3 Reds who should be offered extensions during the offseason and 1 who still has something to prove

The Reds should not sign Jonathan India to a contract extension just yet.

This is a tough conversation, but one that needs to happen. Do the Cincinnati Reds plan to build around Jonathan India moving forward, or does the front office have more faith in the likes of Noelvi Marte, Elly De La Cruz, and Matt McLain?

India's season was filled with ups and downs as well as injury. But one area that really took a hit was his defense. India was among one of the worst defenders at his position during the 2022 season, and with the rule changes going into effect next season that limit the defensive shift, those numbers could get much worse.

Now, the argument could be made that after a down-year, perhaps the Cincinnati Reds could approach India about a team-friendly contract extension. However, a player like India knows his value, and would probably be a little hesitant to sign a long-term contract coming off a sophomore season that saw him post a .705 OPS and -0.4 bWAR.

Jonathan India won over the hearts of Reds Country last season and could certainly be a key cog in the Cincinnati lineup for the next decade. He plays with grit and determination, and the Reds' faithful love his hustle and toughness.

But, it would be wise for the Cincinnati Reds brass to hit the pause button for the moment. With so many young infielders in the pipeline, and India coming off a less-than-stellar season, now may not be the best time to sign the University of Florida alum to a long-term contract. Cincinnati still maintains team-control over India through the 2026 season.