Matthew
McLain

2021 MLB Draft: An unsigned first-round prep pick in 2018, McLain took his talents to Westwood instead. Boasting five-tool potential, he's an impressive athlete with plus body control, a plus-plus run tool and above-average arm. He has the ability to play all over the diamond, seeing time at center field, shortstop, second and third base in the Cape Cod League in 2019, but he played shortstop exclusively between 2020-2021. He's a confident hitter with very good bat-to-ball skills and surprising pop in his 5-foot-10, 175-pound frame. He also has excellent makeupe.

One summer and a long spring (.203/.276/.355 with 64 strikeouts in 217 at-bats as a college freshman) after being selected in the first round by the Diamondbacks, McLain was one of three MVPs in the 2019 Cape All-Star Game. With five-tool potential, McLain is an impressive athlete with plus body control, a plus-plus run tool and above-average arm strength. He has the ability to play all over the diamond, filling in at CF, SS, 2B and 3B last summer, but exclusively played shortstop during the abbreviated 2020 season. He runs in the 4.1- 4.2 range from home to first from the right side. He’s also a confident hitter with very good bat-to-ball skills and surprising pop from his 5-foot-10, 175 pound frame. After a solid summer of 2019 in the Cape (.274/.394/.425) McLain built upon that success with a .397/.422/.621 slash to start the 2020 spring season. Athletes like him who play up the middle don’t last long in the draft. With top scale makeup and continued development, McLain will likely see the first round again in 2021.

One summer and a long spring (.203/.276/.355 with 64 strikeouts in 217 at-bats as a college freshman) after being selected in the first round by the Diamondbacks, McLain was one of three MVPs in the Cape ASG. He’s an impressive athlete with plus body control, a plus-plus run tool and above-average arm strength. He plays all over the diamond, filling in at CF, SS, 2B and 3B this summer. Ran a 4.21 home to first from the right side. He’s also a confident hitter with very good bat-to-ball skills and surprising pop from his 5-foot-10, 175 pound frame. After a solid summer in the Cape (.274/.394/.425) McLain has begun to right the ship for next spring. Athletes like him who play up the middle (and all over the diamond) don’t last long in the draft. With top scale makeup and continued development, McLain will likely see the first round again in 2021.

UCLA Commit. 5 foot 10, 170LB, compact frame, with lean athleticism throughout.There's room for added strength and muscle growth with body maturity and age. Exhibits an advanced, aggressive offensive approach, but shows plate awareness.Strings together professional AB's consistently with elite bat-to-ball skills and the ability to square up secondary pitches. Lacks strength in frame right now to do big damage, but will be able to drive deep into gaps for high 2B totals and ability to drive over LF wall regularly as he ages and grows stronger. McLain has over thefence power potential. With sound defensive actions & mechanics, McLain displays quick feet, and an above average arm tool. Has proper mechanics and can make all the throws from all angles, often chest high and firm, alongside the ability to make the routine play consistently. Current SS, see future move to 2B, however, would develop as a SS in Minor Leagues. Has plus run tool with sub 4.0 times to 1B from right side (see video below) and an awareness and aptitude on base that give opposing pitches fits. Premier base runner with first step quickness, leadoff type speed, and can steal a base anytime. McLain is an elite competitor with intangible qualities that will only enhance his development.

4/17/18 – The UCLA commit went 2-for-4 with 2 base hits, and just missed an opposite field HR. On display was McLain's run tool today. On a bunt for a hit, McLain clocked a 3.75 to 1B.

8/10/17 - Is the quintessential West Coast player with a smaller frame and grinder approach. However, he put an extremely short swing on a changeup Thursday and showed some pop with a home run to left field.

7/1/17 - Squared up another ball, this one against an 87 mph fastball to right center for a double.

6/29/17 - Entered the game as a pinch-hitter in the ninth and started a furious Brave rally by launching a triple over the center fielder’s head. It traveled 382 feet to dead center and was 100 mph off the bat.