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Reds rumors: Cincinnati Reds quietly shopping Jonathan India

By Drew Koch

OMAHA, NE - JUNE 27: Third basemen Jonathan India #6 of the Florida Gators pumps his fist as he scores a run, after at Florida batter was hit with a pitch with the bases loaded, against the LSU Tigers in the eighth inning during game two of the College World Series Championship Series on June 27, 2017 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
OMAHA, NE - JUNE 27: Third basemen Jonathan India #6 of the Florida Gators pumps his fist as he scores a run, after at Florida batter was hit with a pitch with the bases loaded, against the LSU Tigers in the eighth inning during game two of the College World Series Championship Series on June 27, 2017 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /
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Apparently the Reds rumors aren’t going to stop anytime soon. The latest rumor from reveals that the Cincinnati Reds have been “quietly shopping” Jonathan India all offseason.

The Reds rumors are coming at you nonstop today Reds Country. The Athletic is reporting that the Cincinnati Reds have been “quietly shopping” last year’s first-round draft pick Jonathan India all offseason. We’d heard recently that India was mentioned in trade rumors with the Miami Marlins, but the claim that the club has been shopping India since the season ended is a bit surprising.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, one of the best in business, claims that a rival executive said the Reds have been “quietly shopping” the former Florida Gator all offseason. Also of note in Rosenthal’s reporting is that Cincinnati appears unwilling to deal either Nick Senzel or Taylor Trammell.

So, why would the Reds be interested in dealing their first-round draft pick from just last summer? The easiest answer is the excessive depth at third base. Currently, Eugenio Suarez, who’s coming off an All-Star season and is possibly the Reds best offensive player, is signed for another six seasons and will likely be a staple in the middle of the Reds lineup for years to come.

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Furthermore, Alex Blandino, who was injured midway through his rookie season last year, is on track to be back for Spring Training and will likely compete for the backup spot to Suarez. Blandino is also able to play second base and shortstop if needed.

Finally, the Cincinnati Reds No. 1 prospect, Nick Senzel is expected to make his long awaited debut this coming season. The Reds are extremely high on their top prospect and expect big things from him from the get-go. Cincinnati appears so confident in Senzel’s abilities, the they’re giving him a chance to win the starting spot in centerfield even though he’s honed his craft at both second and third base since being drafted in 2016.

India is currently the No. 4 ranked prospect in the Cincinnati Reds minor league system and is projected to be major league ready by the 2021 season. He made a name for himself at Florida with the bat, and a breakout season during his junior year thrust him to the front of the pack when the MLB Draft came around in June.

Next. Senzel and 3 others make Top 100 prospects

India didn’t exactly set the world on fire during his first minor league season. In a tour that included Greenville, Billings, and Dayton, India only hit .240 with 44 strikeouts in 150 at-bats. India did, however, show some power with 6 home runs and 23 RBIs. If he’s still on the team come next season, expect India to start the year where he ended it with the Dayton Dragons.

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