A trade that has reportedly been in the works for over a week has now been finalized. The Kansas City Royals have traded for infielder Jonathan India from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for right-handed pitcher Brady Singer. In addition to Singer, the Royals also receive outfielder Joey Wiemer in a two-for-one deal.
India and Singer, who were college teammates at the University of Florida from 2016 to 2018 and won the College World Series together in 2017, were both first-round draft picks in 2018. India was selected by the Reds with the No. 3 pick, while the Royals chose Singer at No. 18. Now, they’ve been swapped for each other.
India, the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year, is a key addition for the Royals, who are seeking improved on-base ability. In 2024, he posted a .248/.357/.392 slash line with 15 home runs and a career .352 on-base percentage. Primarily a second baseman, it’s expected that Michael Massey will shift to another position, possibly third base, to make room for India.
At 28, India became an obvious trade candidate due to Cincinnati’s strong infield depth, with Elly De La Cruz at shortstop, a healthy Matt McLain at second, and various players like Jeimer Candelario, Santiago Espinal, and Noelvi Marte vying for third base roles. India won’t be a free agent until after the 2026 season.
In return, the Reds gain a dependable ground-ball pitcher in Singer, who had a 3.71 ERA in 2024 with average strikeout and walk rates. Over the past three years, Singer has pitched at least 150 innings each season. Like India, he has two years of control left.
The Royals’ starting rotation now looks Milwaukee Brewers. Lugo, Cole Ragans, and Michael Wacha leading the way, while Alec Marsh and Kyle Wright are the top candidates to complete the staff. Singer will likely join a strong Reds rotation featuring Hunter Greene, Nick Martinez, Andrew Abbott, and possibly either Nick Lodolo or Rhett Lowder.
Wiemer, who spent most of the 2024 season in Triple-A with both the Reds and Brewers, adds depth to the Royals’ outfield. Although he struggled at the major league level with a .201/.279/.349 line, he possesses significant raw power and is an excellent defender. The Royals hope Wiemer can provide a boost after a lackluster offensive season from their outfield. Wiemer was originally acquired by the Reds from the Brewers in theFrankie Montas trade this past summer.