The Reds have agreed to a two-year deal with infielder Jonathan India, per a team announcement. The Boras Corporation client will be paid $3.8MM in 2024 and $5MM in 2025, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. He can earn an additional $2.05MM in 2025 based on plate appearances and games started. India had filed for a $4MM salary in his first trip through the arbitration process, while the Reds countered with a $3.2MM figure.
As a result of this agreement, the two parties will avoid an arbitration hearing both this year and next. India, the 2021 National League Rookie of the Year, remains under club control through the 2026 season and will be eligible for arbitration one final time following the 2025 season.
India burst onto the scene with the Reds in ’21, hitting .269/.376/.459 (122 wRC+) with 21 home runs, 34 doubles, a pair of triples, a dozen steals, an 11.3% walk rate and a 22.3% strikeout rate. That performance led to a near-unanimous Rookie of the Year selection over runner-up Trevor Rogers, but India’s stock has dipped a bit since that early-career highlight.
Over the past two seasons, a hamstring strain and a bout of plantar fasciitis have limited India to 222 games and quiet possibly contributed to a decline in his production. He hasn’t been a bad hitter, but the 27-year-old’s .246/.333/.394 slash over the past two years (98 wRC+) is a good ways shy of that more impressive rookie output. Couple that with poor defensive ratings at second base (-21 Defensive Runs Saved, -16 Outs Above Average in 2022-23) and at least some of the shine has come off the 2018 No. 5 overall draft selection.
Between his downturn at the plate, the Reds’ wealth of young infield talent (e.g. Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, Noelvi Marte, Christian Encarnacion-Strand) and the signing of Jeimer Candelario to a three-year deal, there was a good bit of talk about a potential India trade this winter. However, Cincinnati president of baseball operations Nick Krall was nonplused with what was being offered in return for India throughout the winter and downplayed the chances of the infielder changing hands a few months back.
The addition of Candelario to an already-crowded infield mix creates something of a logjam, though Cincinnati plans to at least somewhat alleviate that crunch by moving Steer to left field on a full-time basis this coming season. Krall has previously stated that India could also begin to see some time at first base, in addition to designated hitter and his more typical work at second base.
Even with that broadening of his role, there’s still more infield options than positions for the Reds. Candelario will split time between the corners. Marte can play both positions on the left side of the infield. De La Cruz figures to get the chance to be the primary shortstop but will need to bounce back from a dreary finish to the season. McLain spent the bulk of his time in 2023 at shortstop, finishing fifth in Rookie of the Year voting himself. With De La Cruz likely back at shortstop, he could slide to the other side of the second base bag. Encarnacion-Strand has experience at the hot corner but is likely ticketed for first base and DH work.
It’s a crowded mix of players, but outside of Candelario and India, no one from the group has more than one full season of big league action under his belt. The potential for regression from one or more of those infielders is obvious, and injuries are an inevitability. The Reds, who were in the market for pitching help this winter, clearly recognized that India alone wouldn’t fetch them a meaningful rotation upgrade and have opted to hold onto the depth and stability he provides in relation to their collection of impressive but still fairly inexperienced young outfielders. An eventual trade remains plausible, particularly if enough of the young wave of big leaguers cement themselves as cornerstone pieces, but for the time being India seems quite likely to open the 2024 campaign on Cincinnati’s roster.
Wasn’t this dude on the block?
Some of us had hoped he was
Reds would be foolish to trade India. They should only trade a young talented infielder if they can get a young talented starting pitcher in return. That will not happen with India, at least not until he has an opportunity to re-establish himself, which he will when healthy.
India is mid, take him out of cincinnatis park and he’s a low slug, below av we age fielder.
India’s fine – before he got hurt he was on track for a high 700s OPS + 25 HR.and 85-90 RBIs
Take him out of one of the best hitters parks and he’s a 15 Homer guy who plays below avg defense. He has very low exit velos and would struggle in most parks. RBIs also don’t matter as a stat, has a lot to do with if you’re on a good offensive team rather then a good hitter.
Jealous much??
