Matt McLain
or
Jordan Westburg
SS • Age: 25 Bats: R • Throws: R
Next Season ✓
2025 Projection
BA | R | HR | RBI | SB | OPS |
.290 | 109 | 27 | 84 | 24 | .864 |
Rank (preseason)
Career Stats ✓
Matt McLain
AB | BA | OBP | OPS |
365 |
.290 |
.357 |
.864 |
Last 3 Years
Yr | AB | R | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | OPS |
2022 | --- |
2023 |
365 |
65 |
16 |
50 |
14 |
.290 |
.357 |
.864 |
2024 | --- |
Key Splits
| AB | BA | OBP | OPS |
home |
161 |
.304 |
.381 |
.977 |
road |
204 |
.279 |
.338 |
.774 |
day |
128 |
.336 |
.422 |
.992 |
night |
237 |
.266 |
.320 |
.793 |
vs RHP |
273 |
.278 |
.348 |
.821 |
vs LHP |
92 |
.326 |
.386 |
.995 |
none on |
217 |
.309 |
.367 |
.897 |
risp |
44 |
.341 |
.420 |
1.193 |
loaded |
4 |
.750 |
.800 |
2.300 |
April | --- |
May |
61 |
.361 |
.426 |
.967 |
June |
115 |
.287 |
.333 |
.881 |
July |
94 |
.277 |
.382 |
.861 |
Aug |
95 |
.263 |
.314 |
.777 |
Sept | --- |
So, Who's Better?
DFS Contests
First off, both these guys have solid multi-position eligibility. McLain plays both 2B and SS while Westburg covers 2B and 3B. This profile compares their 2B value but generally applies to all of their positions.
In most DFS Leagues (eg, FanDuel and DraftKings), McLain will be listed as a 2B though he played SS before Elly broke in. McLain has 25 HR / 25 SB potential and with a quick, short swing can be a legit stud for years...especially playing in Cincy. He unfortunately suffered a shoulder injury in 2023 that lingered into spring training of 2024. It never got better and he ended up having labrum surgery and missed all of 2024. He's fully healthy now we expect him to get the majority of playing time at 2B. Regarding DFS splits, he hits much better at Great American Ballpark (shocker) and during day games. Give him the edge during those starts.
Westburg has about one full season's worth of at-bats to his MLB ledger. He really started to make his mark in 2024 and heading into 2025, should be the first option at third for the Orioles (with 2B eligibility for the full season). With DFS, he has fairly large gaps in splits -- also expect better numbers during home, day games.
Roto Leagues
These two are previous first-round draft picks and in their mid 20s -- so, a TON of potential. Further, their eligibility at 2B gives them a bit more value for 2025. Of the two, Westburg is the safer pick as his playing time at third is just about a lock. McLain's near term future is a bit murkier. The Reds picked up Gavin Lux in the offseason and he'll certainly snag some of the starts at second. We expect the Reds to ultimately give the full-time job to McLain, especially after he proves his shoulder is at full strength. Expect a big second half from Matt.
Westburg proved himself in 2024 and he's first in line at third base. He also showed he can adjust to major league pitching and ended up with solid overall splits. Just one of the Orioles' young studs, that lineup is ridiculously stacked and that should result in plenty of run and RBI opps, even in the lower third of the lineup.
Bottom line, we generally like McLain's approach a bit more than Westburg so give the slight edge to him. Short, compact swings always play, especially with easy pop to the opposite field in Cincy. Draft McLain over Westburg but be aware of the slight injury and playing time risk.
What's your take?