Reds' rival could derail potential Jonathan India deal with trade deadline strategy

The Jonathan India trade rumors are back. After hearing that India signed a two-year, $8.8 million contract extension with the Cincinnati Reds during the offseason, the fanbase assumed the second baseman would be off the market this summer.

But India's return to form has caught the eye of a handful of teams at this year's trade deadline. Both the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners are rumored to be interested in acquiring the former NL Rookie of the Year.

India, who's suffered through injuries the past two seasons, has put up terrific numbers this season. The 27-year-old is hitting .271/.374/.415 with eight home runs, 40 RBI, and nine stolen bases on the season. But one of the Reds' chief rivals could alter the the trade deadline plans of the Yankees, Mariners, and any other club looking to add India before next Tuesday's deadline.

The Reds may retain Jonathan India if the Cubs look to trade Nick Hoerner

At the moment, the Reds sit four games back in the chase for the final NL Wild Card spot. If that number gets even smaller before 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, India is not going anywhere. But if the Reds lose the upcoming series to the Tampa Bay Rays, there's a chance that David Bell's leadoff hitter will be wearing a different uniform by Wednesday.

But the Chicago Cubs might have something to say about that. Not that the North Siders are looking to acquire India, but Chicago's front office has officially turned its attention to 2025. That means that a player like Nico Hoerner may be on the trade block.

The Yankees and Mariners are most often mentioned as potential landing spots for India, but Hoerner is having a fine season in his own right. The Cubs' infielder is hitting .257/.335/.351 and plays much better defense than India. While the Reds' second baseman has shown improvement with the glove, India is worth just 1 out above average while Hoerner has 5 OAA. Hoerner is also the faster runner.

Both India and Hoerner are under team control through 2026 and have a good knowledge of the strike zone. India has an 18.9% whiff rate while Hoerner ranks among the best in the game with a 12.3% whiff rate and 10.5% strikeout rate.

Hoerner offers an alternative to India, and would be a definite upgrade for New York or Seattle at the trade deadline. With Chicago committing to be sellers this summer, they may well be the reason India stays put in Cincinnati.

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