Matt McLain is joined by his father Michael McLain, one of his brothers Sean and his mother Wendi after signing with the Cincinnati Reds Monday. (Photo courtesy McLain family)
Matt McLain, selected in the first round by the Cincinnati Reds as the 17th pick in the Major League draft, signed with the team for $4.625 million Monday and has taken the next step in his professional career, according to his father Michael McLain.
Matt McLain, the former Beckman and UCLA standout, has reported to the Reds training facility in Goodyear, Ariz. (a suburb of Phoenix) where he will prepare for his first minor league assignment.
The signing was also held in Arizona.
“It happened on Monday, the 26th in the evening and it went smooth and it was an interesting process with all the cameras there, everybody knew what they were doing and we were just there to watch Matthew sign,” Michael McLain said Wednesday. “It was exciting for sure, we had a great time. It was me, Wendi (his wife and the McLain’s mother) and Sean were there. Nick is still up playing in Washington and we’re all going to go back to Cincinnati, all five of us, I believe in September.”
Matt McLain, who was drafted as a shortstop, is not sure yet where he will be assigned, Michael McLain said.
“They will let him know by around the middle of August,” his father said. “They will either send him out to Daytona Beach, Florida or Dayton, Ohio. He just started working out on the field yesterday. He moved into the team apartments on Tuesday.”
MIchael McLain confirmed the signing bonus, which is about a million dollars higher than the slotted pick for the 17th overall pick in the first round.
“We were very happy with that,” Michael McLain said. “It is over slot, and he’s worked hard and everything paid off by spending his three years at UCLA. I’m super proud of him, I think it’s a great fit for the organization and for Matthew. It’s a good place for a hitter and they’re going to give him all sorts of support. I think it’s a great organization for him to join. I didn’t know this but they’re the oldest team in Major League baseball. And Cincinnati is not that far away.”
Michael McLain said he’s not sure when his son will get a chance to join the big club.
“That’s down the road,” he said. “Daytona Beach Florida is low A and Dayton Ohio is high A,” he said. “You got to work your way up the ladder so to speak.”
Matt McLain grew up being an Angels fans, his father said.
“Ironically, he did have a Cincinnati Reds hat as he grew up and even more ironic his nickname growing up was and still is ‘Red’ (for his hair) so that was kind of appropriate.”
An exciting month began when Matt McLain was drafted by the Reds on Sunday, July 11.
“That was interesting, you’re sitting there and you’re waiting. We thought a couple of teams might draft him before he got drafted, so it was kind of an up and down day,” Michael McLain said. “You’re sitting on the edge of your seat, and then all of a sudden it hits you and it’s like a tidal wave hit you and knocked you down. You’re just trying to figure out what’s going on and then about an hour later, you say, ‘it’s time to start getting to work.’
“Everyone has been very excited, very congratulatory sending us messages or calling us. It’s great, but this is just step one and getting on the field yesterday was a big step in getting back to work and focused on playing and getting better.”
Michael McLain said his son has handled the past few weeks well
“He’s a pretty level headed kid,” Michael McLain said. “He was really pumped to get drafted by the Reds and then work out all the financial arrangements you have when you’re a pro baseball player and I think he was just really happy to get to work yesterday and get on the field. Yesterday was the first time he’s been on the field in quite a while. That’s what he likes to do.”
As it turned out, Matt McLain’s decision in 2018 to attend UCLA and play for the baseball team. instead of accepting an offer from the Arizona Diamondbhacks to sign for $2.6 million turned out well. McLain was was selected in the first round (25th pick) by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Major League draft but kept his commitment to UCLA.
“The education is great, he’s not done, but he’s near done and he grew up as a young man there physically, mentally, socially, all that stuff that factors into it,” Michael McLain said.
Matt McLain, 21, majored in political science at UCLA.
MIchael McLain said his son will be back home in September before reporting for instructional baseball at the end of September.
“Then, we’ve got Sean getting ready for fall ball over at Arizona State and Nick at UCLA,” Michael McLain said.
Both players could be Major League draft picks and the McLain family may experience another Major League draft day like the one on July 11.
‘”We’re hopeful to do that, absolutely,” Michael McLain said.
—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
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