Cincinnati Reds: Three surprise prospects likely among 60-man player pool

2. Reds top infield prospect Jonathan India

It may be a stretch to call Jonathan India a lesser-known prospect, as the 23-year-old was the Cincinnati Reds first-round pick back in 2018. However, his production in the minor leagues has not been one to write home about, and India needs more seasoning if he’s going to be a contributor at the next level. India needs to be on the Reds taxi squad.

The Reds are set at third base, the primary position India plays. Not only does Cincinnati have former All-Star Eugenio Suárez at the hot corner for the foreseeable future, the Reds signed former World Series champion Mike Moustakas this past winter. Moustakas is set to take over at second base for the departed Scooter Gennett.

India needs reps. The former Florida Gator put up great numbers (.310/.411/.531) while playing in the SEC from 2016-2018, but has failed to produce since becoming a professional (.254/.369/.410). Add to that India’s miserable showing during the Arizona Fall League (.133/.254/.333), and it becomes obvious that Jonathan India needs more time to develop.

What better way to do that than to surround him with elite-level ball players? Including India in the 60-man player pool and eventually among those on the 20-man taxi squad will help with his development. India is rated as the Reds No. 4 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, but Cincinnati’s No. 5 pick from the 2018 draft needs to up his game before he receives a call-up to the bigs.