Royals' shifting focus could force Reds to find another Jonathan India trade partner

There are plenty of mixed messages as it relates to the reports from this past weekend linking the Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals as potential trade partners. The Reds and Royals were said to have had discussions about a possible trade involving Jonathan India and Brady Singer. Those rumors were later quelled after Nick Martinez signed his qualifying offer.

But the potential for a deal still exists, even if it may be in the infant stages of an impending trade. The Royals undoubtedly want to a table-setter to get on base ahead of Bobby Witt Jr., and the Reds should look to add even more depth to the rotation despite the fact that Martinez is back in the fold for the 2025 season.

But the Royals may have already moved on — or at least looking at other potential fits. In addition to India, the Royals have inquired about the availability of Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward and Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm. If we're being honest, both of those players would look very good in a Reds' uniform next season.

Royals' shifting focus could force Reds to find another Jonathan India trade partner

The Royals are a perfect fit for India. Kansas City is needs a hitter who can get on base with regularity, and India has shown the ability to do just that. Last season, India posted a .357 on-base percentage and was among the best in baseball in both walk rate and whiff rate — two things that translate to getting on base.

But if KC goes in a different direction, the Reds will be scrounging to find a new trade partner for India. At this rate, you have to imagine that India has no hope to return in 2025. Though he's been through the trade cycle before, this feels like more than just whispers and back room conversations. India's name was part of a supposed package for Singer, not just floated as a potential trade target.

The Reds have Matt McLain primed to take over at second base in 2025. McLain's offensive and defensive upside are just too good to allow India to continue to log playing time ahead of him. If it's not the Royals, Reds' President of Baseball Operations might have to start cold calling teams like the Seattle Mariners in order to get a deal done.

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