Cincinnati Reds: 3 prospects who could debut before end of 2020 season

3. The Reds may want to showcase Jonathan India’s talents.

I have a hard time seeing Jonathan India making an impact at the major league level for the Cincinnati Reds. Not because he’s not talented, but the Reds have their third baseman under contract for several more years. Eugenio Suárez is an All-Star level third baseman, in the prime of his career, on a sweet long-term deal. India could easily be traded in the offseason.

If there was ever a reason to give Jonathan India a chance to play, it would be to let other teams see what he can do. India is a former first-round draft pick, though early in his career, the former Florida Gator has yet to live up to his lofty draft status. Other players taken after India in the draft (Jarred Kelenic, Grayson Rodriguez and Logan Gilbert) rank higher according to MLB Pipeline.

India was an advanced college bat when the Reds selected him with the No. 5 overall pick in 2018, but he hasn’t yet reached the potential that many thought he would. India’s two minor league seasons have resulted in a slash line of .254/.369/.410. An OPS of .779 is solid, but India’s showing in the Arizona Fall League (.587 OPS) left a lot to be desired.

Not only does Suárez have third base on lockdown, but Cincinnati has do-everything utility man Kyle Farmer on standby. The Reds also have Alex Blandino at the team’s alternate site, and Mike Moustakas can slide over to play third base as well. In short, India is blocked at virtually every starting infield position and as a bench player as well.

If the Cincinnati Reds fall out of contention, the front office could decide to allow India a chance to showcase his talents. However, there is something to be said for keeping that a mystery as well. Perhaps India’s performance would underwhelm and drive down his value as part of a trade.