Jonathan India's comments say more about him than the Reds organization, David Bell

The Cincinnati Reds made a couple of big moves this offseason. After firing David Bell with a week remaining in the 2024 season, Cincinnati turned to veteran manager and future Hall of Famer Terry Francona to lead the team in 2025. Also, Jonathan India, who'd heard his named bandied about in rumors for years, was finally traded. The Reds shipped India to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for Brady Singer.

But even though neither Bell nor India are in Goodyear this week for Reds spring training, the pair has become a topic of conversation. The Cincinnati Enquirer's Gordon Wittenmyer spoke with India, and during the discussion, the former Reds infielder spoke about Cincinnati's new skipper.

“They needed that fire in their a--. And he’s going to bring it for sure,” India said. “He’s going to keep everyone in check, keep everyone accountable.” A lot of fans throughout Reds Country took India's comments to be some sort of 'potshot' at his former manager, and they may very well be. But aren't they also somewhat of an indictment of the team's overall leadership dynamic; one that included India?

Jonathan India's comments say more about him than the Reds organization, David Bell

India, one of the team's most focal leaders the past two seasons, told Wittenmyer that the younger Reds players took advantage of Bell's mild-mannered personality during the final days of the 2024 season. As a team leader, shouldn't India have had his skipper's back?

This isn't a defense of Bell. The manager undoubtedly sets the tone in the clubhouse, but he relies upon his lieutenants to help maintain discipline, improve communication, and inspire confidence. Based on India's comments, not only did Bell lose control of the clubhouse, but the team leaders didn't hold the young players accountable either.

Who will take on a leadership role for the Reds in 2025?

This raises an even bigger question heading into the 2025 season. Who will be the Reds team leader(s)? With India gone, there's definitely a void in that department. Tyler Stephenson broke onto the big stage about the same time as India, and could take on a bigger leadership role in 2025. Other players who could fill that void include Jeimer Candelario, Jake Fraley, TJ Friedl, and Brent Suter.

But maybe it's time for one of the Reds' young players to step up and hold his teammates accountable. A player like Spencer Steer, Matt McLain, or even Hunter Greene could certainly take on a leadership role during the upcoming season.

India's comments revealed that last year's Reds team lacked discipline — something that most fans were able to spot from the comfort of their easy chairs. And while Francona's presence alone will undoubtedly help to eliminate that problem, the Reds need some player-led leadership as well.

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