Going all out for India
The Cincinnati Reds have a bright future with some high-upside prospects knocking on the doors of Great American Ballpark—namely, Elly De La Cruz, MLB Pipeline's number one prospect, and rightfully so. The uber-athletic infielder is a cross between the Pirates' O'Neill Cruz and Astros' Yordan Alvarez displaying a true five-tool skill set.
The Reds also have Christian Encarnation-Strand, a third baseman by trade, ready to debut shortly. Team these two with upstart Kevin Newman, Spencer Steer, Nick Senzel, and Johnathan India something has to give. Enter the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year, enjoying a resurgent 2023 (.278/.368/.431 for a .798 OPS and 112 OPS+).
India would lengthen the lineup and allow the team to acquire controllable talent (contract through 2025). The following lineup could do some damage in the latter half of the season.
Name | Position |
---|---|
Crawford | SS |
France | 1B |
Rodriguez | CF |
Kelenic | LF |
Suarez | 3B |
India | DH |
Raleigh | C |
Hernandez | RF |
Moore | 2B |
Remember that India is grading below average defensively (-0.5 UZR), so I could see the team bouncing him between second base and designated hitter.