Matt McLain could be key to Reds-Yankees offseason trade after deadline deal fizzled

The Cincinnati Reds had a rather quiet trade deadline. Frankie Montas and Lucas Sims, both of whom were on expiring contracts, were dealt. But the Reds decided to hang on to Nick Martinez, Buck Farmer, and Justin Wilson, all of whom will be free agents after the 2024 season as well.

But another name drew a lot of attention as the trade deadline crept closer and closer. Second baseman Jonathan India was involved in trade rumors throughout the offseason, and those same rumblings heated up again a few weeks prior to the July 30th deadline.

Ultimately, the deadline came and went and India is still in a Reds uniform. But will he still be in Cincinnati next season? The New York Yankees were reportedly interested India at this year's trade deadline, and made an aggressive push to acquire the former Florida Gator. With Gleyber Torres set to become a free agent this offseason, it's likely that Brian Cashman (if he's still employed) may give Nick Krall a phone call this winter.

Matt McLain could be key to Reds-Yankees offseason trade after deadline deal fizzled

But before Krall would be comfortable parting with India, the Reds President of Baseball Operations would have to know that Matt McLain is fully healthy. Currently on the 60-day IL after undergoing shoulder surgery just before the season, McLain could be back on the field later this month.

If McLain can make it back to the active roster for somewhere around 100 at-bats later this season, and prove that the injury is behind him, it would make trading India this offseason much easier.

There were questions coming into the season about how Reds manager David Bell was going to find playing time for the likes of India, McLain, Jeimer Candelario, Noelvi Marte, Elly De La Cruz, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Spencer Steer. Those questions will only be magnified with all seven players on the 40-man roster heading into the offseason and Edwin Arroyo likely pushing his way up through the farm system.

The Reds infield depth was tested this season — so much so that the team pulled off a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays just before Opening Day. Will the Reds be shopping India once again this offseason? A lot depends on the offer itself, but Krall and Co. will feel a lot better about trading the former NL Rookie of the Year if McLain returns to form later this season.

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