Former Florida Gator Jonathan India is having the rookie year most players only ever dream of. Not only will he attempt to help his team reach the playoffs, but India is in a great position to finish the year as the National League’s Rookie of the Year.
India made his debut for the Cincinnati Reds on Opening Day with a double and never looked back. The 24-year-old infielder earned his call-up following an incredible spring training performance and he’s proved the organization right with a Rookie of the Month Award in July.
July's NL Rookie of the Month is coming for that NL Rookie of the Year. @JonathanIndia pic.twitter.com/CSkCP1xJ7i
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) August 4, 2021
The Rookie of the Year race in the NL has been between India and Miami’s Trevor Rogers for most of the year. With an fWAR of 3.3, India leads all rookies and appears to have taken the edge over Rogers, who’s been out since July 31 tending to a family emergency.
Being part of a playoff team is always an accolade to consider in awards voting and it’s made the difference for Rookie of the Year in the past. So, if Cincinnati can pass San Diego for the second wildcard spot, it could mean everything for India’s bid. Two games back of the Padres and with India slashing .296/.412/.514 in the leadoff spot, the Reds should at least come close.
India would be the second former Gator to win the NL Rookie of the Year after Pete Alonso won it in 2019. He won a College World Series with Florida back in 2017 and won the SEC Baseball Player of the Year award as a junior the following year. The Reds selected him fifth overall in the 2018 MLB draft.
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