Matt Mclain gives verdict on Elly De La Cruz's style of play

Cincinnati Reds infielder Matt McLain was all praise for up-and-coming star Elly De La Cruz, who had a career year in 2024. De La Cruz led the majors with 67 stolen bases on top of hitting .259 along with 25 home runs and 76 RBIs.

In just his second year in the big leagues, the Dominican earned an All-Star selection and he is only expected to improve from here on.

Appearing on Wednesday's MLB Network Radio, McLain raves about De La Cruz's all-around ability doing good for the Reds.

"He just does stuff that you know, nobody else can do and everyone sees that he runs fast and everyone hits the ball harder," McLain said. "And everyone throws the ball harder than everyone makes crazy plays. So he's a good guy to have in your dugout and not on the other side. So being the same lineup with him, it's like hey, I'm gonna get on he's gonna hit me in or vice versa."

Matt McLain unsure about his position within Reds infield

A lot is happening this offseason and more often than not, the players within the team get uncertainty regarding their positional fit after a new player enters the clubhouse.

For McLain, things look bleak at second base after the Reds traded for Gavin Lux out of the LA Dodgers in exchange for Mike Sirota and a supplemental draft pick.

Since Lux also plays second base, McLain is unsure where he gets within the Reds infield.

"No, I haven't been told anything," McLain said on the Reds Hot Stove on 700 WLW via SI.com.

With Elly De La Cruz solidifying his spot at shortstop, expect McLain to move around if he stays with the Reds in 2025. He can play multiple positions in the infield as he often did during his time in the Arizona Fall League this offseason and in college.

Though he mentioned that he is flexible, McLain said he would like to book him as an everyday second baseman for the team.