Reds unlikely to move Jonathan India at the trade deadline

Reds rumors are heating up with the MLB trade deadline just days away. However, it would appear that a rumor that surfaced earlier this week can be put to bed.

Jonathan India, the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year, appears unlikely to be moved at this year's trade deadline. Reports surfaced on Monday that India could be traded for controllable starting pitching, but those whispers seem to have quieted for the time being.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required), the Cincinnati Reds do not plan to trade India for a two-month rental. Rosenthal also surmises that trading India for more prospects is unlikely due to the depth of the team's farm system.

Reds rumors: Cincinnati unlikely to move Jonathan India at the trade deadline.

Ken Rosenthal does agree, however, that the Cincinnati Reds would consider trading their starting second baseman in the event that doing so would secure them the services of a starting pitcher who will not become a free agent during the upcoming offseason.

However, that seems extremely unlikely. The market for starting pitching, especially those pitchers who have control beyond the 2023 season, is going to be extremely expensive in terms of a return. In addition, most rebuilding teams would probably insist on landing one of the Reds younger prospects rather than India who'll reach his arbitration window for the first time this winter.

Speaking of winter, Rosenthal cites a source that believes Jonathan India is still the odd-man-out in the Cincinnati Reds infield. With that in mind, it seems far more likely that if Cincinnati is intent on moving India, it will happen during the upcoming offseason.

Top prospect Noelvi Marte is knocking on the major league door. An infield of Marte, Elly De La Cruz, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Matt McLain seems very likely heading into next season.

So while trading Jonathan India isn't entirely off the table, it feels like, at the very least, these Reds rumors can be left to simmer on the back burner until the MLB Winter Meetings in December.