Cincinnati Reds Insider Reveals 2026 Plans for Matt McLain & Gavin Lux

Nick Kirby and Craig Sandlin break down a new report from Mark Sheldon detailing the Cincinnati Reds’ infield plans for 2026, including Matt McLain being viewed as the primary second baseman and Gavin Lux projected as a utility infielder. They discuss whether the Reds are handling those roles correctly and how the rest of the infield picture fits together, including Sal Stewart, Spencer Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Ke’Bryan Hayes.

The guys also dive into the latest Reds and MLB news, including the Reds signing right-hander Yunior Marte to a minor-league deal after a dominant 2025 season in Japan, where he posted a 1.95 ERA with the Chunichi Dragons. Marte last pitched in MLB with the Phillies in 2024 and can earn $1.05 million if he makes the Opening Day roster.

Additional topics include a report from The Athletic that the Reds are still searching for bullpen help, possible trade scenarios involving starting pitching, ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Reds’ local TV situation, and updates on recent waiver activity. They also discuss the latest Redsfest confirmations, Edwin Arroyo’s hot start in Puerto Rico, and reports that the Pirates are showing interest in Eugenio Suárez.

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Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45fWqQUPzX4 

OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:

Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141 

Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/ 

The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424 

Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062 

The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522 

513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr 

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