Jonathan India

Jonathan India is an infielder for the Kansas City Royals. After attending American Heritage School in Delray Beach, Florida, Jonathan was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 26th round of the 2015 MLB Draft. Instead of going straight to the MLB, Jonathan opted to play college baseball for the Florida Gators. In the 2018 season, Jonathan hit 21 home runs that were 6th in the nation; he was also awarded SEC Baseball Player of the Year. As a top prospect in the 2018 MLB Draft, Jonathan was drafted 5th overall by the Cincinnati Reds. This past season, Jonathan played for the Cincinnati Reds’ AA club, the Chattanooga Lookouts. In January 2020, the Cincinnati Reds invited Jonathan to their Major League Spring Training in Goodyear, Arizona, and again in 2021. Jonathan shined and was made the starting second baseman for the Reds at the start of the 2021 regular season. In his first 5 games of this 2021 season, Jonathan has hit 7 RBIs - more than any other Reds player to start a season in franchise history. He’s since continued to rapidly strengthen his play over the year, earning him Rookie of the Month honors in July. His breakthrough season resulted in him winning the 2021 MLB NL Rookie of the Year with 29 out of 30 1st-place votes and a finalist for a Silver Slugger Award at his position. The 2023 season for Jonathan and the Reds was one for the history books, with the longest win streak by any team this season at 12-games. The Reds historic feat was something that hadn’t been done in 133 years, winning 12 games in a row following a year where they lost 100+ games the previous season. In the month of June of the 2024 season, Jonathan unleashed his true potential and one of his best stretches since entering the MLB. He slashed .380/.454/.587 and had a wRC+ (weighted runs created plus) of 183. He hit 13 doubles in June and carried the offense at a time when they desperately needed it. India was awarded NL Player of the Week honors in the last week of June. He batted .539 (14-for-26), hit 10 doubles, drew four walks, and had only three strikeouts. He also scored eight runs, recorded 5 RBIs, and rode a 12-game hit streak. Ahead of the 2025 season, Jonathan was traded to the Kansas City Royals where he will be a crucial player to help the team return to the playoffs. This year with the Royals, India has been a critical piece of the team’s young core. From May 19 to May 29, India got hot, hitting .322 with an .800 OPS, helping to keep the Royals afloat during a slow stretch. Related Articles/Links: Jonathan India Might Have The Best Cleats In Baseball Jonathan India May Be The Best Second Baseman In Baseball Jonathan India Makes Gator Nation Proud With The Reds Jonathan India Draft Story - c/o Chris Rose & Jomboy Media (Full Episode: Here) Jonathan India Is Hitting Like A Rookie Again - July 2024 Career Highlights and Awards NCAA Men’s College World Series Winner (2017) SEC Player of the Year (2018) MLB First Round Draft Pick, #5 Overall (2018) Baseball America Rookie of the Year (2021) MLBPA NL Rookie of the Year (2021) BBWAA NL Rookie of the Year (2021) MLBPAA Heart & Hustle Award Winner (2024)