Reds should revisit this risky extension that could finally pay off big

Cincinnati Reds infielder Matt McLain | Norm Hall/GettyImagesReports before the 2025 season began revealed that the Cincinnati Reds approached Matt McLain about a contract extension during the offseason. The infielder rejected the Reds' offer and decided to bet on himself. That may have turned out to be a grave miscalculation on the part of McLain and his representation.

Though fans didn't receive any details of these contract discussions, one can assume that the Reds front office was attempting to ink McLain to a team-friendly deal following his injury-riddled 2024 campaign that resulted in zero games played.

Though it may seem incredibly unorthodox, there's nothing stopping the Reds from…