Former Florida infielder [autotag]Jonathan India[/autotag] won the 2021 National League Rookie of the Year as a Cincinnati Red, but he could be wearing a different uniform less than two years later.
MLB.com executive reporter Mark Feinsand tweeted (X’d?) that the Reds were open to trading India due to an abundance of young infielders on Monday. India failed to follow up on his stellar rookie year last season, finishing the 2022 season with a 0.4 WAR after 103 games, but he’s bounced back nicely in 2023 and should be an attractive trade piece.
Through 101 games, India already has a 1.2 WAR and is striking out at a career-low rate. His power numbers are up a bit. He’s on pace for 20 homers and just under 100 runs batted in.
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
When it comes to possible landing spots, two AL East teams seem to be the popular choice among fans. Baltimore could use a young, controllable option at second base with 31-year-old Adam Frazier’s contract set to expire at the end of the year, and India still has three arbitration years left.
The return will need to be decent, though. The Reds want young and controllable pitchers in exchange for their primary second baseman. Otherwise, it’s unlikely that he’s dealt.
India responded to the trade rumors on Tuesday.
“I talked to people in the organization saying it’s just a rumor,” India said to Cincinnati.com. “At the end of the day, it’s out there for a reason.”
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