In 2023, the Reds experienced a surge of young talent, with players like Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, and Elly De La Cruz pushing the club into contention for much of the season. Despite finishing with an 82-80 record and falling short of the playoffs, the team has a crowded infield due to the emergence of other prospects like Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Noelvi Marte. This has led to uncertainty around the future of franchise icon Joey Votto in Cincinnati. The Reds are considering dealing from their surplus of infield options, with 2021 NL Rookie of the Year Jonathan India being a potential target for trading due to his strong performance. India’s versatility is essential due to the club’s need for a reliable starting pitcher to pair with Hunter Greene at the front of their rotation.
While it might seem wise to hold onto India in hopes of increasing his trade value, the scarcity of middle infield options in the free agent market makes him a valuable commodity. With an affordable price tag projected for the upcoming season, he could be an attractive option compared to other free agents. The Reds are looking for potential suitors for India, with several teams appearing to be a fit for his services. Among them are the Dodgers, Mariners, and White Sox, while the Blue Jays, Brewers, and Tigers are also worth considering.
The Dodgers, in particular, have a need for India’s positional flexibility, which could allow superstar outfielder Mookie Betts to return to right field. The Mariners have a history of trades with the Reds and possess young pitchers that could entice Cincinnati. Additionally, the White Sox are in desperate need of middle infield help and boast a promising pitching trade chip in Dylan Cease.
The Blue Jays and Brewers also stand out as potential landing spots for India, with both teams having needs to fill and young players or pitchers to offer in a potential trade. The Tigers, on the other hand, see India as a solid upgrade at second base and have a variety of young arms that could be part of a trade package.
While the Red Sox have a need in their infield, the fit with India is less clear, and it appears they may be a less likely suitor. However, India’s performance in 2023 makes him an attractive target for teams looking for a versatile, cost-controlled player to bolster their roster.
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David Rodriguez brings the excitement of Major League Baseball to readers. With a deep appreciation for America’s pastime, he covers the latest MLB news, scores, and player achievements, keeping fans up to date with their favorite teams and players.