The Toronto Blue Jays appear to have their sights set on a former Rookie of the Year.
Toronto is interested in Cincinnati Reds second baseman Jonathan India, reports Bob Elliott of the Canadian Baseball Network.
The Blue Jays could be looking for an upgrade at second base with youngster Davis Schneider projected to start there after Whit Merrifield departed in free agency.
India has been mentioned in trade rumors on multiple occasions throughout the offseason with three or four teams showing interest in the 27-year-old.
Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall said in November that the club wasn't motivated to move the infielder, whom he believed was still a fit in Cincinnati.
"I look at India as a guy who fits here," Krall said. "He does. And it's not a perfect fit. When you look at a perfect roster, it says, OK, this player plays this position, this player plays this position, this player's a bench player."
The Reds have an influx of young position players in the infield, which prompted them not to re-sign Joey Votto this winter. They also inked Jeimer Candelario to a three-year deal earlier in December.
Reds IFs on projected Opening Day roster
| POSITION | PLAYER |
|---|---|
| 1B/3B | Jeimer Candelario |
| 2B | Matt McLain |
| 2B | Jonathan India |
| SS | Elly De La Cruz |
| 3B | Noelvi Marte |
| 1B/3B | Christian Encarnacion-Strand |
India hit 17 home runs with 61 RBIs with a .746 OPS last season. He's eligible for arbitration in 2024 and is projected to earn $3.7 million next season.
