Kansas City Royals Re-Sign 2021 Rookie of the Year
The Kansas City Royals are looking to find their way back into the playoffs after a disappointing 2025 season. While the team thought they were improving with their young core, the team took a bit of a step back. With the Royals looking to solidify their starting lineup, they have agreed to a contract with a former National League Rookie of the Year winner.
Let’s take a closer look into who it is and what it means for the team going forward.
Kansas City Royals Re-Sign Jonathan India
The Kansas City Royals and second baseman Jonathan India have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $8 million contract for the 2026 season, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. India was a candidate to be non-tendered after a disappointing 2025 season with the team after being traded from the Cincinnati Reds last offseason.
Last year, India finished with a .233/.323/.346 slash line with nine home runs, 45 RBI, and 63 runs over 136 games. As a double play tandem with shortstop Bobby Witt Jr, the Kansas City Royals were hoping they had found their duo up the middle of the infield for the next decade. While it is still possible, India needs to have a massive improvement to keep a starting job going forward.
The Royals are a mediocre offensive team when looking back at last season and need India to begin hitting more this season. With the ability to slide into the bottom of the lineup, the player with the second-most MLB service time out of the position players currently on the 40-man, there is major upside for the Kansas City Royals and the second baseman.
