Two Jonathan India Trades the Cincinnati Reds Should Consider Making

There are options to trade India and make the team better.

Jonathan India has been in Cincinnati Reds trade rumors for more than a year. 

The team has had trade talks with multiple teams this offseason. 

What could the Reds get in return for the former National League Rookie of the Year?

Let’s craft the best, most reasonable trades involving India, both singularly and as a package:

Jonathan India As The Only Trade Piece

Baseball Trade Values has India’s trade value at $7.7 million, or 27th in the Reds organization. To give you a frame of reference, Baseball Trade Values has India’s value comparable to that of your catcher Alfredo Duno and Stuart Fairchild. While this is not the end all be all of understanding India’s trade value for other teams, it’s a nice place to start as we assess what the Reds could get in return for the infielder.

With that in mind, a trade where India is the lone piece isn't going to bring back a top-flight starting pitcher. So were looking more toward a high-end relief pitcher. Even that is a hard to find, given India’s value. The Mariners offer an interesting trade in this scenario, though it doesn’t return a bonafide major leaguer.

Reds get: RHP Emerson Hancock and RHP Prelander Berroa

Mariners get: Jonathan India, 2B

The Reds would be getting two pitchers to add to their staff in this deal, though both are unproven. Hancock is the better of these two players and could be a starter. He did make three starts for the Mariners last season, as he got his first taste of the majors. His minor league career was not overly impressive. His strikeout rate was below average and his walk rate was right around average. Some wonder if Hancock will remain a starter or be moved to the bullpen.

Berroa is an interesting player. He had a high strikeout rate all through his minor league career, but also has a high walk rate. He did pitch a pair of games in relief for his cup of coffee last season. He had three strikeouts and three walks in 1 2/3's innings. Neither guy jumps off the page but both will bolster the depth of the pitching staff with the ability to grow into key contributors.

Jonathan India in Trade Package

© Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

The most likely way to land a meaningful trade will see India as part of the deal, and maybe not even the headliner. If the Reds truly do want to bring in a difference-maker, India won't get it done by himself. 

They could add a few prospects to a deal that includes India to land a quality pitcher

Reds Get: Dylan Cease, RHP

White Sox Get: Jonathan India, 2B; Edwin Arroyo, SS; Sal Stewart, 3B; Connor Phillips, RHP

This deal is heavy on prospects, but in order to make the values match up, this is what the trade may look like. Dylan Cease has pitched 30+ starts in each of the last three seasons. That kind of durability has been sorely lacking in the Reds starting rotation. Cease also finished as CY Young runner-up in 2022 and carries two years of team control. He would immediately upgrade a pitching staff that needs a starting pitcher.

As far as what the Reds give up in this deal: Arroyo, Stewart, and Phillips all will appear on top prospects lists. The White Sox should be very interested in this deal as they look to rebuild their farm system that has been in tatters for years. 

When it comes to what the Reds would lose in this, Phillips may make the Opening Day starting rotation. The thing is, both Arroyo and Stewart are blocked and Phillips is an unproven talent. Cease is a known talent and could help make the Reds a bonafide playoff team for the next two years.

The main detractor with this deal is the propensity for the Reds to sign Cease to an extension. With his production, and his agent being Scott Boras, it’s highly unlikely. But the Reds would still get two years out of him. Meanwhile, the other question marks in this rotation can figure themselves out with him in it. 

I still see this potential trade as a win for Cincinnati.

Bottom Line

© Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

The biggest question is simple: what does general manager Nick Krall think of India? It is highly possible Krall’s view of the 26-year-old doesn't align with the trade offers they've received. 

A trade doesn't seem imminent, but the Reds do sound willing to move India in the right deal. 

The Reds don't have to trade India this offseason, but a deal could make sense for the team and for the former Rookie of the Year. Cincinnati has a quality infield, even without India and they could use him to bolster some of their other weaknesses, even if it's a package deal.

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