both his confidence in his abilities and the risks tied to his injury history.

McLain’s choice comes after a rollercoaster start to his MLB career. In 2023, he burst onto the scene, slashing .290/.357/.507 with 16 home runs and 14 stolen bases in just 89 games, earning fifth place in NL Rookie of the Year voting. However, a shoulder injury sidelined him for the entire 2024 season, raising questions about his durability. His hot start to 2025—hitting three home runs in the first week—suggests he’s poised to reclaim his status as a cornerstone of the Reds’ future, alongside shortstop Elly De La Cruz. Yet, recent hamstring tightness, which scratched him from consecutive games, underscores the health concerns that may have influenced his decision.

By rejecting the extension, McLain is gambling on his ability to stay on the field and perform at an elite level. He’s pre-arbitration eligible until next winter, potentially as a Super Two player, and under team control through 2029. This timeline gives him leverage to boost his value before negotiating again. For the Reds, a small-market team, securing young stars early is a cost-effective strategy, but McLain’s switch from agent Scott Boras—known for pushing clients toward free agency—to Vayner Sports hinted at openness to a deal. His refusal suggests he’s prioritizing a bigger payday later, assuming he can avoid the injury bug.

The Reds remain optimistic, with neither side ruling out future talks. General Manager Brad Meador has emphasized interest in extending core players, though only catcher Jose Trevino has signed a multi-year deal recently. As MLB sees a flurry of extensions amid labor shutdown fears, McLain’s decision stands out. If he thrives, he could command a hefty contract; if injuries persist, he might regret passing on security. For now, Reds fans watch anxiously as their star infielder rolls the dice.

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12 comments
  1. McLain and Lodolo have been too injury prone to extend. The Reds have Lux, Steer, and Edpinal who can play 2B. Plus, Arroyo is on his way. They may have to trade McLain to get a quality OFer.

  2. WAIT! McLain canNOT stay healthy! I'm sorry, but this comes off as a GREEDY and UNGRATEFUL. His 2023 was incredible, but ended to – YES – Injuries. McLain is INJURY-Prone. He's being offered good money for what has been an INJURY-FILLED Career, and he TURNS it down??? What do the Fans say, IF/WHEN McLain signs a HUGE contract, then he's out MUCH of an upcoming season, and they cannot afford a much pitcher, outfielder-hitter?

  3. IF Elly progresses with the Bat, unlike India, who never progressed beyond his ROY numbers – Regressed in some – Elly will want that chance to play for the Dodgers, or even the Yankees. He will want to play for a Championship in October, not a team looking to to go, perhaps, another 40 years WITHOUT another World's Championship???

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