As above
Jealous of a good bench player? Sure
Yes, no stats matter! Despite missing 39 games with injury and still ending up the third-most productive hitter on the team (behind Steer and Friedl) And also despite a marked drop in power numbers after he came back which would infer that he still wasn’t playing at 100%,
Oh, and India’s hit more HR on the road than at home (last season and career) Right. No matter, just trade away a fifth-overall pick and team leader entering his prime for a bulk reliever and bag of rosin.
I think that just means that the Reds don’t have many offensive stars? His baseball savant page clearly paints that he is a below average hitter and a well below average fielder. The only things he’s good at is low chase and high barrel rate but he’s still just middle of the pack in Ks and exit velo. Think the Reds will keep because other teams don’t value him.
The deal limits India’s future salary increases substantially. That could enhance his trade value.
Makes sense.
Yeah, pretty much my take too! This signing probably makes it more likely India is moved.
Classic sign-and-trade.
There’s no such thing as sign and trade in mlb
Nobody wanted him and his shoddy defense.
If only the article would have touched on that…
Interesting. Just goes to prove further my theory that they are keeping him because there is someone they are not totally sold on.
Which one do you figure they are down on? Elly, McLain, Steer, CES or Marte? I’d love to see the Tigers trade surplus pitching for McLain or Arroyo and kick Baez to the curb (or just the bench) or Marte or Stewart for 3B. The Reds have 8 million IFers. I’m surprised they signed India unless like you say they are not enamored with someone in that crew.
I don’t know if it is down on someone as much as maybe needing more seasoning in Elly’s case. Just the eyeball test of an old bird dog.
I think Marte will end up ROY. Steer was more than capable in LF. It wouldn’t surprise me if Arroyo or Stewart are moved eventually because they are blocked for a while and there are even more behind them.
It will be interesting to see how it all plays out for sure ! They are loaded in the minors. I think marte has to start in louisville at this point.
Skubal would look good at top of reds rotation no doubt ! McLain, Stewart, who else y’all want ??
Oohhh. Skubal would be super expensive . I’d be pissed if they traded him, even if it was for a huge haul. I like the Reds minor leaguers better than most teams though so if they did it would make sense for it to be with Cincy.
Skubal may be considered untouchable at this point. Wouldnt be surprised to see him get CY votes this year.
Maybe. But that’s the only true upgrade for reds.
I doubt they are down on any of this group but realize regressions are likely for one or more of them this season
Friedl
I’m concerned about Friedl also. He had a solid season and as far as I’m concerned he has earned an everyday slot in center and at leadoff. But if he regresses it makes an already thin outfield shaky at best.
I did not watch the reds this year, but it seems that EDLC might make a fantastic centerfielder. I don’t know how good he is at short, but I know he can fly and has a fantastic arm.
No one has seen the Reds this year….
THIS
De la Cruz to center was the solution before they sign candelario. But I’m w O8 ^ – Friedl is the undisputed CF and lead off. He earned that ! So then what do u do – start Cruz in louisville in CF ? Friedl have the most electrifying player in baseball nipping at his heals….fun prob to have ! Reds are gonna score a lot of runs this year !
The Tigers’ surplus of pitching may be more hype than reality and they are stuck with Javier Baez.
If Javy plays like he has the last two years I think they should make him the backup infielder and trade for a young replacement. The Tigers have no one in house, unless Peyton Graham turns a corner this year It sucks to pay that much for a backup but at least he plays good defense.
In the trade realm, they have some good looking pitchers in the minors (not named Jobe or Madden), as well as Manning and Olsen, one of whom could be expendable. Even if someone amongst the starting 6 (Skubal, Flaherty, Mize, Maeda, Manning, Olson) doesn’t work out, or Maeda, Manning or Mize’s innings are limited by injury, they still have Jobe, Montero, Madden, Gipson-Long and other arms who can come up and fill innings/get experience at the MLB level. Another depth signing for AAA wouldn’t hurt.
The bullpen has similar depth on the big club and minors and even if they traded Foley or Lange I don’t think it would effect them. I’m interested to see what Fetter can do with a healthy Wingenter, as well as Devin Sweet.
