Cincinnati Reds second baseman Johnathan India was signed for a two-year extension, announced the team on Friday. This was India’s first time up for arbitration. He will be free of arbitration in the next off-season as well. The young infielder will remain with the Reds until 2026 before becoming a free agent in 2027. He will earn roughly $8.8 million for the next two years.
The Conversations Over India’s Income
The #Reds and IF Jonathan India have agreed to terms on a two-year contract, avoiding arbitration. pic.twitter.com/Zz1RPdC851
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) February 9, 2024
Johnathan India was up for arbitration for the first time this year, asking for $4 million, $760,000 more than his original salary. The Cincinnati Reds countered with $3.2 million during last month’s conversation over arbitration salaries. The two sides, unable to compromise, were set to undergo an arbitration hearing in January. The Boras Corporation concluded the total of $8.8 million, $3.8 million to be paid in 2024, and $5 million in 2025, reports MLB.com Mark Sheldon. India could potentially earn an additional $2.05 million with plate appearances and games started in the second year.
The Cincinnati Reds and India avoid going into arbitration with this agreement and, in fact, avoid it for next year as well. However, India is still eligible for arbitration in 2026 as he was only in his first winter of arbitration eligibility. He will not go into arbitration then if he is given an extension once more.
Johnathan India: Impressive Stats
Johnathan India received the title of 2021 NL Rookie of the Year. He has a record average of .255 hits with 48 home runs and 171 RBIs. His career WAR average is 5.2. He was selected fifth overall in the 2018 amateur draft.
Unfortunately, due to a hamstring strain and a bout of plantar fasciitis, India was only able to play 222 games during the past two seasons. This may have also been a factor in his recorded decline in numbers, having come down from his rookie scores of .269/.376/.459.
India’s Competition
There have been more than a few infielders who made MLB debuts in 2023, giving India a run for his money. Noelvi Marte, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Matt McLain, and Elly De La Cruz have become both teammates and competition for India to stay in the game and stay relevant. In addition, the Reds reportedly declined Joey Votto, who became a free agent in November of last year. With Votto, a free agent, the opening was quickly closed with third baseman Jeimer Candelario. That doesn’t leave much, if any, wiggle room for India’s improvement.
Jonathan India: Hope For The Future
Johnathan India could very well be the Opening Day designated hitter for Cincinnati. He has the right amount of expertise and still has plenty of gas left in the tank. However, even with dedicated improvement, his fellow teammates may not present opportunities for India to be an everyday player.
With this deal set in place, India is allowed to bounce back from injury and declination. Total Apex Sports will be following his career over the next two years with high hopes.
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