Jonathan India spent the vast majority of his tenure with the Reds playing second base. Michael Massey has also been a primary second baseman throughout his first three seasons with the Royals. Now that India and Massey both play for Kansas City, Royals manager Matt Quatraro will have to be creative to get them both in the lineup. That could involve some platooning (Massey bats left-handed and India bats righty) and each spending some time at DH, but Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic suggest a third possibility: the outfield. According to Rosenthal and Sammon, India and Massey are both willing to try their hands at left field next season.
India has never played a defensive position other than second base in his career. He prepared for a multi-positional role with the Reds in 2024 when it looked like the team would have a logjam in the infield, but Cincinnati’s infield depth quickly diminished, and India ended up playing more second base than he had in any season since his rookie campaign. Massey has a couple of additional positions on his defensive resume, but that’s little more than a technicality. He played one game at third base in his rookie season and one inning in center field earlier this year.
Although second base is the position they both know best, neither has ever graded out as a particularly valuable defender at the keystone. However, both were above-average hitters in 2024. India showed off excellent plate discipline (12.6% walk rate, 108 wRC+), while Massey made tons of contact and hit for above-average power (.190 ISO, 102 wRC+). So, one can see why the Royals would like to get their bats in the lineup, even if it’s not at their natural position. Rotating between India and Massey in the DH spot is one way to accomplish that, but it’s not the ideal solution. For one thing, the Royals presumably want to keep the DH spot open for Salvador Perez on days when Freddy Fermin is catching. Furthermore, general manager J.J. Picollo would surely like to maintain as much flexibility as possible as he continues to look for upgrades to the lineup. Having some DH reps to work with could help him land a more impactful bat.
Anne Rogers of MLB.com reported earlier today that the Royals are looking for another hitter who can play the infield and the outfield. Yet, if India or Massey (or both) could be that guy, perhaps Picollo can focus on landing the best possible bat rather than prioritizing defensive flexibility. This team could certainly use the offensive boost. While the Royals pitching staff led the team to the playoffs in 2024, their hitters ranked 13th in runs scored, 14th in OPS, and 20th in wRC+. Their only notable addition to the lineup so far has been India.
When it comes to further additions, Rosenthal and Sammon suggest the Royals would prefer a left-handed bat. They mention Josh Rojas and Adam Frazier as two possibilities on the free agent market. However, neither Rojas nor Frazier has been an above-average hitter over the last two years. Perhaps, then, the Royals are more likely to turn to the trade block for an upgrade. Previous reports have suggested they’re looking for a middle-of-the-order bat on the trade market, although it’s not clear to whom that might refer. Once again, the more flexibility this team can get from guys like India and Massey, the more potential targets they can pursue in a trade.
I love India, but he can barely play an adequate 2B.
So the move to left is pretty logical then
Is his arm really that bad because I don’t think I want a bad second baseman in left field.
Look at Statscast; terrible arm compared to peers….
Certainly helps each of their own value, but I applaud their willingness to help the team.
I can’t watch Adam Frazier for another year.
Yep. With teams these days carrying only 13 position players, versatility has never been more critical. These guys are sending a positive message to teammates while endearing themselves to fans. We’ll do whatever it takes to help the team win.
I don’t think this would work: only one infielder moved to the left field in Kansas City successfully and he has 8 gold gloves 2 platinums & a World Series ring. He’s also retired.
Me, too!
I just read that headline. Add my name to that list. I’m willing to play left field for the Royals, too. I can’t hit, field, or run, but I wouldn’t mind making MLB’s minimum salary.
@Brooklyn – Have to aim high. We want some of that Soto money
I applaud them for creativity, but I think having two left fielders would be a disaster for the defensive metrics. Especially for the position left vacant.
If India ends up being passable at left field I’ll be a little upset
I think India is a solid player that is more name than performance. He will get on base at a solid to good clip not strike out a ton and can draw his share of walks. He’s got 15-20 homer power but I think that goes down outside of gabp. I also feel that he could be passible at lf. He’s a team player that will give you all he has.
He’s close to a tweener though. Glove just good enough for his bat to play up at a glove first position.
He could end up more a bench utility guy with a bat not quite good enough to be a starter in lf or glove good enough for 2nd.
Hope I’m wrong because rare are the players who put aside ego and will play anywhere if the team is better for it.
Both are the type of players KC really likes having on the team. My biggest question with either one of them is whether or not they have enough arm to play left.
This is what is the problem with the Royals trading Singer it’s not that they maybe couldn’t have afforded it with their rotational depth but that they traded for a Massey-esq player playing the same position. Maybe they are planning at trying India back at third for some games but I promise you neither Massey or India will be able to hold up in Left.
Did you see Melendez play LF? Either one would probably be better
It’s just going to be more like that and there is no gaurentees
The trade was fine. India will hit leadoff and get on base. Massey is the one that needs to figure it out or be gone; doesn’t get on base, hurt too much
Or just don’t play Massey. After all, he has a career. 287 OBP.
I guarantee their plan is to get both bats in the lineup more or less every day. They are among the top six or so bats on the roster.
Like the old saying goes: when you have 2 second baseman, you have none.
We just passed on Frazier’s option and paid him to leave. And he’s awful
Royals are playing alittle money ball here. They need a deeper lineup and this fits unless they land and actual bat.
Most of what they did last year worked so I won’t complain until we see spring training results.