All signs point to Matt McLain returning later this season.

Less than a month remains until the MLB trade deadline, and the Cincinnati Reds find themselves without a clear direction amidst their fluctuating 2024 season. The team’s management is undecided whether to pursue trades to strengthen their roster or maintain their current lineup.

Recently, Reds manager David Bell provided an optimistic update on infielder Matt McLain’s recovery from injury. Bell announced that McLain has been given the green light to resume baseball activities and is expected to continue his rehabilitation in Arizona.

McLain has been sidelined since Opening Day due to shoulder surgery prior to the 2024 season. Throughout this period, the Reds have consistently expressed confidence in his return to active play later in the season. This latest development suggests that McLain’s comeback remains a viable prospect.

The question now arises: how will McLain’s potential return influence the Reds’ strategy approaching the trade deadline?

Matt McLain’s injury update will undoubtedly complicate Reds’ trade deadline plans

The Reds already have no direction with the July 30th deadline just over three weeks away. General manager Brad Meador was very apprehensive to commit to a specific strategy last week. Was that just typical GM speak — saying a lot but really saying nothing — or do the Reds really not know what direction they’re planning to take at the MLB trade deadline?

The Reds starting pitching can go toe-to-toe with almost any lineup in the National League. Both Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo have proven to be frontline starters during their third major league season, and Andrew Abbott looks to be on a similar trajectory.

The Reds bullpen, while shaky at times (like Saturday against the Detroit Tigers), has not been much of a liability this season. More times than not, when Fernando Cruz, Sam Moll, Lucas Sims, and Alexis Diaz get the call, they’re able to slam the door on the opposing lineup.

The Reds lineup needs more than just Matt McLain returning from injury

The Cincinnati Reds have struggled significantly with their hitting this season, despite injuries being a contributing factor. Key offensive players such as Jake Fraley, Will Benson, and Tyler Stephenson have performed poorly at the plate. Jeimer Candelario has shown occasional promise but overall has been below average. Apart from Jonathan India, Elly De La Cruz, and Spencer Steer, the team has struggled to maintain offensive consistency.

Despite high hopes upon his return from suspension, rookie Noelvi Marte has shown sluggish performance both at bat and in the field, disappointing fans and the front office alike. Relying solely on the potential return of Matt McLain from shoulder surgery rather than seeking additions at the MLB trade deadline suggests that the Reds may be looking towards next season instead of making a serious playoff push this summer.

In addition to McLain, the Reds have other players currently on the injured list. Christian Encarnacion-Strand and TJ Friedl are among them, with Friedl possibly returning later this month while Encarnacion-Strand faces season-ending wrist surgery. Given these circumstances, McLain’s comeback alone may not be sufficient if the Reds are serious about their postseason aspirations for 2024.