The Reds have enjoyed a wonderful 2023 campaign, climbing near the top of the NL Central while enlivening a long-dormant fanbase with a roster speckled with young talent.
One of those youngsters could be on the move, however.
According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, Cincinnati is willing to part ways with starting second baseman Jonathan India.
The 2021 NL Rookie of the Year winner has enjoyed a middling campaign thus far, posting .251/.338/.411 splits in 100 games. He's showcased an above average eye at the plate over the course of his short career (9.4% career walk rate). However, he's a below-average fielder with solid but unspectacular hit tools. At 26, India has plenty of time to get his career back on track. But he's fallen down the pecking order among Cincinnati's young starlets; it's Elly De La Cruz, Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo and Noelvi Marte are spearheading the Big Red Machine's revolution.
MORE: Shohei Ohtani trade rumors, tracker
Here's the latest on all things India ahead of next week's trade deadline.
Jonathan India trade rumors
Monday, July 24
Reds reportedly seeking starting caliber pitching
Per Feinsand, the Reds desire "young, controllable starting pitching", and are hoping to receive a return for India that would satisfy their wishes. Cincinnati has a logjam of young infielders, from big league talent (De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Christian Encarnacion-Strand) to highly-touted prospects (Marte, Edwin Arroyo, Cam Collier). India's departure could go a long way in clearing the decks as the Reds look to lock in on just what they want their roster to look like in the future.
Additionally, although Greene and Andrew Abbott have performed decently when they've taken the hill, the volatility of the back-half of their rotation — Ben Lively and Brandon Williamson both have FIPs at or exceeding five — dictates that they look for a more steady arm come late in the season.
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
