Reds Infielder Jonathan India Could Still Be Odd Man Out in Cincinnati

Will the Reds trade the former National League Rookie of the Year?

Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall tried to put the Jonathan India trade rumors to bed earlier this week. 

He made it clear the team is not actively seeking to move the former National League Rookie of the Year. 

“We sat down with him before Redsfest again and had a conversation with him about, ‘Hey, how can we get your bat in the lineup more?’ I’ve said this openly… we’re not trying to trade him. But I’m not going to tell you it’s never going to happen," Krall said. "Our goal is to have him here and be a contributing player."

It wasn't long ago that India, along with catcher Tyler Stephenson, was seen as a cornerstone piece in Cincinnati. A franchise player for the organization could build around. 

My how quickly things can change. 

The Reds had a bevy of young infielders crack the big leagues in 2023 and they all lit the world on fire. Spencer Steer, Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz all received votes and finished in the top eight for this year's Rookie of the Year award in the National League. 

Christian Encarnacion-Stand and Noelvi Marte also played very well down the stretch.

Marte hit .380 over the last month of the season with three home runs and 13 RBI. Strand provided some much needed pop in the Reds lineup, blasting 13 home runs. The same number as both De La Cruz and Stephenson last year, but in significantly less at-bats. 

The emergence of all this young talent was a major factor in the decision to decline Joey Votto's 2024 team option. After 17 years in the organization, Krall said he just didn't see the amount of playing time that Votto deserves being available to him next season. 

Even with Votto hitting free agency for the first time in his Hall of Fame career, there were still questions about where the Reds were going to find at-bats for all these guys. 

It's a great problem to have. Any general manager in baseball would love to have too many talented players to choose from. It also gives manager David Bell position flexibility, which is valuable during a 162 game season.

Take Spencer Steer for example. He was the Reds swiss army knife last season, playing games at first, second, third and both corner outfield spots. Not only did he play those positions, but he performed well defensively. 

If the Reds need to play Steer in left field for a majority of 2024, which appears to be the likely move, you can feel comfortable with that decision. 

McLain is another guy that can cover multiple positions. Same with Marte. Encarnacion-Stand can play first and third, if called upon to do so. 

Krall said earlier this week, they'd like to try that out with India. He has yet to play a position in his Major League career other than second base, but Krall said they could explore the possibility of getting him reps at first in addition to rotating in and out of the DH spot. 

That's all well and good, but then the Reds signed Jeimer Candelario to a 3-year, $45 million contract with a team option in year four. The deal could be worth up to $60 million

Candelario is a nice player with a solid bat. He was one of the top free agents available this winter, but his fit with the Reds is a bit puzzling. Unless it's just the first domino to fall in a much bigger roster adjustment for Krall this offseason. 

It's no secret that the Reds are still looking to add a top of the rotation starter, whether that's via free agency or trade.

There was some confusion on whether or not Cincinnati was one of the final teams involved in contract negotiations with Eduardo Rodriguez late last night, but that fact is now moot. It wasn't long after the news broke that Rodriguez signed a 4-year $80 million dollar deal with Arizona. 

The Reds have been linked to multiple starting pitchers including the Rays' Tyler Glasnow and the Guardians' Shane Bieber. Yesterday, it was also confirmed that Krall has had conversations with the White Sox about ace Dylan Cease. 

As we covered yesterday, the price tag for Cease is reportedly very high. 

Could Candelario now provide Krall the flexibility to complete a deal for a starting pitcher? 

One thing is for sure, if the Reds are investing tens of millions of dollars to bring him to Cincinnati, he's going to play. 

So who's the odd man out? 

Some believe the addition of Candelario signals that Marte or Encarnacion-Strand could soon find themselves in a trade package. 

There's no doubt either man would be a very valuable piece in negotiations, but given his lack of positional flexibility and his struggles (at times) at the plate the last two seasons, my gut tells me India is still the odd man out. 

This despite the value he brings as the leader of the clubhouse and the assurances from Krall to India and the fanbase.

"We’re not looking to move [India]. He has a chance to be a very big contributor on our club next year," Krall said. "I told him that. We’re not looking to trade anybody. Do people get asked about? Sure. Does that happen periodically? Sure. But at the same time, we are not looking to just move him."

The status quo, however, has changed. Candelario is now a Cincinnati Red and his fairly hefty contract proves that they plan on him being a very big contributor in 2024. 

With Steer in the outfield, Candelario, Marte and Encarnacion-Strand will hold down the corner infield spots. De La Cruz, McLain and Marte can rotate in the middle infield. That makes India feel like a man without a home, even with the DH now an option in the National League. 

There are so many variables to consider as the Reds' front office continues to mold this roster. Anything could happen as Krall looks to build a legitimate contender in 2024. 

It's an exciting time as moves are being made. And the Reds don't appear to be anywhere close to done. 

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