On Monday, MLB Network Insider Mark Feinsand reported that Cincinnati Reds infielder Jonathan India is being made available for trade before the August 1 deadline. The Reds seek “young, controllable starting pitching” in return.
The Reds have told other teams 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).
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 24, 2023
Reds Open Trade Market for Jonathan India
India’s Trade Value
As unfortunate as it is, it would be wrong to say that the shopping of India is a result of his play. The 26-year-old co-leads the National League in games played this season. After a sophomore slump in 2022, he is producing around league-average numbers this season, slashing .251/.338/.411 with a .749 OPS. The 2021 NL Rookie of the Year’s chase percentage is low, and he has enough speed to steal double-digit bags. Despite his lackluster defensive metrics at second base, India has plenty to provide to a team needing an upgrade in the middle infield, including team control until 2027.
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An Infield Logjam
Cincinnati’s embarrassment of riches in the department of young infield talent has seemingly made India the odd man out. Rookies Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, and the electrifying Elly De La Cruz have been utter revelations for the big league club. And in the pipeline rests even more gold. The recently debuted Christian Encarnacion-Strand was called up after obliterating Triple-A, posting an OPS of 1.042. Cam Collier, their first selection in last year’s draft, boasts abnormally high-grade hit tools for an 18-year-old. Their top two prospects, Noelvi Marte and Edwin Arroyo are on the way as well. Acquired at last year’s deadline as part of the return for All-Star pitcher Luis Castillo, the shortstops rank #16 and #24 overall on MLB Pipeline’s prospect list, respectively.
Destinations and Market
The Detroit Tigers are among teams that have a gaping 2B-sized hole on their roster, and they just so happen to have one of the better trade chips of the deadline in rental veteran starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez. While he doesn’t fit the mold of a young, controllable starter, Reese Olson does, and so does 16th-ranked Tigers prospect Troy Melton in high-A. The Seattle Mariners have seen no production from second base in 2023 due to Kolten Wong’s abysmal year at the plate. Rookie right-handers Bryce Miller and Bryan Woo have shown flashes of brilliance, and have enough value to open conversations on a trade.
Photo Credit: Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
Players Mentioned: Jonathan India, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, Elly De La Cruz, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Cam Collier, Noelvi Marte, Edwin Arroyo, Luis Castillo, Eduardo Rodriguez, Reese Olson, Troy Melton, Kolten Wong, Bryce Miller, Bryan Woo
