The Reds should sign Jonathan India to a contract extension.
If Tyler Stephenson is 1A, then Jonathan India is 1B. Last year's National League Rookie of the Year has struggled to stay healthy during his sophomore campaign, but when he's healthy, India sets the table for the Cincinnati Reds lineup.
David Bell inserted India as the team's leadoff hitter midway through the 2021 season and the Reds' lineup became one of the most feared in the league. Granted, India had the likes of Nick Castellanos, Jesse Winker, and Joey Votto behind him, but it was the entire team flipped the switch once India's name was written atop Bell's lineup card.
India is a gritty, hard-nosed ballplayer who wants to play every day. He embodies everything that the Cincinnati faithful love to see in their team. With Votto entering the final guaranteed year of his contract in 2023, India would be the most likely candidate to become the new face of the franchise.
India, just like Stephenson, will be pre-arbitration eligible this winter and won't free agency until after the 2026 season. If the Reds, as many believe they could, reach their window for contention during the 2025 season, then having India along for the ride is a must.
The question with Jonathan India, just like Tyler Stephenson, is whether or not he'll continue to play the position he currently occupies. Some believe a move to the outfield will be necessary. India's defensive numbers at second base this season are not good. The 25-year-old has a fielding percentage of .962 and, according to Fielding Bible, has -9 defensive runs saved (DRS) in 2022.