The New York Yankees have struggled mightily around the infield this year. Gleyber Torres, DJ LeMahieu, as well as Anthony Rizzo have disappointed the fans and the team, too. Either they sustained severe injuries, or they just did not perform well enough. In the end, the NY side had to suffer for them. But now, there has been a real need to make some serious changes to the roster. Since June, things have changed for the worse for the 27-time World Champions. Specifically, it was since June 13 that the NY side had been through 6-16 in their next 22 games.
Later, in July, they had an even worse start. The Yankees went 4-8. Then, the MLB season had a break for the Midsummer Classics. But when the season resumed again for the Bronx Bombers, they went 1-2. Now, the trade deadline is around the corner. Since the Yankees are struggling with their infield situation, it might be a good time for them to look for any infielder available. Lately, the rumors suggest the NY side might look for a Cincinnati Reds infielder.
Is Jonathan India A Good Choice For The Yankees?
Jonathan India was a former National League Rookie Of The Year Award winner. He won it in 2021. Lately, the Yankees have been looking exactly for someone like India who could solve their infield woes. Since Torres, LeMahieu, and Rizzo have been struggling, they have opened the doors of opportunities in the second, third, and first. So far, 2024 has been a breakthrough year for India as he slashed .275/.379/422 over 92 games. He also hit eight home runs, 21 doubles, and also a 124 wRC+. Clearly, the Cincinnati Reds Infielder has improved a lot from the previous two mediocre seasons. Previously, he was slashing .246/.333/.394 and 98 wRC+. Lately, Jonathan India has improved his plate discipline.
This year, he has been chasing 17% of balls, and that ranked in the 100th percentile across the league. Hence, he has been one of the elites in 2024. As a result, India has walked in 12.9% of his overall plate appearances. It ranks in the 95th percentile. Moreover, he has got age on his side. He is just 27 years old. There have been a few issues regarding India’s Defensive Runs Saved. So far, in 2024, he has cost the Reds seven runs with his defensive prowess. But the metrics regarding India’s Outs Above Average seems to be better than his DRS.
Reds Teammates Acknowledge India’s Leadership Skills
The Cincinnati Reds are a relatively young and talented team. Since India made his MLB debut in 2021, he has been impressive with his progress. Now, he is only in his fourth major league season. Hence, the 27-year-old infielder is relatively inexperienced. But his Reds teammates look at him as the emotional core of the young side. Lately, as per Pinstripealley.com, Will Benson praised the Reds’ second baseman for his leadership skills.
Benson mentioned that India’s whole aura is of a leader. Adding to that, the outfielder pointed at how India plays and “How hard he plays that it oozes into the team.” At present, the Reds are below .500. But there is a good chance for them to make the Wild Card spot. The race for that spot is wide open for the Cincinnati Reds. Anyway, about India, how good replacement can he be for Gleyber Torres?
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