MLB Rumors: Jonathan India Trade Buzz 'Vastly Overstated' for Reds' 2021 NL ROY

Cincinnati Reds second baseman Jonathan India was the subject of a rumor that he could be shipped away prior to next week's MLB trade deadline, but that reportedly isn't likely to happen.

According to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the trade speculation surrounding the 2021 National League Rookie of the Year is "vastly overstated."

Wittenmyer went on to add that India has been assured of his security with the Reds, as the rumors "led to conversations assuring one of the most respected players in the clubhouse of the slim-to-none chance he'll be traded." However, Wittenmyer noted that the 26-year-old still could feel a bit slighted about being included in trade speculation, as "the typically upbeat and accessible India declined to talk about it Monday."

India has played in a team-high 100 games for the Reds, who rank second in the NL Central with a 55-47 record. The righty slugger is hitting .251/.338/.411 with 14 home runs and 51 RBI. It was just a year ago that India was limited to 103 games due to hamstring and calf injuries, which caused him to finish the 2022 season with 10 homers and 41 RBI.

The Reds have made the playoff just once in the previous nine years, and they're coming off a 2022 campaign that saw them lose a franchise-record 100 games. This season appears to be Cincinnati's best chance to buck the trend, so it will be interesting to see how aggressive the team will be prior to next week's deadline.

The Reds had their five-game win streak snapped by the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers (56-45) on Monday, so they will try to bounce back in Tuesday's matchup in their three-game series.