Reds Rumors: Cincy unlikely to move polarizing player as trade deadline plan changes

Jonathan India was arguably the most well-liked player in Reds Country following his rookie campaign in 2021. But after two injury-riddled seasons and last year's emergence of Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, and Noelvi Marte, many of the Cincinnati faithful questioned India's presence on the roster heading into spring training earlier this year.

India was the subject of much trade speculation during the offseason. The Reds rumors were running rampant almost all winter long. With the likes of McLain, De La Cruz, and Marte on the roster, it was difficult to envision how Reds manager David Bell would allocated playing time to India this season.

But McLain's injury and Marte's suspension helped to clear up the confusion. Throw in the injury to Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and the Cincinnati Reds fanbase is quite happy to have India on this year's roster.

Reds Rumors: Jonathan India unlikely to be dealt at MLB trade deadline

Not only that, but the former NL Rookie of the Year looks to have regained that same swagger and production that made him a fan favorite three years ago. India was hitting .275/.377/.427 heading into the All-Star break.

And India's resurgence seems to have all but quieted the Reds rumors this summer. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, India seems unlikely to be traded now and the Reds could very well become buyers at the MLB trade deadline.

One of the team's that Heyman covers, the New York Yankees, would love to have an upgrade at second base, but it appears that general manager Brian Cashman will have to look elsewhere in order to bolster his roster.

Reds Rumors: Cincy could become buyers at MLB trade deadline

The fact that India isn't on the trade block shouldn't be overly surprising, but the notion that Cincinnati could become buyers at the deadline is a revelation. The Reds are still below .500, but in the ultra-competitive National League Wild Card race, there are nine teams separated by less than five games.

The Reds could use an extra bat at the deadline. Despite India's uptick in production this season, the Reds offense still ranks outside the top-15 in most meaningful categories including batting average, on-base percentage, and OPS.

Look for India to still be on the team after July 30th, but perhaps a change in plans will see a few more additions before the deadline passes. With so much young talent, it's unlikely that president of baseball operations Nick Krall will go looking to make a splash, but a few complimentary pieces may be all that's necessary to turn the Reds into a contender.

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