It looks like the Cincinnati Reds' 2021 season ended on a positive note after all.
Baseball America magazine has named the Reds' second baseman Jonathan India as its 2021 Rookie of the Year. In bestowing the honor, the publication lauded India's hitting, value and morale boost, with writer Bobby Nightengale saying:
The results were immediate when Jonathan India moved to the leadoff spot for the first time on June 5. He drew a walk in his first plate appearance, hit a solo home run in his next and followed with a double.
It was the first time India hit higher than sixth in the Reds’ lineup, and there was no mistaking his impact. Cincinnati vaulted into the playoff race. India leaped into the Rookie of the Year conversations. The guys hitting behind him raved about how much he helped the offense.
As the Reds’ leadoff hitter, India hit .275/.383/.482 with 31 doubles, 17 home runs, 46 RBIs and 82 runs in 103 games.
India was an opening day starter and, after a few setbacks, found his groove — and helped the Reds get theirs back — mid-season, showing the spark that impressed the team enough to draft him in 2018. Initially a shortstop, the Reds trained him at second for position versatility and earned respect for the work ethic he gave in the move. He played 150 games for the Reds in 2021.
Read Baseball America's full story about India's selection as the 2021 Rookie of the Year.
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