From Bobby Nightengale:
I'm shocked McLain's playing, especially considering that he's just played nearly an entire season, his first in professional baseball.[Bobby Nightengale
@nightengalejr
Reds announce they are sending position players prospects Matt McLain, Noelvi Marte and Rece Hinds to the Arizona Fall League.
Christian Roa, Sam Benschoter, Vin Timpanelli and Jake Gozzo will pitch there.
I'm pleasantly pleased Noelvi Marte joined him-- and totally support the idea that Rece Hinds joins them offensively.
Reading between the tea leaves, does anyone else believe this presages new defensive homes for both McLain (CF) and Marte (3B?)? It certainly allows both to be bumped next year-- McLain to the major leagues on Opening Day and Marte to AA for a short stint then onto Louisville. (Hinds too, fwiw, in RF.)
That's the impetus, IMO, for Roa as well. He's been dominant in AA; if he can continue that dominance in the AFL, he might be the favorite to break camp with the Reds as their 5th SP (behind Greene, Lodolo, Ashcraft, and Overton/ Williamson/ free agent). It gives Benschoter a real shot at AA next year too.
Timpanelli and Gozzo are depth guys at this point, but could be interesting middle relief options.
The entire group is super high end. Perhaps the most talented the Reds have offered since... ever?