Nick Krall pours cold water on Reds' dream defensive alignment

With so many talented, young players joining the Cincinnati Reds roster this past season, the fanbase has been racking their brains attempting to find ways to put the best lineup on the field.

A popular take among several fans throughout Reds Country has been the idea of moving Elly De La Cruz to the outfield. Others have opined that because of his poor defense at second base, perhaps Jonathan India would be better served playing in left field.

Don't hold your breath. While President of Baseball Operations didn't outright laugh at the idea of moving De La Cruz or India to the outfield, it doesn't sound as if there are plans to do so.

Nick Krall pours cold water on Reds' dream defensive alignment

Nick Krall said on Wednesday, via the Cincinnati Enquirer, that there have been no discussions with Jonathan India or Elly De La Cruz about playing in the outfield.

Never say never, but it would appear as though the idealistic defensive alignment that some Reds fans have been sharing doesn't appear to be high on Krall's list this offseason.

That's not to say that the idea doesn't have merit. De La Cruz has shown that he has a cannon for a right arm and plenty of speed. That type of skillset profiles very well for a right fielder, or even a centerfielder.

Seeing as how De La Cruz looked like an error waiting to happen at times in 2023 (14 errors), Reds fans are justified in their thought process about moving the rookie phenom from the infield dirt to the outfield grass.

As for Jonathan India, his defense has been horrific the past two seasons, and it seems like a forgone conclusion that the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year will cede his spot at second base to last year's rookie Matt McLain.

Sorry, Reds fans. At the moment, the dream is dead. However, if India returns to the Cincinanti Reds in 2024, there's going to have to be some changes. The Reds already have more than enough infielders, so somebody may have to learn a new position or find a new address.