Royals, Reds reportedly discussing trade of former 1st round talents

The Kansas City Royals have remained away from the fray so far this offseason, but that may be about to change according to a MLB insider report.

Ken Rosenthal and C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reported Saturday that the Royals are discussing trading starting pitcher Brady Singer to the Cincinnati Reds in a deal for second baseman Jonathan India.

India and Singer were both first-round picks out of the University of Florida in the 2018 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft. 

Neither player is eligible for free agency for another two seasons, making it an enticing trade for the pair of frugal MLB clubs.

Singer allowed nearly two full runs per start fewer last season in going 9-13 with a 3.71. It was a campaign that reminded Royals fans of the 2022 version of the five-year big-league veteran when he went 10-5 with a 3.23 ERA, before allowing an average of 5.52 earned runs in a lackluster 2024.

The 28-year-old would slot into a Reds rotation that features Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Andrew Abbott, giving Cincinnati a respectable and young starting staff as they seek to rise through the ranks of the National League Central division.

India, the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year, has fielded at second base for the entirety of his five-year big-league career. However, FanGraphs projects him currently being transferred to designated hitter to suit infielder Matt McLain's return to the lineup. 

McLain had a promising rookie season in 2023, hitting .290 with 16 home runs, 50 RBI, 65 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases in 89 games. However, the 25-year-old missed the entirety of the 2024 season due to shoulder and rib injuries.

India has regressed somewhat offensively since his rookie season. He hit .248 last season with 15 homers and 58 RBI. In four MLB seasons, the 27-year-old has still produced solid numbers with career totals of a .253 average, 63 homers, 229 RBI and 308 runs scored in 523 games.

With Kansas City, India could bring some stability to second base after the Royals used five different players at the position. However, the statistical trajectory of his career bears a great similarity to Michael Massey, who saw the most starts at second for Kansas City in 2024. 

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