Jonathan India is tired of being stingy.
The Reds' star second baseman blamed the team's ownership and decision-makers for inaction and said big moves were needed after missing the playoffs for four straight years.
Cincinnati has already fired head coach David Bell ahead of a crucial offseason.
“We are tired of losing,” India said. According to the Cincinnati Inquirer. “The same thing happens here every year. We come up with about a 50% win rate, we're trying to go on the offensive, but it's not enough. We need to do something. We know what it is, and we want to tell the media.”
India specifically added about increasing spending: “Yes, that's possible. Yes, there are things we need to have.”
The Reds (76-82), under CEO Robert H. Castellini, were known as one of MLB's cheaper teams, making little effort to sign premier free agents and often letting their stars become free agents.
Recent examples include releasing Trevor Bauer after he won the Cy Young Award in 2020 and not re-signing Nick Castellanos, who opted out of his four-year contract after the 2021 season.
Cincinnati begins the 2024 season with a total payroll of $106.4 million, the 22nd-highest total in sports. According to USA Today.
India didn't say how much the Reds will need to spend this offseason, but it's clear that Cincinnati is in need of significant help across the board.
The Reds are middling — 15th in runs scored and 19th in team ERA — but that's why India believes the franchise needs a strong offseason.
“It's bound to happen. Who knows if I'll be here next year. Who knows if (Tyler) Stevenson will be here. We're running out of time,” India told the paper. “We had a young core, then we got Ellie (Delacruz) and a lot of other guys. They need to make a move. I want to win. Everybody wants to win. That's the bottom line. We know we can win. There are some things that I think should happen.”
Ironically, there are doubts about whether India will even be around next season after his name popped up in trade rumors last offseason.
The 2021 National League Rookie of the Year is posting a .748 OPS with 15 home runs and 58 RBI, making him an attractive option for a championship contender.
India missed the playoffs in each of his first four years in the major leagues but is under contract for two more seasons.
“I don't care anymore. For the last two years I thought I wouldn't be here and I still do. I'm blessed. I love this place and everybody knows that. You never know what's going to happen,” India told the outlet. “I'm happy to have come back from the injury I had in the off-season and played so many games this year. My goal was to play 150-plus games and be there every day. I'm happy with where I am at the end of the year.”
Whether or not the Reds ultimately decide to invest in India or make a trade, it's shaping up to be an eventful offseason for the once-proud franchise.
“A lot of things are going to change. I don't know what else will change, but I think a lot of things will change next year,” India said. “We'll see what happens. A lot of things could happen. We'll see.”
