Yes, yes, yes, yes. And do it before the Aug. 1 trade deadline. If the Reds wait until the end of the season, they might waste the unexpected bonanza that are building.
And if they ask about, or want, Nick Senzel or Tyler Stephenson for a young pitcher, with no hesitation, just say “yes.”
Because of all the young talented infielders — Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Noelvi Marte on the way — India is expendable.
The Reds have told other teams they are willing to trade 2021 NL ROY Jonathan India for young, controllable starting pitching, per sources. Cincinnati has a glut of young infielders (Steer, De La Cruz, McLain, Encarnacion-Strand) with more on the way (Marte, Arroyo, Collier).
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 24, 2023
Some fans believe that trading India might disrupt the clubhouse because India is an outspoken leader, team player, a hustler. But despite some big hits and big homers along the way, India has not been the productive player he was three years ago when he was National League Rookie of the Year.
Over my many decades of covering baseball, I’ve seen popular players, clubhouse leaders, traded. And there was grumbling in the clubhouse. But the team quickly moves on and dedicates itself to continue along the same path it traveled before the trade.
And many times, the new guy is more productive, contributes more than the player they traded, and he is quickly accepted in the clubhouse.
In addition to having players that might perform better, India, Stephenson and Senzel are on the doorstep of fat contracts. The Reds can do better cheaper … and they like that.
If Krall can’t work a deal for a mid-level starter, maybe he should seek left-handed bullpen help. Alex Young is the only lefty in the Reds bullpen, and he has made 47 appearances already.
Krall might give the Colorado Rockies a call and see what it would take to pry Cincinnati Moeller Brent Suter, a lefty, or southpaw Brad Hand away from them.
About the Author