Reds rumors: Jonathan India is the centerpiece in trade discussions

The Cincinnati Reds are said to be “very in” on J.T. Realmuto. The latest Reds rumors suggest that Jonathan India is the centerpiece of the deal with the Miami Marlins.

The Reds rumors surrounding Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto are heating up. The Cincinnati Reds are said to be in substantive talks with the Marlins and the team’s No. 4 prospect, Jonathan India, is said to be a center of the discussions. India was the Reds first pick in the 2018 MLB Draft.

So much attention surrounding this potential trade has centered around what happens to current Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart. While that’s definitely a fair question, little attention has been paid to the asking price of the Marlins, which Joe Frisaro of MLB.com is reporting to be 2-4 prospects.

The Reds rumors involving possible trades have run rampant all offseason. Some of those trade have come true, with the Cincinnati Reds acquiring Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, Alex Wood, Tanner Roark, and Sonny Gray this winter. All those acquisitions came via trade. In all, Cincinnati sacrificed 3 of their Top 20 prospects.

Shed Long, a Top 10 prospect was sent to the New York Yankees, along with a competitive balance pick in next year’s draft, in exchange for Sonny Gray whom the Reds signed to an extension. Jeter Downs and Josiah Gray, both Top 20 prospects in the Reds farm system, were shipped to LA, along with Homer Bailey, in exchange for Wood, Puig, Kemp, and Kyle Farmer.

Now, it appears Cincinnati has zeroed in on improving their backstop by acquiring J.T. Realmuto, considered by many to be the best offensive catcher in the game. It looks like the Reds will have to give up quite a bit if they want to acquire the Marlins’ All-Star.

Jonathan India was the No. 5 overall pick in last year’s draft and the No. 51 overall prospect in all in of Major League Baseball. India possesses a skillset that is very similar to the Reds current No. 1 prospect Nick Senzel. India was thought by many before the draft to be the most advanced hitter in all of college baseball last season. He has plus-tools in almost every category and is thought to be Major League-ready by 2021.

The reason Cincinnati may be so comfortable letting India go could be the depth at India’s primary position. Eugenio Suarez is the Cincinnati Reds current third baseman. Suarez has a breakout season last year and was awarded by going to his first All-Star Game. Geno signed a 7-year extension last offseason and looks to be a fixture at the hot corner for the foreseeable future.

Senzel is expected to make his Major League debut this upcoming season. A former first-round pick himself, Senzel was originally drafted as a third baseman, but has learned several other positions during his time in the minor leagues. With Suarez secure at third base and Scooter Gennett currently installed as the second baseman, Senzel is beginning to learn the outfield in an attempt to get his bat in the lineup.

The Cincinnati Reds are not alone in their pursuit of Realmuto, but right now they seem to be the leaders in the clubhouse. We’re sure to see more Reds rumors involving Realmuto, India, and perhaps more Reds prospects as these talks gain momentum. Stay tuned Reds fans.