Reds and Royals Discuss Potential Trade of Jonathan India for Brady Singer: A Deeper Dive

According to a report from The Athletic, the Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals have engaged in discussions about a potential trade that would see Reds second baseman Jonathan India sent to Kansas City in exchange for right-handed pitcher Brady Singer. The trade, while still under consideration, could significantly reshape both teams’ rosters and address critical needs for each franchise heading into the 2025 season. This potential swap would involve two key players who represent important pieces of their respective teams’ futures—India, a dynamic position player for the Reds, and Singer, an established starting pitcher with upside for the Royals.

Jonathan India’s Role with the Reds

Jonathan India, 27, emerged as a promising young star for the Cincinnati Reds after being selected fifth overall in the 2018 MLB Draft. His rookie campaign in 2021 was particularly impressive, as he slashed .269/.376/.459 with 21 home runs, 69 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases, earning the National League Rookie of the Year award. Since then, his performance has fluctuated, with injury issues hindering his consistency at times. However, India has still been a valuable contributor to the Reds’ lineup.

India’s 2024 season was a mixed bag. While his offensive production was solid, hitting .259 with 19 home runs and 73 RBIs in 145 games, he struggled defensively, particularly at second base, which has led to some concerns about his long-term role in the Reds’ infield. Still, his versatility—India has also played third base and could potentially handle a corner outfield spot—gives him significant trade value.

His presence in the Reds’ lineup provides them with a middle-of-the-order bat and a player who can generate both power and on-base opportunities. However, with the Reds’ youth movement gaining steam, including the rise of players like Elly De La Cruz and the continued development of other prospects, there may be more emphasis on developing the pitching staff. This could make India expendable if the right trade opportunity arises.

Brady Singer’s Performance and Potential

Brady Singer, 27, is one of the few bright spots in an otherwise rebuilding Kansas City Royals organization. A former first-round pick in the 2018 draft, Singer has developed into one of the Royals’ most reliable starting pitchers over the past few seasons. In 2024, Singer posted a 9-13 record with a solid 3.71 ERA in 32 starts, showcasing his ability to handle a heavy workload in a rotation that has largely underperformed around him.

Singer’s season was a reflection of his steady progression as a professional pitcher. While his win-loss record wasn’t ideal, his ERA demonstrates that he is a competent arm who can keep his team in games. His strikeout rate, which stood at 8.2 strikeouts per nine innings in 2024, reflects his ability to miss bats, while his control has improved over the years, as evidenced by his 2.2 walks per nine innings in 2024. Although he’s not yet an ace, Singer’s consistency and ability to eat innings make him a valuable asset for a team like the Reds, who are in need of reliable pitching to complement their young hitters.

Singer’s two remaining years of control, including a projected $8.8 million salary in 2025, also make him an attractive option for teams looking to add pitching without breaking the bank. With a mid-3.00s ERA and his ability to be a durable, solid starter, he could be a key piece for the Reds as they attempt to compete for a playoff spot in the near future.

Addressing the Reds’ Need for Pitching

The Cincinnati Reds have a promising, young lineup but have struggled to consistently field an effective pitching staff in recent years. While the Reds have some exciting arms, including rising stars like Andrew Abbott and Hunter Greene, their rotation still lacks the kind of experienced, reliable pitchers who can provide stability over the course of a full season.

Bringing in Brady Singer would address this gap by adding a proven arm to a rotation that otherwise features a lot of youthful uncertainty. Singer has shown that he can handle the rigors of a 30-start season, and his durability could make him a stabilizing force for the Reds as they look to contend in a competitive National League Central division.

Additionally, with the Reds likely to have playoff aspirations in 2025, adding a pitcher like Singer could be seen as an attempt to solidify their roster for a postseason push. His ability to pitch effectively in a rotation that includes high-potential but sometimes inconsistent arms could be the difference between a playoff berth and another year of rebuilding.

The Royals’ Needs and What India Could Bring

On the other side of this potential trade, the Kansas City Royals are deep into a rebuilding phase, and adding a young position player like Jonathan India could be a smart move to bolster their lineup. India could slot into a Royals infield that has struggled to develop offensive consistency, offering a proven bat in the middle of the order. While India has been inconsistent at times, his 2024 numbers demonstrate that he can still be a productive hitter.

For the Royals, acquiring India would help accelerate their rebuild by providing a young, controllable asset in the middle of their lineup. India could either settle at second base or possibly be moved to third, where the Royals have struggled to find stability in recent years.

More importantly, a player like India could be an important veteran presence on a young Royals team, which has seen some promising development from players like Bobby Witt Jr. and MJ Melendez, but is still several years away from being competitive in a strong AL Central division. India could complement this growing core and serve as a bridge player who could help the Royals improve offensively in the short term while providing long-term value.

What a Trade Could Mean for Both Teams

The trade of Jonathan India for Brady Singer is a deal that makes sense for both teams, but it also comes with risks and questions. For the Reds, this trade would be an attempt to shore up their pitching staff and make a serious run at the postseason. However, it would also mean parting with one of their more popular position players, who still has potential to contribute offensively and offer flexibility across the infield. The Reds would need to be confident in their ability to replace India’s bat and ensure that they can address their offensive needs without his presence.

For the Royals, trading a pitcher with two years of control remaining could be seen as a step backward in the short term, but it also represents an opportunity to bring in a young, controllable position player who could be a part of the team’s future. If the Royals view their pitching depth as sufficient, moving Singer for India could help them add a piece that makes the lineup more competitive and provides another building block for their rebuild.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the proposed trade between the Reds and Royals involving Jonathan