Reds, India avoid arb with 2-year deal reportedly worth $8.8M

The Cincinnati Reds and infielder Jonathan India agreed to a two-year contract, avoiding arbitration, the club announced Friday.

India will earn $3.8 million this season and $5 million in 2025, according to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. The 27-year-old can also earn escalators in the second year of the deal worth an additional $2.05 million based on plate appearances or games started.

India had requested $4 million in arbitration, while the Reds countered at $3.2 million.

He owns a lifetime .769 OPS and won National League Rookie of the Year in 2021. India slashed .244/.338/.407 with 17 home runs, 78 runs scored, 61 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases across 119 games for the Reds in 2023.

India has been the Reds' primary second baseman for the first three years of his career but is currently projected to begin the season at designated hitter. Matt McLain is expected to get the lion's share of play at second base.