Giants Named Potential Landing Spot in Trade for 2021 Rookie of the Year
The San Francisco Giants added a marquee free agent to their infield this offseason when they signed Matt Chapman. The club could add more stability in the infield, specifically at second base, through an in-season trade. The Giants were named as a potential fit for Cincinnati Reds second baseman Jonathan India, according to Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer.
Chapman signed a three-year,$54 million deal with the Giants on March 3. Chapman will have opt-outs after the 2024 and 2025 seasons. However, the Giants could still look to add a quality infielder, despite Chapman’s arrival in San Francisco.
India’s Trade Market
There was speculation that India would be traded before the start of the 2024 season. India played in 119 games for the Reds in 2023.
“The Cincinnati Reds are expected to non-tender Nick Senzel and trade Jonathan India this winter while strongly pursuing a veteran starter like Michael Wacha or Wade Miley,” wrote USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale on November 12.
India slashed .244/.388/.407 last season but is part of Cincinnati’s crowded group of young infielders.
“With too many infielders to fill the four spots already — Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, Noelvi Marte, Christian Encarnacion-Strand — Cincinnati is suggesting to other teams India is the odd man out. Other teams believe it’s more a matter of when, not if, India will move,” wrote ESPN’s Jeff Passan on November 14.
India is under club control through 2026, only adding to his value in any trade. However, if they are in contention, the Reds may be less inclined to move India.
“They went 82-80 in 2023 even as a deeply flawed team, and now they’re better equipped on both the offensive and pitching sides,” wrote Rymer. “Yet the Reds still only have a 28.4 percent chance of making the playoffs. And if that’s how things play out, teams are bound to call about India again.”
