Jonathan Indian trade news: Which teams are in the running for Reds infielder?

Since making his MLB debut in 2021 with the Cincinnati Reds, Jonathan India has been among the best second basemen in all of baseball. A Rookie of the Year campaign immediately put India in the spotlight and in the hearts of Reds fans. Little did they know that India’s success in 2021 was just the beginning of an incredible turnaround for the Reds franchise in 2023.

In the midst of their best season since 2013, the Reds are poised to make the playoffs in a full season for the first time in 10 years. However, Cincinnati’s run to the postseason may be slightly overshadowed by the team’s possible trade of India before the MLB trade deadline on Aug. 1. It seems unthinkable for the Reds to move one of their most respected and beloved players, but the thought process behind it makes a lot of sense.

Cincinnati brought in an influx of young talent for the season, most of which was still developing in the minor leagues when the season began. In late July, some of that young talent made it to the big leagues and is developing quickly, which could force the Reds to use India’s value as a trade piece and make a move to improve another part of the team. India is a young, controllable player who should be on many teams’ radar.

Among the teams interested in India is the New York Mets, who don’t necessarily have a need at second base with Jeff McNeil manning the position, but McNeil has played the outfield before and has been a fairly versatile player for the Mets. The trade for India would improve the New York Mets lineup and give them sustainability at multiple positions, with McNeil moving to a position in the corner outfield, while India would occupy second base.

Furthermore, we have the Boston Red Sox. The team haven’t had a consistent second baseman since Dustin Pedroia retired. India is a player who could thrive in Boston because of his put-the-team-first attitude and his ability to play his best game on any given night. Red Sox fans would quickly fall in love with his work ethic.

The only obstacle for the Red Sox here is that they don’t have many young, controllable starting pitchers who can match the value the Reds are likely looking for.

At last, but not least, the Baltimore Orioles. The team undoubtedly has the means to acquire India, but a trade for him could be tricky considering how much Baltimore has to offer and how it envisions the team’s future. Like the Reds, the Orioles have plenty of depth in the infield, with a plethora of young players vying for a position in the franchise’s plans.

Trading for India might not make much sense considering some of those young infielders, but choosing a proven player over a player with potential isn’t always the worst thing – and the Orioles can afford to take a chance.

Baltimore also has some young pitchers who fit what the Reds want, though some of them are currently in the Orioles’ rotation. They would likely have to trade for another pitcher to include one of them in a trade for India.