When Jonathan India was traded this past offseason, reactions from Reds fans were mixed. Critics pointed to his subpar defense as justification for moving on from the former NL Rookie of the Year, though his leadership and consistent ability to reach base were undeniable assets.
However, India’s departure wasn’t the Reds’ only major move. The team also acquired former first-rounder Gavin Lux. While Lux may not be known for his glove, his recent offensive performance has been outstanding—so much so that many Reds fans may no longer question the decision to trade India to the Kansas City Royals.
Gavin Lux has turned former Reds fan-favorite Jonathan India into a distant memory
Give Jonathan India credit — he’s doing something in Kansas City that he never got the chance to do in Cincinnati. While then-Reds manager David Bell floated the idea of using India in multiple positions in 2024, injuries to Matt McLain and Noelvi Marte’s 80-game suspension forced the team to keep India locked in at second base.
That hasn’t been the case with the Royals. Since joining Kansas City, India has moved around the field, seeing time at second base, third base, and even left field. However, the positional versatility hasn’t translated to improved defense. India has logged -4 defensive runs saved and -10 outs above average this season.
Offensively, India hasn’t looked like the same player who impressed Reds fans early in his career. Over his first four seasons in the big leagues, India slashed .253/.352/.412 with 63 home runs, a 108 wRC+, and 7.9 fWAR. In 2025 with the Royals, he’s batting just .245/.323/.341 with only four home runs, an 86 wRC+ (the lowest of his career), and a -0.4 fWAR.
Meanwhile, Gavin Lux is thriving in Cincinnati. Frequently slotted into the No. 2 spot in the batting order behind TJ Friedl, Lux is hitting .270/.360/.383 with a 106 wRC+ and 0.3 fWAR. Though his defense (–4 DRS, –3 OAA) isn’t much of an upgrade over India’s, he’s crushing right-handed pitching to the tune of a .292/.376/.427 slash line and a 122 wRC+.
India was a fan favorite during his time in Cincinnati, especially after his standout rookie campaign, but as his performance declined, fan frustrations began to rise. In contrast, the Reds seem satisfied with Lux filling India’s former role — even if he doesn’t have India’s charisma, the consistent production has been a refreshing shift.
