  Within the framework of metric-affine theories of gravity, where both the
metric and connection are treated as independent variables, we consider actions
quadratic in the Ricci scalar curvature coupled non-minimally to a scalar field
through derivative couplings. Our analysis delves into the inflationary
predictions, revealing their consistency with the latest observational
constraints across a wide range of parameters. This compatibility permits
adjustments such as an increase in the spectral index and a reduction in the
tensor-to-scalar ratio. While we do not propose a specific reheating mechanism,
our analysis demonstrates that within the quadratic model of inflation, the
maximum reheating temperature can reach $\sim 3\times10^{15}\, {\rm GeV}$.
