The Kansas City Royals have made a significant player trade with the Cincinnati Reds, sending right-handed pitcher Brady Singer to Cincinnati in exchange for infielder Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer. The teams confirmed this deal on Friday.
Brady Singer, 28, had a solid season last year, posting a 9-13 record with a 3.71 ERA while starting 32 games, contributing to the Royals securing an unexpected playoff spot. Over his five-year tenure with Kansas City, Singer has made 127 starts and has an overall ERA of 4.28, though he faced challenges in 2023 with a higher 5.52 ERA.
On the flip side, Jonathan India, 27, recorded a .248 batting average with 15 home runs during the 2024 season while primarily playing second base. India has a .764 career OPS after being crowned Rookie of the Year in 2021, where he achieved a personal best of 21 home runs.
Joey Wiemer, 25, finds himself with his third major league team after debuting with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2023 and playing for the Reds last season. His career batting average stands at .201 across 153 games.
This trade addresses specific needs for both teams. The Royals, looking to bolster their offensive lineup alongside star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., could leverage their strong starting rotation, which boasted the second-best ERA in the majors, to accommodate this move. Conversely, the Reds gain a reliable starter to enhance their rotation, which has faced injuries in recent seasons. Cincinnati finished ranked 16th in starters’ ERA last year and had an opportunity to strengthen its pitching staff after trading right-hander Frankie Montas to the Brewers last summer. Notably, Singer also showcased his talents by pitching for Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
This trade is promising for both franchises as they look to fill essential gaps and strengthen their respective rosters heading into the next season. The move indicates a proactive approach from both teams as they strive for competitive success.