In case you missed it, the Cincinnati Reds made a big move on Friday night, acquiring right-handed pitcher Brady Singer from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for infielder Jonathan India and minor league outfielder Joey The deal,the trade had been speculated about a week earlier, it still came as a surprise, especially after the Reds appeared to back off pursuing Singer following Nick Martinez’s decision to accept the qualifying offer.
Both Singer and India are under team control through the 2025 and 2026 seasons, while Wiemer will remain under control until at least 2028, depending on his time in the minors in 2025 (he’ll be 26 at the start of the season). The financial details are still uncertain, with only India’s 2025 salary set, as he will be arbitration-eligible in 2026, while Singer will be eligible for arbitration in both 2025 and 2026.
Here’s what some of the national media outlets are saying about the trade:
ESPN
Bradford Doolittle graded the deal for ESPN, giving the Reds a B+ while the Royals received a C+. He noted that although Singer has some risks, particularly with giving up home runs—something that could be problematic in Great American Ballpark—there is significant upside for Cincinnati. He also pointed out that the Reds didn’t trade away anyone they can’t replace on their depth chart.
MLB.com
Mike Petriello from MLB.com analyzed the deal from both sides. He highlighted India’s elite ability to avoid chasing pitches outside the strike zone, a skill that will be valuable for the Royals. Petriello also expressed some concerns about Singer’s performance against left-handed hitters and how he might fare in Great American Ball Park.
The Athletic
Keith Law believes this trade could benefit both teams, with each side making a reasonable move. However, he leans toward the Royals benefiting more, citing concerns about how Singer’s struggles against lefties and his potential fit in his new ballpark. Eno Sarris, while not publishing an article, shared his reservations on social media when the trade rumors first surfaced, indicating that he wasn’t fond of the deal for either team.