Royals Looking Into Trade for Jonathan India to Build on 2024 Playoff Success

Following their breakthrough playoff performance in 2024, the Kansas City Royals are reportedly looking to make a significant move to maintain their momentum heading into the 2025 season.

According to C. Trent Rosecrans and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Royals have identified Cincinnati Reds second baseman Jonathan India as a key trade target. This potential deal might involve Royals pitcher Brady Singer, who has garnered interest from the Reds.

A swap between India and Singer would be mutually beneficial for both teams. The Royals struggled with a gap at second base last season, and India would provide a solid solution. The 2021 NL Rookie of the Year hit .248 with 15 home runs and 13 stolen bases for the Reds in 2024 and has two more seasons remaining before free agency. India has expressed his desire to play for a winning team, and the Royals, currently closer to achieving that status than the Reds, could offer him the competitive environment he seeks.

Singer, a former first-round pick, had a commendable 2024 season, posting a 3.71 ERA across 32 starts for Kansas City. While he has yet to achieve consistent performance at the MLB level, he also has two more years of team control. The Royals have sufficient rotation depth to absorb the loss of Singer, especially after re-signing Michael Wacha to kick off the offseason.

The Royals finished the 2024 season with an 86-76 record and advanced past the Baltimore Orioles in the AL wild-card series. They put up a strong fight against the eventual AL champion New York Yankees in a competitive four-game ALDS, demonstrating their potential to contend. It is understandable why the team is eager to bolster their roster and build on their recent success.

​As the offseason progresses, the Royals' pursuit of Jonathan India could prove to be a pivotal move in their quest to sustain and enhance their competitive edge for the upcoming season