3. Jonathan India, 3B
Birthday: 12/15/1996 (21)
Acquired: Draft, 1st round, 2018
Level(s): advanced rookie Billings, advanced rookie Greeneville, low-A Dayton
Statistics: .240/.380/.433, 44 G, 184 PA, 9 2B, 1 3B, 6 HR, 6 SB, 15.2% BB, 23.9% K
The reputation for Jonathan India at the University of Florida before he went to the Cape Cod League in 2017 was that of a defensive stalwart that was likely going to be a stable shortstop and a standout at second or third if he moved. Then India had a summer in the Cape Cod League where his BP shows were incredibly impressive, and he carried that success forward to his 2018 season for Florida.
His change in swing and really trimming up his body led to India being one of the top collegiate prospects in the entire country all spring, with heavy arguments for the top college position player in the country. He’s added some strength as well, going from 185-190 to a solid 205-210 now without sacrificing athleticism.
The Cincinnati Reds grabbed India with the 5th overall selection, and he worked his way up to full-season all in his craft season, showing power and speed both on the year.
Overall, India has a rare blend of elite defense along with balanced offensive skills that give him average run grades along with plus raw power and fringe-plus contact rates due to his work at controlling the strike zone.
He will move quickly, and he could end up moving off of third base due to Eugenio Suarez and the impending free agency after 2019 of Scooter Gennett at second base. He should continue to play plus defense at second, and he could finish 2019 with some major league time, almost certainly playing in the upper minors by the end of the season.