Jonathan India #6 of the Cincinnati Reds
In a significant move that could reshape the Kansas City Royals‘ infield, the team has acquired second baseman Jonathan India from the Cincinnati Reds in a deal announced on Friday. The Royals are also gaining outfielder Joey Wiemer, while sending right-hander Brady Singer to Cincinnati as part of the trade. The deal brings in a dynamic, proven hitter in India, who adds depth to the Royals’ lineup and strengthens their middle infield alongside rising star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.
Jonathan India: The Leadoff Spark the Royals Need
Jonathan India is no stranger to success in the majors. The 27-year-old was named the National League Rookie of the Year in 2021 and has since proven himself as a consistent contributor for the Reds. In 2024, India put up solid numbers, batting .248 with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs over 151 games. Perhaps most notably, he drew 80 walks, tied for the fifth-most in Major League Baseball, which highlights his on-base skills and ability to set the table for others in the lineup.
India has spent much of his career as a leadoff hitter, a role he’s thrived in throughout his career, starting at the top of the order in 341 of his 523 career games. His patience and discipline at the plate will be a welcome addition to the Royals, providing them with an ideal table-setter who can get on base consistently and create scoring opportunities for the likes of Witt Jr. and the middle of the lineup.
With one more season left on his contract at $5.45 million, India will be under team control until 2027, which fits perfectly into the Royals’ window of contention as they continue to build a competitive team around their young core.
Joey Wiemer: A Fresh Addition to the Outfield
Alongside India, the Royals also acquired outfielder Joey Wiemer from Cincinnati. Wiemer, 25, has shown promise in the minors, although his major league experience has been brief. After being traded to the Reds in 2023 as part of the deal for pitcher Frankie Montas, Wiemer appeared in just two games for the Reds at the MLB level, with the remainder of his season spent in Triple-A Louisville.
Though his time in the majors has been limited, Wiemer’s upside remains intriguing. His power potential, coupled with solid defense, makes him an interesting prospect for the Royals. Wiemer could be a valuable depth piece for Kansas City in the outfield, and with his pedigree, he could develop into a key contributor moving forward.
Brady Singer: A Tough Loss for the Royals’ Rotation
On the other side of the trade, Kansas City sends 28-year-old right-hander Brady Singer to Cincinnati. Singer has been a staple of the Royals’ rotation since his debut in the 2020 season, a year affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, he had his best season to date, posting a 9-13 record with a 3.71 ERA in a career-high 179 2/3 innings. His solid performance helped the Royals earn a wild-card berth in the American League playoffs.
Singer’s departure leaves a hole in the Royals’ rotation, but with his contract situation—eligible for arbitration in 2025 and free agency in 2027—the trade may signal a pivot in Kansas City’s pitching strategy. Over his career, Singer has posted a 4.28 ERA in 127 appearances, with 124 starts, and while the Royals will miss his consistency, the addition of India and Wiemer could help bolster their offense for the long haul.
A Trade That Bolsters the Royals’ Future
For the Royals, this trade marks a clear commitment to improving their offense and securing their infield for the future. Adding Jonathan India to play alongside Bobby Witt Jr. gives Kansas City a formidable pair up the middle, with India providing both leadership and production at the top of the order. Wiemer, though not yet a known commodity in the majors, adds depth and potential to the outfield.
While losing Brady Singer certainly stings—especially given his key role in the pitching staff over the past few seasons—the Royals are betting that India’s bat and Wiemer’s potential will pay off over the next few years. This move indicates that Kansas City is looking to build a balanced, competitive team in the AL Central, with an eye on the future.
As the Royals continue to develop their young talent, this trade could be one of many moves they make to set themselves up as contenders in the coming seasons. With a mix of promising pitchers, a star shortstop, and now a new leadoff hitter in India, Kansas City appears to be taking steps toward a more dynamic roster that could give them a brighter future in the postseason hunt.
