Reds might have avoided massive trade mistake with Blue Jays

There were whispers throughout the offseason that Jonathan India was going to be traded. The former NL Rookie of the Year was linked to several teams until he and the Cincinnati Reds finally agreed to a two-year contract prior to India's arbitration hearing.

The Reds inked India to a two-year, $8.8 million deal, and right about now, they're certainly glad they did. After losing Noelvi Marte to an 80-game suspension and Matt McLain to shoulder surgery, the Reds need India more than ever.

One team the Reds' second baseman was linked to this offseason was the Toronto Blue Jays. The Jays were in search of an upgrade for their infield and rather than trade for India, Toronto eventually landed on Isiah Kiner-Falefa.

Reds might have avoided massive trade mistake with Blue Jays

But one name that was constantly kicked around throughout Reds Country once these rumors emerged was Alek Manoah, The hulking right-handed pitcher was a Cy Young finalist in 2022, but his 2023 campaign was an utter disaster. Many Reds fans were hopeful that president of baseball operations Nick Krall would kick the tires on a potential one-for-one swap involving India and Manoah.

At the time, Frankie Montas had yet to sign with the Reds, and it was assumed that Nick Martinez was the only upgrade Cincinnati would make to its starting rotation. Perhaps Reds pitching coach Derek Johnson, who's well regarded throughout the league, could fix whatever was ailing Monoah.

But instead, the Reds signed Montas to a one-year deal and kept India around as well. Manoah who, just like India, heard his name come up in trade rumors all offseason, is still on the Blue Jays roster. Though that may not be the case for much longer.

Manoah struggled mightily this spring. He appeared in just one Grapefruit League game and was lit up like the night sky on the Fourth of July. Manoah allowed four runs on three hits while working just 1.2 innings. Manoah landed on the 15-day IL with shoulder inflammation, and even after he completes a rehab assignment, could be a long shot to rejoin the Jays' rotation.

This is one of those "deals you don't make" scenarios. At the time, most Reds fans would have supported the idea of trading India for Manoah, but hindsight is always 20/20. If this type of deal was ever truly on the table, thank goodness Krall didn't give it much thought.

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