Reds’ India is the favorite to win Rookie of Year
There have been only nine major league rookies in the past 30 years who have totaled 20 homers, 30 doubles and 90 runs.
It's an impressive list of talent. Guys like Scott Rolen, Tim Salmon and Albert Pujols. Newer stars like Corey Seager and Pete Alonso. Then there is the newest addition to the list this season: Cincinnati Reds second baseman Jonathan India, the favorite to win the National League Rookie of the Year.
India is expected to become the franchise's first Rookie of the Year since Scott Williamson in 1999 and the first position player since Chris Sabo in 1988.
“He's grown as a player right before our eyes,” Reds manager David Bell said. “He's become a better hitter, a more disciplined hitter. His nature is attack and be aggressive, be ready, not being afraid of anything. That approach at the plate has led to more walks.
“He's a young player who has great leadership abilities without even trying to do anything. He's just natural.”
India earned a spot in the Opening Day lineup, but the turning point in his season came in early May. He was slumping at the plate and he was losing playing time at second base to Nick Senzel. India started only three games between April 27-May 12, and he went hitless in those 11 at-bats with four strikeouts.
The league's pitchers made an adjustment to India's approach at the plate and it was his turn to make an adjustment of his own.
From the beginning of June, India ranks ninth in the majors with a .391 onbase percentage and fourth in runs (79 in 103 games). He moved to the leadoff spot and he was a catalyst for the rest of the lineup.
India is the first rookie in major league history to record at least 20 homers, 20 hit by pitches and 10 stolen bases. His competition in the rookie of the year race is Miami Marlins starter Trevor Rogers, who owns a 7-8 record and a 2.67 ERA in 128 innings.