KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On Friday, the Kansas City Royals made a strategic move by acquiring second baseman Jonathan India from the Cincinnati Reds. This addition enhances their roster with a reliable leadoff hitter and a strong middle infielder, complementing their star shortstop, Bobby Witt Jr.

Along with India, the Royals brought in outfielder Joey Wiemer, while sending right-handed pitcher Brady Singer to Cincinnati as part of the trade.

The 27-year-old Jonathan India, who clinched the National League Rookie of the Year title in 2021, had a solid 2024 season where he posted a batting average of .248, hit 15 home runs, and recorded 58 RBIs. India played a significant 151 games last season and demonstrated his discipline at the plate by drawing 80 walks, ranking tied for the fifth-highest in Major League Baseball. Notably, he has led off in 341 of his 523 career games.

India is set to earn $5.45 million for the upcoming season and will become a free agent in 2027.

Drafted fifth overall by Cincinnati in 2018, India was selected 13 positions ahead of Brady Singer, his former collegiate teammate at the University of Florida.

Brady Singer, now 28, has been a crucial part of the Royals’ starting rotation since his debut during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. In 2024, he posted a record of 9-13 and a 3.71 ERA over a personal best of 179 2/3 innings, contributing to the Royals’ successful campaign that secured an American League wild-card playoff spot.

Overall, Singer holds a career record of 36-44 with a 4.28 ERA across 127 games, predominantly as a starter. He is eligible for arbitration in 2025 and will also become a free agent in 2027.

Wiemer, 25, was previously acquired by Cincinnati in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers that sent pitcher Frankie Montas to Milwaukee. In the 2024 season, Wiemer played only two games for the Reds before finishing the year at Triple-A Louisville.