Jonathan India is Crucial to Cincinnati
Photo from Cincinnati Enquirer.
Cincinnati, Oh (PSF)- When Jonathan India made his major league debut in 2021, the Cincinnati Reds had very few believers. Coming off a shortened “covid” season in 2020 where the team advanced to the postseason, just to be shutout in every game by the Atlanta Braves, expectations were very low. Until a long-haired Floridian was called up and set to take over at second base.
During his rookie season, India hit .269 with 21 home runs, and 69 RBI’s en route to a rookie of the year award. Every time the team needed a big play India was always there to give them that boost.
Besides his clutch performances, India provided something else to this city and this team, hope. Year after year Cincinnati had been told that the rebuild was over and they were ready to win again. It wasn’t until India’s call up that Reds’ fans could actually believe this. Though the 2021 Reds went 83-79, finishing third in the NL Central and missing the playoffs, the team had found its leader.
Following India’s emergence was one of the worst teams Major League Baseball had ever seen. The 2022 Cincinnati Reds went 62-100, starting the season 3-22. Though this team underwent a massive backstep in the rebuilding process, one thing remained the same. India was still playing well and showing his leadership to the entire league. This team may not have been any good, but Jonathan India was there every step of the way encouraging the fan base that it would get better.
That brings us to today, Tuesday July 25, 2023, where the Cincinnati Reds sit at 55-47 1.5 games out of first place in the NL Central and atop the wild card standings. India may have only been around for a short time, but he has seen this team at its best, and at its worse. Sure, the Reds plethora of rookie talent is credited with this bounce back, but without India’s leadership every step of the way none of this would be possible.
On Monday July 24, 2023, Ken Rosenthal, of The Athletic reported that the Reds have told teams that they willing to trade India as the deadline approaches. This was no doubt a crushing blow for India as he has been very open about the toll this season has taken on his mental health.
In an article written by Charlie Goldsmith posted in the Cincinnati Enquirer on June 6, India states, “It’s been tough mentally, but you know what? That’s a part of it. I’m going to get through it, and I know I’ll be fine at the end of the year. I’ll do what I have to do. I’ll get through it.”
India goes on to say that he hasn’t felt like himself and he is really working hard to get his old swing back and feel like the guy who won rookie of the year again.
Now with the idea of him finding a new home to make room for more prospects to make their way onto a roster already loaded with rookies, his playing time is starting to go down. India has played more games than any other infielder this season, appearing in 100 games, but has gotten two off days in the last week alone.
India has given his all to this city and this club. Showing up to various Bengals games and taking the time to tailgate with the fans. He is the backbone of this roster, and his leadership is responsible for where this team sits today.
If India finds himself in a new city by this time next week, he will have the entire city of Cincinnati cheering for his success. India has played a huge role in this city and will always be remembered as a legend – hopefully the Reds are lucky enough to obtain pitching help and keep their leader at the same time.