The Cincinnati Reds dampened trade rumors surrounding Jonathan India by signing him to a two-year contract extension last week.
The Reds showed their loyalty to India by giving him a new deal that avoided arbitration. He has security for the next two seasons. With the way the yearly value escalates, the Reds guarantee him financial stability, while also giving him a chance to earn more.
Depending on how much India plays, he can earn up to $2.05 million added on to the $5 million for 2025. Once he reaches wither 400 plate appearances or 98 games started, he will earn another $400,000 in 2025. For every 50 plate appearances after that, or for every 13 games started, he will earn another $400,000. The final escalator in India’s contract is the greatest. If he reaches 600 plate appearances, or 150 games started, he will earn $450,000, bringing his potential salary in 2025 to $7.05 million.
India has not gotten to 600 plate appearances since his rookie season. He had just 431 plate appearances in 2022 and 529 in 2023.
These escalators shouldn't be super difficult for India to hit, if he is healthy and in the lineup all year.
This deal protects the Reds, but it also challenges India to be the best player he can be on a daily basis.
He is one of the most senior players on the team and has shown keen leadership. Despite that, India isn't one of the most talented infielders on the roster. You could even argue that he isn’t the most talented second baseman on the roster. Matt McLain showed promise at that position in his rookie year and figures to play a lion share of the time there.
Manager David Bell has lauded India for agreeing to be more flexible in where he plays. India has echoed that he is willing to play wherever he needs to in order to get into the lineup as much as possible.
One thing that could put him in position to reach his contract escalators is the ability to play outfield. He's never done it, but if he can be reliable this season, then it will ensure his presence in the lineup.
The Reds are challenging India, while also showing their loyalty. Hopefully he can play at a high level, meet the escalators in the contract and make everyone happy with this move.
More must-reads: