Blue Jays Reportedly Pathways with The Talented Infielder for more playing time.
The Cincinnati Reds entered the offseason with a need to improve their rotation and bullpen.
With a couple of acquisitions on those fronts, namely Nick Martinez and Emilio Pagan, they have been able to do it.
However, they also decided to add to a position of strength: by signing Jeimer Candelario, they brought in an infielder to join Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Jonathan India.
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That’s a lot of people for just four spots, so a trade is likely.
MLB reporters and insiders have tabbed India as the most likely piece to be moved, probably for pitching or a young, controllable hitter.
As it turns out, the Toronto Blue Jays might be a potential landing spot.
“Blue Jays have shown interest in dealing for Reds 2B Jonathan India @Reds @BlueJays,” Blue Jays reporter Bob Elliott tweeted.
India, the National League Rookie of the Year in 2021, has failed to show that kind of form since that debut year.
Still, he wasn’t bad in 2023 (17 home runs, 14 stolen bases, .746 OPS) and offers some versatility (he is capable of playing second and third base), pop, and speed.
There is a chance he has a rebound season and resembles the player he was in 2021, the one with a .835 OPS, 34 doubles, and 21 home runs.
It will all depend on what Toronto is willing to trade to Cincinnati.
The Reds might be trying to ask too much to potential trade partners because he has been on the block for a while.
Trading India would solve the Reds’ logjam in the infield and allow them to spend the money elsewhere.
Talks could pick up in the upcoming days