The offence on the other hand has a Baez size hole in it. I can’t see Javy being as bad as last year. Cross your fingers.
I understand the depth part, but stability? These young players have seen their name on the lineup card daily, all the way thru the minors. Now they will not only have to see if they get to play, but at what position today? How does that provide stability? All they are going to discover is which can become productive bench players. What they won’t know is which can hold up to playing every day in the big leagues.
Does this boost his value for a trade? This seems confusing based on the young depth in CIN
It likely doesn’t hurt or help his value. If you’re a team that likes him, cost certainty is a plus. If you’re a team that doesn’t like him, you still don’t like him. He’s a player with defensive flaws and recent injury history. He still not going to get you more than a back end starter at best.
Great news! Surprising.
Reds desperately need middle infield help. Also, Nevada needs sand.
Odd deal both ways
McLain, De La Cruz, and India. Quite a stacked, young middle infield.
Yeah, but unless they make a move at least one (likely 2 or 3 IFs) will waste away on the bench. Young talent is only useful if it gets on the field. It’s just like having surplus fruit. It’s great to have it all, but unless you sell the part you don’t need, your surplus is nothing but garbage.
No one will waste away on the bench. Just like they did last year all of these guys will get 400+ PAs
Absolutely, I do not understand the panic that some people have…4 infield spots plus a DH spot for EDLC, McLain, Marte, Candelario, CES, and India (who is supposedly also working in the OF)…days off, injuries and just being creative with that flexibility will make it very easy for these guys to all get the at bats
Steer can play the infield as well. That’s loads of depth.
100%, the reds will be an interesting team to watch to see how all of the pieces fit. It could be a mess, it could be fantastic…we will soon find out!
In other words, make them all part time players? 400 PAs is not a lot for a big league player.
No, not in other words
If they all stay healthy (which they won’t) 6 different players can all start 135 games at 5 different positions. That is hardly part time
the user name tracks…did you just create the name for this post?? Or, and I hope it is this one…did you make this username a long time ago, and then only post this same sentence when it fits?
I don’t see this changing anything about a potential trade.
Just wondering how the Reds are going to get all these players ABs?
That is why we all said “huh?” when they spent money on Candelario instead of investing in the top of the rotation starter they really needed.
Seems like they cudda gave 2 guys to Milwaukee for Burnes, like Baltimore did. Perhaps Milwaukee didn’t wanna trade within the division tho.
I really don’t think it will be as difficult as some people are thinking. You have EDLC and McLain as primary 2b and ss…CES at 1B and DH…Candelario 1B/3B/DH…Marte 3B/DH….India 2b/DH/OF…there will be at bats for all of them but it wont be a traditional baseball team that has a set 8 guys damn near every day, there will be many different lineups, but the at-bats are there. Additionally, the odds of all of these guys getting through a full season all healthy is slim so they have built in high quality depth and flexibility. We’ll certainly know more very soon, but I am not worried about guys getting AB’s.
Also, it’s very possible that Marte begins the season at AAA, which would also clean things up
Your last paragraph would be an example of a promising young player’s development held back. In this case from the foolish Candelario signing.
sure bud, I am no longer going to continue to engage with your pessimism and nonsense, just enjoy the season and go reds.
The Candelario signing still baffles me. The guy has no track record. We were already loaded in the infield and DH. Then they pay him $15 Million per year. It makes zero sense. I agree on not trading the farm for a starter and we have plenty of SP candidates. They did well there, but where is the logic on Candelario?.
I don’t understand this take:
“The Candelario signing still baffles me. The guy has no track record.”
Candelario has over 3,000 PAs and has had an OPS+ of 119 or greater in 3 of the last 4 years. He led the league in doubles (42) a couple of years ago and followed that with 39 doubles last year.
The logic is that Candelario is a professional middle of the order bat and a veteran corner infielder.
