Cincinnati Reds: Three things to watch for on Opening Day

The Cincinnati Reds begin a fresh season with the promise of new additions, questions facing the rotation and the lineup, and much more. The Reds are coming off a 2020 campaign that saw a return to the postseason for the first time since 2013.

Despite the losses of Archie Bradley and Cy Young-winner Trevor Bauer in free agency, there were a few additions and surprises coming out of spring training that will lead for an interesting season as this team looks to build on its identity.

In a division that is always tough, no matter the season, the Reds don’t get any handouts as they face their division rival St. Louis Cardinals to get things started. Here are three things to watch for this opening series.

1. Reds second baseman Jonathan India will make his MLB debut.

The first thing fans might notice when looking at this team are that sluggers Eugenio Suárez and Mike Moustakas are playing new positions. Suárez will now be manning shortstop and Moustakas will occupy the hot corner. This move, along with the release of Dee Strange-Gordon earlier, was made to make way for the arrival of rookie, Jonathan India.

Coming off of an impressive spring, which ended with a .313 batting average, three home runs, and seven RBIs over just 22 games, India also posted a slugging percentage of .604 and an OPS of 1.045. Bringing India into the fold keeps the infield intact and adds an impact bat to the lineup.

Jonathan India, in spring training vs right-handed pitchers, posted a .552 SLG % and a .946 OPS. This will be something to watch for the entire season, but especially this first series as he will face Jack Flaherty and a stingy Cardinals bullpen.