The Cincinnati Reds and infielder Jonathan India agreed to a two-year, $8.8 million contract to avoid arbitration this offseason, and any rumors the team was planning on moving him instead were apparently exaggerated.
Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer reported "trade rumors surrounding India were overblown all offseason. No player is untouchable, but the Reds wanted India to continue to set the tone in the lineup and in the clubhouse for the team in 2024."
India is signed with the Reds through the 2026 campaign, but there were plenty of trade rumors throughout the winter.
That there were rumors wasn't particularly surprising considering Matt McLain is someone who could take over as the starting second baseman, but president of baseball operations Nick Krall told him, "We don't want to trade you. That's just talk."
Even if he isn't the everyday second baseman, India is versatile enough to play first base, third base, left field or even designated hitter. That makes him valuable in a lineup that will have a crowded infield with Elly De La Cruz, McLain, Noelvi Marte, Jeimer Candelario and Christian Encarnacion-Strand, among others.
"I'm open to this," India said. "I'll train for it and do the best I can at those positions. Some of those are new. I've always been an infielder. We'll see how the outfield goes, but I'm up for the challenge. I just want to be on the field every day.
"That's all I can ask for. I want to play this game every way. It's my passion. I want to help this team win every day. I love competing and I love winning. That's my nature. I'm going to do everything I can to help."
Cincinnati is entering the 2024 season with playoff expectations.
It finished in third place in the National League Central at 82-80 last year, but the division as a whole may not be as difficult this year. The reigning-champion Milwaukee Brewers lost manager Craig Counsell to the Chicago Cubs and traded ace Corbin Burnes, among other moves.
Chicago got Counsell but hasn't made any other significant additions and may lose Cody Bellinger, who anchored its lineup in 2023 but remains a free agent well into February.
The opportunity is there for the Reds to make a jump and win the division, and India's ability to return to his form as the 2021 National League Rookie of the Year could play a big part in that. He slashed .244/.338/.407 with 17 home runs and 61 RBI last season while dealing with some inconsistency.
At least he doesn't have to worry about being traded as he looks to help lead Cincinnati to the postseason.
