Why the Reds-Royals Trade Makes Sense for Both Teams

In a significant trade  on Friday  night, the Cincinnati Reds acquired veteran right-handed pitcher Brady Singer from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for second baseman Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer. This deal addresses key needs for both teams, with each acquiring proven big league talent to strengthen their respective rosters. Let’s take a closer look at how this trade benefits both sides.

Why the Trade Benefits the Reds

The Reds’ pitching staff has been a focus for improvement, and adding Brady Singer provides much-needed stability. Singer’s style of pitching, primarily using his sinker to generate ground balls, should thrive in Cincinnati’s hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park, especially compared to Kansas City’s Kauffman Stadium. Despite not possessing overpowering stuff, Singer is known for inducing soft contact and limiting damage.

In 2024, Singer made 32 starts for the Royals, posting a 3.71 ERA with a 9-13 record and 3.1 bWAR over 179.2 innings. His durability  and consistent  innings provide the Reds with a reliable option to solidify their rotation. As president of baseball operations, Nick Krall highlighted, Singer’s addition offers both impact and depth, as the Reds’ starting rotation now includes All-Star Hunter Greene, Nick Martinez, and Singer, with several other promising arms like Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, and Graham Ashcraft competing for spots.

The addition of Singer strengthens a Reds pitching staff that struggled with consistency in 2024, giving them more options to compete in an increasingly tough NL Central.

Why the Trade Benefits the Royals

For the Royals, acquiring Jonathan India and Joey Wiemer addresses two key needs: on-base ability and offensive depth. General Manager J.J. Picollo expressed excitement over adding India, who was identified as a target earlier in the season. The Royals have been searching for a consistent leadoff hitter  to improve their on-base percentage, and India is a perfect fit.

India, a former National League Rookie of the Year in 2021, has been a cornerstone of the Reds’ infield. At 28, he’s entering his prime and brings a solid .253/.352/.412 career slash line. Despite battling some injuries in 2024, India posted a .749 OPS with 15 home runs and 28 doubles across 151 games. His ability to avoid chasing pitches outside the zone was exceptional last season, making him one of the most disciplined hitters  in the Majors.

The Royals also received Joey Wiemer, a highly touted outfield prospect with potential. Wiemer adds another piece to the Royals’ young core, giving them more flexibility in the outfield. India’s defensive fit is still to be determined. While he has exclusively played second base in the Majors, he may be able to contribute at third base or in the outfield, giving the Royals flexibility in their lineup. They will discuss his role as well as Michael Massey’s during the offseason.

The Future Outlook for Both Teams

Both Singer and India were first-round picks in the 2018 MLB Draft and have shown flashes of success in their careers, though neither has fully realized their potential as stars. As they join their new teams, they will likely serve as key supporting players around bigger names.

India’s elite plate discipline could be a significant asset for the Royals, who need players that can get on base and make consistent contact. Although his power numbers may suffer at Kauffman Stadium, especially compared to Cincinnati’s homer-friendly ballpark, his ability to make contact  and avoid strikeouts could be an asset in the Royals’ offense, which struggled with consistency in 2024. Singer, on the other hand, will be a stabilizing force for the Reds’ pitching staff. His ability to go deep into games and induce ground balls is a welcome addition to a rotation that needed help after a season of inconsistency.

Conclusion

This trade makes sense for both the Reds and the Royals. Cincinnati improves its pitching depth and durability with Brady Singer, addressing a key area of need. Meanwhile, Kansas City adds two players, Jonathan India and Joey Wiemer, who will help solidify their lineup and provide a much-needed offensive boost. Both teams seem to have filled  crucial gaps, setting them up for success in the 2024 season.