MLB Rumors: Willson Contreras trade suitor, Reds surprise move, Giolito war
By Mark Powell
MLB Rumors: Reds could trade Jonathan India
Despite winning the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year award, the Cincinnati Reds no longer see Jonathan India as a key part of their future. India’s had two straight sub-par seasons — at least in comparison to his 2021 campaign — with a 98 OPS+ this year and a 92 OPS+ in 2022. That’s not enough to convince the Reds to keep him around given the litany of prospects in their farm system which project as middle-infield players.
As Mark Feinsand reports, Cincinnati realizes they have an attractive asset playing second base, and would prefer to trade him while his value is highest. Most importantly, the Reds don’t consider losing India a dramatic shot at their postseason chances.
The Reds have told other teams they are willing to trade 2021 NL ROY Jonathan India for young, controllable starting pitching, per sources. Cincinnati has a glut of young infielders (Steer, De La Cruz, McLain, Encarnacion-Strand) with more on the way (Marte, Arroyo, Collier).
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 24, 2023
As Feinsand points out, the sheer number of top infield prospects the Reds have at their disposal is rather incredible. Considering the surplus, Cincinnati doesn’t feel compelled to keep India, who hasn’t performed up to his 2021 standard in quite some time. There is sure to be plenty of interest in a player of his caliber, as well.
Perhaps most importantly to the Reds front office is that India is slated to reach arbitration after this season. India is still making league minimum as of this writing, but that will surely change prior to spring training.