Trading Jonathan India is not an option, especially while mired in slump

It's no secret that the Cincinnati Reds have a huge pileup of infield talent; both at the major league level and in the farm system.

Jonathan India, Matt McLain, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Elly De La Cruz, and Spencer Steer are occupying everyday roles with the big league club. At the same time, Noelvi Marte, Edwin Arroyo, and Cam Collier just a handful of Cincinnati's young infield prospects who've yet to debut.

This buildup of incredible talent has led a lot of fans to beginning to speculate about the Reds future and how the infield will look in 2024, 2025, and beyond. More often than not, India's name is the focal point and there's a section of the fanbase that deem him expendable.

Trading Jonathan India is not an option, especially while mired in slump.

But Jonathan India is in the midst of an unprecedented slump. The Cincinnati Reds second baseman is hitting just .208 since June 1st and his on-base percentage is below .300 during that time.

With India occupying a prominent role in the Reds lineup, his slump has negatively affected the team's run production, but it is also killing any potential trade value the former first-round pick possessed.

While some fans are ready to see the Reds move on from India and insert Matt McLain at the keystone, Cincinnati would be foolish to deal the 26-year-old with his trade value now sitting at an all-time low.

While McLain could be a potential Gold Glover at second base, he could very well do the same at shortstop. The Reds also have seen Elly De La Cruz shine at the hot corner. McLain, according to Fielding Bible, is tied for the team-lead with 3 defensive runs saved.

Jonathan India is also the vocal leader on the team, as he's looked to by the younger players on the club for guidance and leadership. There is no way to quantify the value of what India brings to the table outside of what the box score is going to show you.

Nick Krall and the Cincinnati Reds front office understand the value of a player like Jonathan India. While unpopular, a move to the outfield isn't off the table. But to think that the Reds will move on from India, either at the trade deadline or during the offseason, seems unlikely given his production this season.