In what came as a surprise to most, the Cincinnati Reds are reportedly willing to trade second baseman Jonathan India. This is a according to a report from MLB Network’s Mark Feinsand. Feinsand had the following to say in regards to what he is hearing.
“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)”.
It is not exactly shocking to see the Reds be looking for young, controllable starting pitching. The Reds are a team in the mix for postseason play with the fourth-best record in the National League. Finding a way to upgrade a pitching staff that has given up the fifth-most home runs should be a priority. Even if that means moving a player like India to do so.
Jonathan India is a very talented player and is still yet to enter his arbitration years (they begin in 2024). Cincinnati should be able to get a pretty good haul for the 26-year old if a trade indeed happens.
The important takeaway here is that the report states “willing to trade” and not looking to trade, as there is a difference. This seems to be like the team is floating this out there as an option should a team come calling with an acceptable package. Whether or not India remains in Cincinnati appears to depend on how desperate a contender is for infield help. All it takes is something to happen between now and the deadline for a team to suddenly meet what is a lofty, yet predictable demand.
