CARLSBAD, Calif. – Following a week when the Cincinnati Reds traded two veteran players and saw another opt out of his contract, Jonathan India was named one of the three finalists for National League Rookie of the Year on Monday.
It was a reminder of who the Reds plan to build their team around in upcoming years. As the Reds shed players to, General Manager Nick Krall said multiple times, “align payroll with our resources,” India proved he was one of the rising young players in the league.
India is vying to become the Reds’ first Rookie of the Year winner since Scott Williamson in 1999. The organization hasn’t had a position player win the award since Chris Sabo in 1988. The winner will be announced on Nov. 15 with Miami’s Trevor Rogers and St. Louis’ Dylan Carlson as the other finalists.
“All the older guys really, really helped me this year,” India said. “I can't thank them enough. Since Opening Day, they treated me like I was a veteran. They didn't treat me like a rookie. That's why I think I was so comfortable out there every day and competing at their level.”
India isn’t surprised he found himself in position to win Rookie of the Year. It was the one personal goal he set for himself when he began the season. He had already forced his way into the Reds lineup with a breakout spring training performance.
Turning 25 in December, India hit .269 with 34 doubles, 21 homers, 69 RBI, 98 runs and 12 stolen bases. He had a .376 on-base percentage, boosted by a league-high 23 hit by pitches.
“There is definitely more in me, that’s all I know,” said India, who was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft. “There are definitely things I want to improve on and I know I'm going to get better in this game as I grow older and so I'm excited for the coming years as I mature more in this game.”
The Reds will rely more on India next year. Longtime catcher Tucker Barnhart is a member of the Detroit Tigers. Left-hander Wade Miley is with the Chicago Cubs. Nick Castellanos will reject his qualifying offer, a source told the Enquirer, and the Reds aren’t expected to compete with his list of suitors this offseason on the free-agent market.
India called Barnhart “probably one of the best leaders I've ever played with, off the field and on the field.” He credited Miley for always keeping things loose in the clubhouse before games, “one of the best clubhouse guys I played with.” Then there is Castellanos, who India was with Monday as they hit together in the offseason.
“We became really close friends throughout the year,” India said of Castellanos. “He kind of took me under his wing and saw the potential in me to be who I am. He really, really helped me this year. Even the days I was wasn't playing well in the beginning of the year, he really knew where I was and he was keeping me confident, assuring me that there's no doubt you're going to be where you want to be at the end of the year.
“It's a great relationship and, wherever he ends up, we'll still be friends.”
There will likely be fewer veterans around the Reds’ roster next season as they lower payroll, but India will hold a spot at the top of the lineup. The power he showed in the second half of the season (15 of his 21 homers came after the All-Star break) was encouraging. His competitiveness is contagious, and his teammates respected him for playing through injuries.
“I definitely feel like I’m one of the guys to know to carry the load of this team and for guys to count on me,” he said. “I’m always up for a challenge. I’m always up for something like that. Whatever is ahead of us, I can’t control any of that stuff. So, I’m just going to go out there and play my game like I usually do.”
India became a fan favorite for his style of play. People sent him messages on Twitter and Instagram of kids who dressed up as India for Halloween.
“That’s something I never would have thought would happen,” India said. “It’s just a pretty cool feeling to see that, kids a young age taking after me and wanting to be me for Halloween. Not many kids can say that happened for them, so I’m blessed to see that.”
As India reflects on his rookie season, he’s proud of the way he started his career. In his mind, however, it is just a start.
“Coming into the season, I told myself what’s one thing I really want to set for my personal goals?” India said. “I said, you know, there’s nothing statwise I really care about. I just want to be Rookie of the Year and that was it. It just came to my mind. I said, ‘This is what I want and I’m going to do it.’
“It’s pretty cool to be in the position where I envisioned myself.”
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