The Cincinnati Reds have a crowded infield after the offseason signing of Jeimer Candalerio. After he signed it was reported that the Red may begin trade talks with teams regarding Noelvi Marte or Jonathan India. According to those reports, the latter has several teams interested in him.
India still has several years of control and is not expected to hit free agency until 2026. Although he has had some reps at DH due to the abundance of infielders the Reds had last year as well, he is primarily a second baseman. A career .244 hitter with 17 home runs, 61 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. Jonathan India was named the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year and would be a solid addition if those trade talks ramp up.
However, there are no guarantees that India is traded. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Reds like his leadership. To create less of a log jam, Spencer Steer is expected to move to the outfield. India may also see some reps at first and DH. Though, selling high on him and adding either prospects or pitching depth wouldn’t be a bad idea. It’s clear that pitching was what the Reds were missing last season. If they want to make a playoff push this season, they’ll need some good additions to the pitching staff.
Top Landing Destinations:
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners are in need of something big this offseason. They may still be on several free agents such as Cody Bellinger but an addition at second base wouldn’t be a bad idea. The Mariners have struggled to find a second baseman over the last several years: attempting to run the tires on Kolten Wong and Adam Frazier over the last two seasons. Right now, they currently have Josh Rojas and Jose Caballero. The Mariners have the pitching depth that they would need.
Toronto Blue Jays
Adding a guy like India isn’t a desperate need for the Blue Jays, but yet they still need to add some offense. They could start him in the outfield, at DH or move Cavan Biggio to third base and keep Jonathan India at second. That would make room for Santiago Espinal to play more in a utility role.
Boston Red Sox
The Sox are another team in on some of the biggest free agents this season. Looking to add to their young core, Jonathan India would be a good addition. Pablo Reyes isn’t much of a power hitter. As of now, both Ceddanne Rafaela and Emmanuel Valdez are far too young and inexperienced to start on a playoff-caliber team.
As of now, its unclear as to which teams are actively engaged in the trade talks for Jonathan India but these teams could be options
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