BREAKING NEWS: Cincinnati Reds acquire RHP Brady Singer from Royals in trade for Jonathan India
Cincinnati, OH – November 22, 2024 — In a bold move to bolster their pitching staff, the Cincinnati Reds have acquired right-handed pitcher Brady Singer from the Kansas City Royals in a blockbuster trade that sends fan-favorite second baseman Jonathan India to Kansas City. The deal, which was confirmed by both teams on Thursday morning, is expected to have significant implications for both organizations as they navigate the offseason and prepare for the 2025 MLB season.
The Trade Details
The trade, which has taken Reds fans by surprise, involves Cincinnati sending India, the reigning Reds’ team leader in home runs and one of the most productive hitters in their lineup, to the Royals in exchange for 27-year-old pitcher Brady Singer. While the Reds have not disclosed the financial specifics, multiple sources report that the deal is a one-for-one player swap with no additional prospects involved.
Singer, who was originally drafted by the Royals as the 18th overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, is coming off a solid 2024 season in which he posted a 3.72 ERA over 32 starts, striking out 176 batters in 198 innings. His ability to work deep into games, combined with his solid command of the fastball and slider, gives the Reds a much-needed starting pitching boost.
On the flip side, India, who has spent his entire major league career with the Reds since debuting in 2021, will now head to Kansas City. India, 26, has proven to be one of the brightest young stars in Cincinnati, showcasing power and discipline at the plate, with a career-high 30 home runs and 90 RBIs in 2024. Despite his solid performance, the Reds’ decision to trade India comes after a season in which they showed significant depth in their infield and outfield positions, prompting them to part with their talented second baseman in favor of acquiring a premium arm.
Why the Reds Made the Move
The Reds’ decision to acquire Brady Singer comes as no surprise to some analysts who have long pointed out the team’s lack of starting pitching depth. Despite a promising young roster and a strong offense in recent years, the Reds have struggled with inconsistent pitching and a lack of reliable arms in their rotation.
Cincinnati’s rotation in 2024, while improved compared to previous seasons, still faced challenges down the stretch, with injuries and inconsistency limiting the effectiveness of the team’s starting pitchers. The front office, led by General Manager Nick Krall, had been exploring options to strengthen the rotation throughout the season, and Singer represents a high-upside arm with the potential to make an immediate impact.
Brady Singer is considered a key building block for the Royals moving forward, but his ability to eat innings and his experience in high-leverage situations made him an appealing trade target for the Reds. With the Reds’ offense set to remain one of the most potent in the National League, the addition of Singer could help elevate the team’s chances of competing for a playoff spot in 2025.
A Tough Goodbye for Jonathan India
Jonathan India’s departure from Cincinnati is expected to be emotional for both fans and the player himself. Since his rookie season in 2021, India has become a fan favorite thanks to his hustle, fiery competitiveness, and clutch hitting. His breakout campaign in 2021 earned him the National League Rookie of the Year Award, and his subsequent performances have solidified his place as one of the league’s top young infielders.
In 2024, India enjoyed one of his best seasons at the plate, hitting 30 home runs, driving in 90 RBIs, and maintaining a .370 on-base percentage. His bat, which provides the Reds with middle-of-the-order power, will certainly be missed. However, the Reds’ front office felt that they had the depth to withstand the loss, especially with young talents like Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain manning the middle infield for the foreseeable future.
India’s defense at second base, while serviceable, had been a subject of debate in recent years, and the team’s depth at the position—coupled with the emergence of versatile players like McLain—made it easier for the Reds to make the tough decision to trade him.
India’s departure also clears up the middle of the infield, giving the Reds greater flexibility in how they structure their lineup going forward. McLain is expected to become the full-time second baseman, while De La Cruz figures to be a fixture at shortstop.
Kansas City’s Perspective
For the Royals, this trade is a clear signal that the team is focused on rebuilding for the future, with an emphasis on adding offensive firepower to a roster that has been in a state of flux for several years. By acquiring Jonathan India, Kansas City bolsters its infield, adding a bat that could immediately slot into the middle of their lineup. India’s ability to drive in runs and his potential to post high batting averages will help stabilize a Royals offense that has been one of the least productive in Major League Baseball in recent seasons.
The Royals’ front office has been aggressively seeking ways to improve their team, and India represents a proven commodity who could help the franchise in the short term as they look to develop a more competitive roster.
In addition, the trade also provides Kansas City with a potential future leader in the clubhouse. India’s leadership and work ethic have made him a well-respected player, and his presence in the locker room could have a positive impact on the young players in the Royals’ system.
Looking Ahead
For both the Reds and the Royals, this trade represents a new chapter in their respective journeys. Cincinnati will hope that Brady Singer can provide the stability and performance they need from their starting rotation as they push for a playoff spot in the coming seasons. Meanwhile, Kansas City is betting that Jonathan India can be a key piece in their long-term offensive rebuilding effort.
With free agency heating up and the trade market starting to buzz, this deal marks the first significant trade of the offseason and may set the stage for further moves across Major League Baseball. Both teams will now turn their attention to other offseason priorities, but for now, the spotlight is firmly on this blockbuster trade that could shape the future for both the Reds and the Royals.
Stay tuned for updates as the offseason progresses.
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