The Kansas City Royals have plenty of time to look at their current roster and consider recent regrets in what has become a lost season. Sitting far out of reasonable division or wildcard contention, it is safe to say the year is over before we've reached the All-Star Break. A part of the team's first-half frustrations has been infielder Jonathan India, who has managed to play in only 17 games this season, has offered an ugly .167 batting average and a high strikeout rate.
It serves as a reminder of a failed trade the Royals made two years ago, adding India in exchange for starting pitcher Brady Singer. If the franchise had a time machine, there is no question the decision would be reversed based on the lack of production from India and the clear fit that Singer would be for Kansas City's current roster.
Singer hasn't offered elite production with the Reds, but has been a consistent innings eater and would be a needed presence at the bottom of the Royals' rotation. It's easy to imagine the team being more capable with Singer as the final rotation option, and India no longer a part of a problematic hitting lineup that has no shortage of frustrations.
Royals would welcome the chance to reverse frustrating Brady Singer trade
What makes the deal all the more frustrating is the fact that Singer has previously been an option for the middle of the rotation, offering an ERA well below four in both the 2022 and 2024 seasons. Add in the fact that the starter has completed at least 150 innings or more dating back to the 2022 season, and the regret cannot be understated as the Royals continue to look through recent decisions, wondering what has created the current levels of frustration.
For India, this is the final year the infielder is expected to spend with the Royals, as his contract is set to expire. It is difficult to imagine the Royals opting to seriously consider any type of re-signing based on the consistent regression and the lack of reliability displayed during India's two seasons with the franchise.
All of this adds up to leave the team with an obvious level of regret and wonder what numbers Singer might be putting up if the team hadn't opted to turn the page. No question, it is among the more frustrating recent deals and hasn't aged well for a franchise that cannot seem to get out of its own way.
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