5 Reds players, not named Joey Votto, who might not be back in 2024

3. Reds infielder Jonathan India might not be back in 2024.

Now we're getting somewhere. Jonathan India's name has been mentioned as a possible trade candidate since this past trade deadline. There are reasons to believe that Cincinnati may actually look to trade the former NL Rookie of the Year, and there are reasons to believe he'll stay put.

I've always been in the camp that was opposed to trading India in favor of the team's young infielders. But after having seen the quartet of Noelvi Marte, Elly De La Cruz, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Matt McLain, I'm beginning to warm up to the idea. That doesn't even take into account Spencer Steer.

There are only so many spots in the everyday lineup, and Reds fans saw just how hard that can be. There were days this past season when Marte sat in favor of Encarnacion-Strand, Steer sat in favor of Joey Votto, and De La Cruz sat in favor of McLain.

India was the unquestioned lead of this year's Reds team. He proudly accepted that role during spring training and it followed him throughout the season. When not in the game itself, oftentimes India was at the top of the dugout steps or sitting beside manager David Bell.

That's an intangible that you just can't teach, and one that's very valuable. This one would be difficult for a good section of Reds Country to swallow, but Jonathan India isn't untouchable. Don't be shocked if the Reds second baseman is playing elsewhere in 2024.