Maybe I should have said no track record that merits anywhere near 15 million per season. No track record that merits blocking or taking ABs from Marte and CES. For that matter taking ABs from India should he remain on the Reds(which I doubt).. De La Cruz needs to play every day as does CES, Marte, McClain and Steer until they prove otherwise. They all need a legitimate shot. Not a part time role.. Candelario is the 6th guy for 5 positions. Now if you trade India, that helps. However , you have some players in the OF for the DH position. Benson, Fraley,Hurtubise and Dunn. I would predict by mid season they will be trying to trade Candelario. That will be difficult given his contract…
I will disagree that he isn’t worth 15 million…even this website predicted that he would receive 4 years and 70 million..so 17.5 million per year. I am perfectly fine with him taking at bats away from India as he is a more proven hitter than India (that doesnt mean I am anti-India or want him gone), I would be very surprised if the reds are attempting to trade him just months into this deal, it just doesn’t add up. To me, it seems as though the team wanted to bring in a high quality vet so they are not relying so heavily on the 1st/2nd year players…last year was incredible with how well they all performed, but it is also incredibly rare for that to happen,
It is all going to happen at the expense of CES and Marte. Either you are rebuilding or you aren’t. It hurts the confidence of a good young prospect when you sign a vet for his position and that vet is expected to play everyday(per Bell).. It shows you don’t have confidence in the young player. You have set him back before the season even starts. I can’ t see what CES and Marte did to deserve this. De La Cruz maybe, but he has more potential than any of the young players. At worst, he possibly just needs more seasoning in the minors.. CES and Marte need to be in the lineup until they show they shouldn’t be. When you have a good young player you should do everything possible to boost their confidence. Anything less likely hurts them going forward. Give them a honest and fair shot.
They’ll get plenty of playing time and at-bats, if their mindset is so fragile that the signing of Candelario ruins their career then they likely were not going to make it long term in baseball. Let’s just see how the season goes.
It’s always a good problem to have. They can always evaluate this spring and then trade who they don’t prefer and get someone in another area of need. Lots of teams top off their rosters right before opening day. I have a feeling that a few known players will get traded right before opening day this season. And maybe even not be signed as FA’s till then.
4 IF spots and a DH. Without digging into exact math there’s still enough ABs to give 6 guys 400-450 ABs
Not if you include the outfielders who will DH some of the time.
Sure
But also doesn’t account for inevitable IL stints for everyone involved
True, but the worst thing you can have is a good, deserving player sitting on the bench because the roster is stuffed. It creates discontent, which can spread to the whole team. It is like a man with two girl friends. It won’t likely be a good ending. If they thought they needed insurance in the IF, they should have picked up an older but good infielder who is willing to come off the bench as needed. Not a 15 million guy that expects(and will) start whose past stats aren’t that impressive.. Barreo could be that person although he is young himself.
I have to push back on Alan’s assessment about having many talented infielders is the worst thing we can have. Competition is good. It pushes individuals to be better. And it will sort itself in the long run. Candelario is a versatile defender with a good track record at the plate and a nice addition to any team. None of us have a crystal ball but IMO this is a much better situation than we were looking at entering spring training last year.
May be more happy now about moving around OF/IF with a guaranteed salary locked in for 2025.
Thank you India
Thank you terror
Thank you, disillusionment
Big bounce back year
If he is healthy for once since his rookie year, it wouldn’t totally surprise me.
All winter I was hearing he was the #1 trade chip for the Reds, so much for that rumor! India might be one of the Reds leaders on the team?
I would think this makes a deal more likely as there is cost certainty over 2 years now. He likely gets flipped for a change of scenery type deal, maybe for a pitcher, or maybe for a good relief pitcher or something
Even if they didn’t sign Candy, there’s still at least one odd man out in that infield. They’d be selling a bit lower on India, and the glove really hurts his potential value, but he should be able to be packaged for a decent arm.
Do a lot of Reds fans WANT to see India traded or they just think it’s going to happen? I get the impression some want to see him traded. I would suspect they would prefer to see Sensel off the team but in a trade he won’t get you much. I can’t imagine Reds fans want to see McClain traded for pretty obvious reasons.
So is the thinking that India isn’t so good that he’ll be missed but not so bad that he would get back a nothing burger?
Some want to, usually stat boy types. I don’t think that’s too smart because it won’t get what they think it will coming off an injury plagued couple of years. I think others think it will just because their front office couldn’t build a young team properly and have too many infielders.
