Height
5'10"
Weight
200 lbs
Age
29
College
Florida
Draft
2018, Rd 1, #5
Experience
5 yrs
Bats/Throws
R/R
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsD+
| Year | Team | GP | AVG | HR | RBI | OPS | SB | H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 664 | 0.24824452 | 73 | 279 | 0.7427851 | 42 | 601 |
Current Contract
Length
1 year
Total Value
$8.0M
Guaranteed
$4.8M
AAV
$8.0M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
Jonathan India's one-year, $8M deal with Kansas City earns a C CVI, reflecting the inherent risk of betting on a second baseman coming off his worst professional season. India showed legitimate promise during his 2021 Rookie of the Year campaign, but his offensive production has cratered since then, posting a sub-.700 OPS in 2024 that screams replacement-level performance rather than the above-average contributor the Royals desperately need. The short-term commitment makes sense given India's age-26 upside and Kansas City's competitive window opening, but $8M annually represents starter money for what's essentially become a rotational player with significant defensive limitations at second base. While the Royals have payroll flexibility and limited internal options, they're essentially gambling that India can rediscover his rookie form rather than acquiring proven middle infield stability. This contract reflects the current market reality where even diminished former All-Stars command premium salaries, but it's hardly the type of value-driven move that separates contenders from pretenders in the AL Central arms race.
Performance Analysis
Jonathan India grades as an All-Star caliber performer among MLB second basemen, earning a B+ Performance grade. He is hitting with a 0.249 batting average and a 0.744 OPS (near the league average of .720) this season. With 72 home runs and 274 RBI through 659 games (a 18-HR, 67-RBI pace over a full season), he brings moderate power to the lineup. His 42 stolen bases add an elite speed dimension that creates additional offensive value. As a prime-age veteran at 29, Jonathan is a key contributor for the Royals. A 659-game sample provides high confidence in this grade.
Recent Games
| Date | OPP | Result | AB | H | R | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, 4/8 | @ CLE | L 2-10 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Tue, 4/7 | @ CLE | L 1-2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
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