Hall of Fame sportswriter doesn't see Jonathan India returning to the Reds in 2024

Longtime Reds beat writer Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News doesn't see a scenario in which Jonathan India returns to Cincinnati in 2024.

India's future with the Cincinnati Reds is sure to be topic of discussion throughout the offseason or until the infielder is traded.

In his latest contribution to the Dayton Daily News, McCoy was asked about whether or not India will playing for the Reds next season. His answer was pretty succinct, "...I have to think the chances are Slim and None and both left town."

Hall of Fame sportswriter doesn't see Jonathan India returning to the Reds in 2024

Hal McCoy is certainly one of the most respected voices when it comes to his evalution of the Cincinnati Reds. While the Hall of Fame sportswriter is no longer on the beat, McCoy has forgotten more baseball over the years than most of us with ever watch.

McCoy points to the same issues involving India's inclusion on next year's team that has raised the question throughout the minds of most fans throughout Reds Country. Where in the world could India play on a regular basis?

If the best defensive infield manager David Bell can send out on a regular basis includes Christian Encarnacion-Strand (first base), Matt McLain (second base), Elly De La Cruz (shortstop), and Noelvi Marte (third base), there's just no room for India in the everyday lineup.

That doesn't even include Spencer Steer or Joey Votto. While Jonathan India could certainly line up as the team's designated hitter on a daily basis, it's never been in Bell's DNA to have a specific player occupy the DH spot regularly.

With infield depth no longer a problem for the Cincinnati Reds, and India's lack of range defensively, one can easily understand why the idea of trading the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year is on the docket this offseason.

While likely to be unpopular if and when it happens, the Cincinnati faithful need to brace for the idea that Jonathan India may not be wearing a Reds uniform on Opening Day next season.