Jonathan India is sick of the penny-pinching.
The Reds’ star second baseman called out franchise ownership and decision-makers for their inaction and said a big move needs to be made after missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year.
Cincinnati already fired manager David Bell ahead of a critical offseason.
“We’re tired of losing,” India said, according to the Cincinnati Inquirer. “It’s the same thing every year here. We just float around .500 and try to make the push but we just don’t have enough. We need to make a move. I know what it is, but I just want to say it to the media.”
India added specifically about spending more: “Yeah, it could be. Yeah. There’s a certain thing we need to go get.”
The Reds (76-82) are known for being one of MLB’s cheaper teams under CEO Robert H. Castellini, rarely making plays for premier free agents and often letting their stars enter free agency.
Recent examples include letting Trevor Bauer walk after winning the Cy Young in 2020 and not re-signing Nick Castellanos after he opted out of his four-year deal following the 2021 season.
Cincinnati opened the 2024 season with a payroll of $106.4 million, the 22nd-highest total in the sport, according to USA Today.
India did not explicitly say what the Reds need to spend this offseason, but it’s clear Cincinnati could use plenty of help across the board.
The Reds rank 15th in runs scored and 19th in team ERA, middle-of-the-road statistics that factor into why India believes the franchise needs a strong offseason.
“It’s got to be. Who knows if I’ll be here next year. Who knows if (Tyler) Stephenson will be here. We’re running out of time,” India said, per the paper. “We were the young core. Then, we added Elly (De La Cruz) and so many guys. They need to make moves. I want to win. Everyone wants to win. That’s the bottom line. We know we can. There are certain things that I think should happen.”
The ironic part in it all is there are questions about whether India will even be around next season after his name came up in trade rumors last offseason.
The 2021 NL Rookie of the Year has posted a .748 OPS with 15 homers and 58 RBIs, making him an attractive piece for contenders.
India is under contract for two more seasons after missing the playoffs in each of his first four years in the majors.
“I don’t pay attention to it anymore. I thought for the last two years that I wouldn’t be here. I continue to, and I’m blessed. I love this place. They know I do. We’ll see,” India told the outlet. “I’m just happy to play this many games this year coming off the injury I had this offseason. To play over 150 games and be in the lineup every day, that was a goal of mine. I’m pretty happy where I’m at finishing a year.”
Whether the Reds decide to finally spend or perhaps trade India, it figures to be an eventful offseason for a once-proud franchise.
“A lot is going to change. I don’t know what else is going to change, but I think a lot is going to change in this next year,” India said. “We’ll see what happens. A lot could happen. We shall see.”