3. Reds 2B Jonathan India could be the next face of the franchise
Were it not for all the trade rumors, Jonathan India would be No. 1 on this list. As Reds fans saw in 2023, India emerged a leader in the absence of Joey Votto on Opening Day. Along with TJ Friedl and Tyler Stephenson, India asserted himself as the voice of the underdog Reds.
India plays the game the right way. The former first-round is going to hustle down the first base line each and every time he puts the ball in play, he'll go first to third on a ball up the middle, and he's going to give you everything he's got each and every time he steps onto the diamond.
The problem with India ascending this list is two-fold. First, there's probably a 50/50 chance that India won't be on the roster on Opening Day. And second, India's desire to play through injuries has seen him find his way to the trainer's room too often during his first three seasons.
From a marketability standpoint, Jonathan India is surefire bet. The even-keeled nature combined with his long-flowing hair and positive fan interactions make him one of the most marketable players on the Reds.
But India was outplayed by several of his teammates in 2023, and that may well lead to his departure during the offseason. There were whispers of a possible trade at the August 1st deadline this past summer, and as president of baseball operations Nick Krall looks to improve the roster, India may be shipped elsewhere this winter.