Royals’ infielder Jonathan India will be taking reps in left field during Spring Training with Michael Massey, according to an article by Anne Rogers of MLB.com. India, 28, has played second base his entire career in MLB so far. India won the Rookie of the Year award in 2021, yet last season was the first time in his career that he was above league average defensively, with a 1 in OAA or outs above average.
Moving Royals Infielder to the outfield shouldn’t concern the Royals
Anytime any fielder learns a new position, there’s cause for concern at first. But Royals fans should breathe and think about it for a second. Generally, left field and first base are positions teams can get away with putting their “worst” fielders at. Last season, MJ Melendez, had a -6 OAA in left field. Being six percent below average defensively at one of the easiest outfield positions is not what the Royals want.
It’s hard to think India could be worse than that in left field, but you never know. He reached his career low in OAA during 2022, where he reached -10. Anything is possible, but with left field requiring less range than second base, it seems plausible that India can at least be league-average out there.
The Royals want India in their lineup at all costs.
India will enjoy Kauffman Stadium a lot. He’s hit 20 doubles in every season he’s been in the league except for 2022. With how big the outfield is, India couldn’t ask for a better ballpark to help get the best out of him. He’s the perfect leadoff hitter for Kansas City. Last season, he reached a career-high in walks with 80 and was five percent above league average offensively. He’s a guy that could easily hit over 30 doubles in Kansas City.
That’s why it seems like moving him to the outfield is to get him in the lineup. A guy who can get extra-base hits, draw walks, and steal bases is extremely valuable at the top of the lineup. India’s speed should also help his case in left field. The Royals don’t need him to win a gold glove in the outfield, they need him to be serviceable. The size of Kauffman’s outfield could lead to problems for India early on, but he’s got enough speed that he can get used to it.
India leading off will make Bobby Witt Jr. very happy
If you think Bobby Witt Jr. had a great year last year, make sure to watch him this season. With how often India will be on first or second base, Witt Jr. might hit one million RBI. Okay, that’s an exaggeration, but it’ll be scary what Witt Jr. can do with a leadoff hitter like India.
This could benefit the entire Royals lineup. The offense around Witt Jr. should get better, and the role players and secondary players should get better as well. The addition of India makes the Royals’ lineup better without adding more offensive power. India makes it better with his on-base ability.
Main Photo Credits: David Richard-Imagn Images
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