Why adding Jeimer Candelario can allow the Reds to trade Jonathan India for prospects

Why in the world did the Cincinnati Reds sign another infielder? Don't they have enough already? When you woke up this morning to the news that the Reds signed Jeimer Candelario to a three-year deal, that's what you were thinking, right?

However, if Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall has taught the fanbase anything over the past few seasons, it's that he deserves our trust. With that in mind, what are Reds fans to make of this signing and what's next?

The most likely scenario is that Reds engage in trade talks with other teams who were seeking to swing a deal for Jonathan India prior to the MLB Winter Meetings. And while some fans will hate this idea, look for the return to include prospects, not MLB-ready players.

Signing Jeimer Candelario will allow the Reds to trade Jonathan India

It had been reported earlier in the offseason by multiple MLB Insiders that Jonathan India was drawing considerable trade interest from around the league. Despite the fact that Nick Krall has repeatedly denied shopping India, Cincinnati is listening to offers.

However, India is unlikely to fetch a return that includes major league-ready talent. While fans would love see a trade package that included a starter or even a reliever, any team trading for India is in win-now mode and won't be looking to deplete it's major league roster.

But with the Reds looking to compete in 2024, and searching for a frontline starter, why would they give up India for players who won't make an impact next season?

Trading Jonathan India could help restock the farm system

In case you missed it, the Chicago White Sox are asking a lot in exchange for Dylan Cease. Reports emerged yesterday that the Cincinnati Reds were asked for Rhett Lowder, Chase Petty, Carlos Jorge, and Sammy Stafura in exchange for two years of Cease. That's a big ask.

But what if the Reds were able to trade Jonathan India for two prospects akin to Jorge and Stafura in order to lessen the sting of such a lofty trade package going back to Chicago? In other words, Cincinnati could meet Chicago's asking price and then replenish the farm system by trading India.

Seeing as how the Cincinnati Reds just walked away from the MLB Winter Meetings with the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 MLB Draft, the team has a chance to add even more top-level talent to its abundant farm system.

Reds fans definitely have more questions than answers at this point, but it's still very early in the offseason. Nick Krall has instilled a great deal of confidence in the Cincinnati fanbase over the past couple of seasons, and Reds Country should let this play out before overreacting.