Jonathan India‘s defensive struggles with Royals have become a clear indication that the Cincinnati Reds made the prudent decision trading him last offseason. After being sent to Kansas City in a deal that included former Reds outfielder Joey Wiemer in exchange for starting pitcher Brady Singer, India’s continued defensive woes highlight why the Reds let go of the former National League Rookie of the Year.
India and Wiemer were moved to the Royals in November, a trade that addressed the Reds’ need for a dependable starting pitcher, which Singer effectively fulfills. Meanwhile, the Royals gained a player known for his ability to get on base, hoping India would boost their lineup atop the order. Cincinnati filled the vacancy at second base with Matt McLain, another one of their first-round picks, whose defensive performance has been impressive despite his quieter offensive contributions this season.
Examining Jonathan India’s Defensive Performance Since Leaving Cincinnati
India’s defense had long been a source of concern, and it influenced Cincinnati’s strategy before the trade. During the prior spring training, Reds manager David Bell started deploying India as a super utility player across several positions, including first, second, and third base, as well as some outfield roles, while developing McLain as the primary second baseman. However, preseason setbacks—McLain’s injury and Noelvi Marte’s suspension—forced Cincinnati to revert to a less-than-ideal defensive setup, with India back at second and Jeimer Candelario at third base. India’s 2023 season concluded with a career-best one out above average (OAA), but that improvement has not lasted.
This year, India’s defense has regressed sharply, aligning with his previous defensive challenges. He recorded -7 OAA during his rookie year and saw that dip to -10 OAA in 2022. Ultimately, by the end of 2023, his cumulative defensive metric stood at -23 OAA. Within just around 50 games in 2024, India has already surpassed half of that negative total, posting a staggering -12 OAA, marking him as the worst defender in Major League Baseball this season.
Matt McLain Emerges as a Defensive Upgrade at Second Base for Cincinnati
In contrast, Matt McLain’s defense has been a significant upgrade for Cincinnati. Despite struggling with his offensive numbers this season, McLain ranks tied for seventh among all major league second basemen with three outs above average, showcasing the reliability Cincinnati sought when trading India. Reds fans may fondly recall India’s energy and mindset, but his defensive liabilities and declining offensive outputs, currently reflected in a .227 batting average with just one home run for the Royals, have underscored the necessity of the trade.
Looking forward, the Reds’ back-end rotation has gained consistency with Brady Singer, and their infield defense now boasts significant improvement thanks to McLain. Meanwhile, the Royals contend with India’s struggles as he attempts to stabilize his performance in Kansas City. This trade reflects the Reds’ strategic focus on shoring up their defensive weaknesses and gaining pitching depth, validating their decision to part ways with Jonathan India despite his popularity among the fanbase.