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Reds first-round draft pick could play shortstop rather than third base

By Drew Koch

OMAHA, NE - JUNE 26: Third basemen Jonathan India #6 of the Florida Gators hits a two run double against the LSU Tigers in the third inning during game one of the College World Series Championship Series on June 26, 2017 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
OMAHA, NE - JUNE 26: Third basemen Jonathan India #6 of the Florida Gators hits a two run double against the LSU Tigers in the third inning during game one of the College World Series Championship Series on June 26, 2017 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /
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Jonathan India, the Reds first-round pick, is more likely to play shortstop when he arrives to the big leagues.

Jonathan India, the 2018 first-round draft pick by the Cincinnati Reds, played third base during his career with the Florida Gators. However, look for India to make the switch to shortstop before he arrives to the major league level.

India was the No. 5 overall selection in the 2018 MLB Draft by the Reds on Monday. While the best strategy, especially in baseball, is to draft the “best player available”, drafting for a position of need is not a bad strategy either. The Reds may have done both with their selection of India.

Eugenio Suarez, barring an unthinkable trade, will be the Reds starting third baseman for the foreseeable future. Suarez signed a 7-year, $66 million contract earlier this spring. That’s beginning to look more and more like a bargain for Cincinnati.

So with Suarez firmly planted in his spot at third base, it’s very difficult to see India supplanting the veteran when he gets his shot at the majors. What’s more likely is India moving several feet to his left and playing shortstop.

Being a college junior, India is likely to move quickly up the Reds minor league system. India’s average dipped a bit from his freshman (.303) to his sophomore (.274) season. But, India’s offensive stats skyrocketed this past season. He hit .360 with a career-high 19 home runs. He also had a ridiculous 1.229 OPS. If he continues to hit like that, he won’t be in the minor leagues long.

India was a middle infielder in high school, so look for the Reds first-round draft pick to get his fair share of starts back to the shortstop position. According to MLB.com, Jeter Downs, currently with the single-A Dayton Dragons is the Reds highest-rated shortstop prospect. Jose Isreal Garcia, whom Cincinnati signed to a contract two years ago is currently No. 11 in their farm system. India, if he plays up to his potential, could surpass both very quickly.

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