Bleacher Report’s Reds roster prediction confirms why Jonathan India must be traded
This is the reason so many fans want to see Jonathan India traded before Opening Day.
Bleacher Report recently published their latest roster projections for the upcoming season. While predicting the Opening Day lineup of all 30 major league teams, the outlet had some intriguing selections for the Cincinnati Reds.
Unsurprisingly, TJ Friedl and Matt Matt McLain were selected to occupy the top two spots in Cincinnati’s batting order. Bleacher Report even went as far to name McLain the starting second baseman; something David Bell should do once spring training begins in less than two weeks.
Bleacher Report’s roster prediction confirms why Reds must trade Jonathan India
Having depth on the roster is one thing. But having so much depth that it forces young, everyday players into bench role is just asinine. Yes, injuries occur and the Reds need to keep that in mind as the 2024 roster is put into place. But the Reds aren’t just 10 players deep, they’re more like 12 players deep.
In addition to the starting nine that Bleacher Report selected, the Reds have Encarnacion-Strand, Benson, and Luke Maile sitting in the dugout. The outlet even suggested that the Reds could opt to send Noelvi Marte to Triple-A to start the season in order to balance out the roster. That might be more egregious that putting Encarnacion-Strand on the bench.
|
Player |
Position |
|---|---|
|
TJ Friedl |
CF |
|
Matt McLain |
2B |
|
Spencer Steer |
LF |
|
Jeimer Candelario |
1B |
|
Elly De La Cruz |
SS |
|
Jonathan India |
DH |
|
Jake Fraley |
RF |
|
Noelvi Marte |
3B |
|
Tyler Stephenson |
C |
The writing has been on the wall since the Reds signed Jeimer Candelario back in December – Jonathan India’s time in Cincinnati is coming to an end. The 27-year-old is a fine player, but given the amount of trade speculation that has existed this offseason, it shouldn’t be hard for the front office to find a taker.