I really was going more along your thought. Whatever he gets you in a trade I imagine would be useful but that’s about it. Meanwhile, even if you should expect a league average player, coming off a bench roll definitely makes him more valuable. Maybe he could be converted to super utility if he is capable enough with the glove.
Cincinnati non-tendered Nick Senzel. He’s now under contract with the Nationals.
The Reds simply value India more than any other organization. Currently, no other org. will give up the assets the Reds expect for India. Maybe that changes or maybe his value continues to wither away. Who knows
Maybe it’s time to admit that the Reds have no intention of trading Jonathan India in the near future.For whatever reasons (depth, clubhouse presence, etc.) they’re keeping him.
This is more evidence that the Candelario signing makes absolutely no sense. Candelario probably won’t put up production at a level much beyond Votto. If you wanted 48.5 infileders on your team, why not just let your franchise player retire with the team?
I would take the “candelario prodution over Votto” moneyline without second thought
With Candelario switchhitting somewhere in the 4-6th position in the lineup and EDLC switchhitting somewhere in the 3-7th position the probabilitiy that Bell will pinch hit for guys like Fraley, Ty Steve, Steer, CES, Marte, etc. in the middle of games is reduced. That is something and something that Votto could not aide>
Considering that it’s a 2 year deal and has $2MM in incentives and bonuses for 2025, it’s kind of lame to think this is a pretrade signing. More of a meeting of the minds. We’ll see in a few weeks how India, Krall, and Bell intend to work out the playing time and at what position. India will get all the playing time that he earns- and little more.
With Steer being expected to be in LF everyday, I just don’t see India at all being a great CF or RF. In fact, ELLY is the only Reds infielder that I can see playing a subpar outfield. My guess is that India gets traded or you will see Elly in CF and RF with an infield of Candelario at 3rd, McClain at ss, India at 2nd, and CES at 1st. However, you never know what’s going on in Krall’s mind.
Versus LHP they might try Steer in RF with India in LF. Versus RHP, they’ll likely use a mix of Benson, Fraley and Steer in the corners.
I’m very biased! Reds, Orioles world series 2024
Krall trying to save India’s future. A healthy and productive campaign, paired with a low cost/short term contract, will return his trade value.
One of the very few “dark clouds” hanging over the Reds 2024 offseason has just been amically eliminated -and yet for some the sky is still falling? This deal is only $100K over arbitration estimate for 2024 and inline with a reasonable arb2 estimate for 2025 (not counting bonuses and incentives-which must be earned). Plus India has 3 options, so can be sent down this year, next year, and his arb3 year. Just so much darned downside!
That should make him easier to trade
“quiet possibly…”
This is surprising. Wonder if it’s a precursor to him being traded to a team that wanted cost certainty. Wonder if they’ve even considered selling high on Spencer Steer or even Elly, to add a high end SP like Cease or Bieber. With the Brewers recent moves, that division is up for grabs.
If India walked out of a hearing, steamed over what was said by the team, it would lower the return possibilities even more. Small price to pay to keep things out of the media.
This deals surprising, Nobody wanted him so reds extended him?
Its not that no one wanted him. Its that no one wanted to pay the Reds asking price. From the number of trades they made this winter, it seems the Reds maybe overvaluing their players.
As a member of the Flying Sandos brothers India celebrates by telling Agara Bahhh!!!
“nonplused”… somebody likes reading the dictionary.
If he starts off hot in camp, with his low guaranteed salary, don’t be shocked at a swap for someone’s 3rd or 4th best starter in the minors. The Reds have plenty of IF with the (ridiculous overpay) signing of Jaimer.
No thanks that’s giving him away for a lottery ticket.
Not the least of considerations is that this deal with India will allow and aide Krall and company in the persuit of “team friendly” extensions with other players who will be arb eligible in 2025. Moreso than had they beaten India out of a couple hundred $K in an arb hearing and possibly had some residual discontent in the locker room.. Remember what India did a couple years ago would have netted the Reds a 1st round pick under current rules.