PROSPECT: Matt McLain, 2B/SS, Cincinnati Reds
ANALYSIS: Originally drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first round in 2018, McLain went to college at UCLA and ended up a first-round pick by the Reds in 2021 after an up-and-down career with the Bruins.
McLain altered his swing, attempting to generate more power, but he struggled to generate consistent contact in 2022 in Double-A, hitting .232. He's allowed his natural athleticism to show more this year, with 12 home runs and 10 stolen bases while walking nearly the same amount as he strikes out.
McLain's mother recently broke that he would be called up to Cincinnati, where he will likely split time between second and short while working in the outfield as well.
VERDICT: Obviously, with him being called up, McLain is a buy, even in redraft formats. He's likely to end up with multi-position eligibility, has a great home park to boost his offensive stats, and should provide power and speed both.
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