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MLB Rumors: 3 trade destinations for Jonathan India after Elly De La Cruz promotion

By Cody Williams

CINCINNATI, OH - JUNE 3: Jonathan India #6 of the Cincinnati Reds runs to the dugout during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park on June 3, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Milwaukee defeated Cincinnati 10-8. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - JUNE 3: Jonathan India #6 of the Cincinnati Reds runs to the dugout during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park on June 3, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Milwaukee defeated Cincinnati 10-8. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /
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MLB Rumors, Jonathan India
Jonathan India, Cincinnati Reds. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

Jonathan India could be a hot trade candidate at the deadline after the Red called up Elly De La Cruz, so which MLB teams should trade for the former ROTY?

The Cincinnati Reds find themselves in somewhat of a predicament. On the one hand, they have former NL Rookie of the Year Jonathan India, a second baseman who has been a solid cog in the lineup, is just 26 years old, and still has three years of club control remaining after this season. On the other is one of the most-hyped prospects in baseball, Elly De La Cruz, who made his MLB debut on Tuesday.

Cincinnati’s problem, however, is that De La Cruz is a versatile infielder and isn’t the only one in the organization who could play second and fill out the infield depth. He played third base on Tuesday in his debut, fitting in the lineup behind India. But for the future, there is the possibility that the 21-year-old De La Cruz and the other up-and-comers in the system could ultimately make India a trade asset.

For what it’s worth, the Reds have appeared reluctant to trade India, who is in the midst of a season where he’s slashing .279/.363/.421 with six homers, 15 doubles and 12 stolen bases, at this time. But if teams come calling and are willing to pay a hefty price, the possibility of a trade still looms.

So which teams could make that offer? Let’s take a look at three ideal Jonathan India trade destinations.

Note: De La Cruz was wrongly listed as “primarily a second baseman”. That has been corrected and updated. 

MLB Rumors: 3 Jonathan India trade destinations after Reds call up Elly De La Cruz

3. Baltimore Orioles should trade for Jonathan India

The Baltimore Orioles showed last season that they were trending toward something good with all of the talent that they’ve been able to bring into the organization after years worth of seasons where wins have been hard to come by. Now they are putting it all the way together and it’s time to get aggressive.

Even though the Orioles are 5.5 games out of first place in the AL East, they are the top wild card team in the American League entering June 7. But one of the areas where they could stand to improve just so happens to be where Jonathan India could help the cause.

Adam Frazier has been the everyday second baseman for Baltimore this season but his production has been pedestrian at best, slashing just .235/.301/.390 on the season, though he does have six home runs, nine doubles and 24 RBI. Even still, India would be a clear upgrade.

More importantly, the Orioles having stacked talent in the system over the years puts them in a unique position to pay the hefty price tag that a trade for India would demand. Colton Cowser is the team’s No. 2 prospect and a Top 30 prospect in MLB, and the outfielder would present an upgrade for the Reds that Cincinnati would have to be intrigued by in order to build better for the future.

It could make sense for all sides if the Orioles deem an upgrade in the middle of the infield necessary.

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