Breaking News: Cincinnati Reds Agrees A Two Way Deal To Trade Milwaukee Brewers Starting Pitcher To A Two-Year Deal Worth $76m With Brewers Getting Reds Starting…..

Unsurprisingly, TJ Friedl and Matt Matt McLain were selected to occupy the top two spots in Cincinnati’s batting order. Bleacher Report even went as far to name McLain the starting second baseman; something David Bell should do once spring training begins in less than two weeks.

But eventually the elephant in the room made an appearance. Jonathan India is noted to be the Reds’ starting designated hitter and batting sixth in the lineup. That’s all well and good until it’s revealed that Christian Encarnacion-Strand is not part of the projected Opening Day lineup and neither is Will Benson.

Bleacher Report’s roster prediction confirms why Reds must trade Jonathan India

Having depth on the roster is one thing. But having so much depth that it forces young, everyday players into bench role is just asinine. Yes, injuries occur and the Reds need to keep that in mind as the 2024 roster is put into place. But the Reds aren’t just 10 players deep, they’re more like 12 players deep.

In addition to the starting nine that Bleacher Report selected, the Reds have Encarnacion-Strand, Benson, and Luke Maile sitting in the dugout. The outlet even suggested that the Reds could opt to send Noelvi Marte to Triple-A to start the season in order to balance out the roster. That might be more egregious that putting Encarnacion-Strand on the bench.

The writing has been on the wall since the Reds signed Jeimer Candelario back in December – Jonathan India’s time in Cincinnati is coming to an end. The 27-year-old is a fine player, but given the amount of trade speculation that has existed this offseason, it shouldn’t be hard for the front office to find a taker.