Reds hopefully silenced trade rumors, distractions with Jonathan India extension

This past week, the Cincinnati Reds agreed to terms with infielder Jonathan India on a two-year, $8.8 million contract. India will receive $3.8 million during the upcoming season and $5 million in 2025. The two sides were slated to go to an arbitration hearing, but this two-year deal eliminated the need for that potential fiasco.

Not much has changed with this new deal. This wasn't a six-year contract extension that would buy out all of India's arbitration years, and then some. This two-year pact gives India money up front and gives the organization cost control for the next two seasons.

But, the animosity that typically arises when organizations and players head to arbitration will not be allowed to fester. Furthermore, while the trade rumors are unlikely to completely go away, they'll certainly be lessened heading into the upcoming season. If nothing else, India's two-year deal eliminated a potential distraction from derailing what could be a successful season for the Reds.

Reds hopefully silenced trade rumors, distractions with Jonathan India extension

Jonathan India had been the subject of trade rumors all offseason. Despite his best efforts, president of baseball operations Nick Krall was unable to silence all the chatter surrounding a potential trade involving the Cincinnati Reds second baseman.

These trade rumors were not unfounded. The Reds' plethora of young infielders made several observers, and even the most ardent Reds fans think to themselves, "Cincinnati has too many infielders." After all, how can the Reds find enough reps for India, Elly De La Cruz, Noelvi Marte, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, and Jeimer Candelario?

Reds manager David Bell spoke about the team's plans after the Reds arrived in Goodyear ahead of pitchers and catchers reporting on Wednesday. According to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon, Bell and Reds front office have already talked to India about playing multiple positions. India is likely to see some time at second base, but also first base and the outfield.

It'll be a year of adjustment for the 27-year-old, but having his contract situation behind him will allow India, and the team as a whole to stay focused on the goal of making it to the postseason in 2024.

The Cincinnati Reds were smart to eliminate a potential distraction ahead of the upcoming season. Regardless of what some within the Reds fanbase think about Jonathan India, those other 25 guys in the clubhouse absolutely love him.