Rumored Reds-Royals trade would answer two looming roster questions

On Saturday, rumors began to swirl about a potential trade between the Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals that included former University of Florida teammates Jonathan India and Brady Singer. While the deal is far from done, there's reason to believe that this could gain steam rather quickly.

The Royals are looking for a punch atop their lineup and the Reds would love to have some added depth in their rotation. On the surface, this looks like a win-win trade. Reds fans should expect, however, that Cincinnati would need to add a kicker in order to complete the deal.

Rumored Reds-Royals trade would cement Matt McLain at 2B

Heading into this offseason, Reds fans had the same questions that plagued last year's club — why are there so many infielders on the roster? India was rumored to be on the move last winter, but when Opening Day rolled around the Reds second baseman was in the starting lineup and had a shiny new contract to boot.

But were it not for a bevy of injuries (and a PED suspension) the Reds' lineup would have looked much different in 2024. Matt McLain and Edwin Arroyo both suffered a season-ending shoulder injuries during spring training, TJ Friedl missed the first month of the season and endured two subsequent trips to the IL, and Noelvi Marte missed the first 80 games of the season.

While injuries are part of the game, Cincinnati must operate as if they'll have their full complement of players in 2025. Though India's defense was much improved in 2024, he's still an average fielder at best. While some have presumed that McLain could move to the outfield during the upcoming season, these latest Reds rumors would seem to quell that sentiment. If India's dealt this winter, McLain is all but cemented at second base heading into the 2025 season.

Adding Brady Singer would provide Reds rotation with much needed depth

Heading into the offseason, the top-3 spots in the Reds rotation appeared set. Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, and Nick Lodolo are virtually guaranteed to be part of Cincinnati's starting rotation in 2025. If Nick Martinez signs his qualifying offer, that secures four of the five spots.

Many Reds fans would love to see Rhett Lowder open the season on the active roster, and that may yet come to pass. But if Cincinnati were to acquire Singer, it would add some much needed depth to the rotation. The Reds will already be without Julian Aguiar and Brandon Williamson in 2025, and many fans assume that Graham Ashcraft may make the move from starter to reliever next season.

You can never have enough pitching, and while Cincinnati could shop around on the free agent market, it's unlikely they'll find a durable, reliable starter like Singer in their price range. The right-hander is under team control through 2026 and will take home about $8 million next season.

This rumored trade between the Reds and Royals would answer two of Cincinnati's most pressing questions; what will the infield alignment look like and how will the team address the lack of depth in the starting rotation?

Though not finalized, the fact that this trade is even being discussed should give Reds fans an idea of Nick Krall's thinking as the offseason unfolds. Don't be shocked if this trade, or some version of it, is agreed upon in the coming days.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors