With Jonathan India gone, the Reds' leadoff spot isn't as complicated as you think

Although the Reds have a number of question marks on their roster as the offseason carries on, not every piece to their puzzle needs to be overthought, calculated or second-guessed. Some decisions that need to be made are quite clear, and Cincinnati fans must hope management doesn't screw this one up.

Now that Jonathan India is gone from the team, this will shake up a few things. But most importantly, the lineup breakdown will be affected. India was the leadoff hitter in 105 games for the 2024 season with surprisingly mediocre lines (.236/353/.384) despite finishing with respectable statistics overall. While having India in the top spot clearly wasn't working for the Reds, India's replacement as the leadoff hitter next season feels like the easiest decision they need to make.

With Jonathan India gone, Elly De La Cruz needs to be Reds' leadoff man

For a plethora of reasons, Elly De La Cruz leading off for the Reds in 2025 makes the most sense. For starters, the first batter needs to get on base, which De La Cruz does a lot. Last season, the 22-year-old infielder walked 69 times, collected 160 hits and was plunked six times. He reached base 235 times, which was the most among all Reds in 2024, so slotting him in as the leadoff man makes the most sense from a numbers perspective. He was the No. 2 hitter in 137 games this past year, so it's not a drastic leap in the lineup for him, either.

De La Cruz also stole a league-high 67 bases, scored 105 times, and raced for 10 triples as one of the game's top players. His speed and ability to work the bases puts the opposition in a bind, so if they have to deal with his peskiness immediately, the Reds already have the advantage. He also went deep 25 times, so an instant home run from time-to-time doesn't hurt anyone.

Perhaps De La Cruz's most prized selling point is the electricity he brings to the ballpark. He's a Reds' favorite and is beloved by fans all across baseball. Putting your best player in a position to get a maximum amount of at-bats is going to energize the fans, which players undoubtedly feed off during games. Getting the Great American Ballpark buzzing before an offensive out is recorded is exactly what this team needs. They'll take any upper hand they can get.

There seem to be no negatives surrounding the notion that Cruz should be Cincinnati's leadoff hitter of the future. It shouldn't even need to be a conversation among the front office and management. Save your brain power for figuring out to sign or trade for a good outfielder and catcher. De La Cruz has you taken care of with this decision.