The Kansas City Royals made their 2025 spring training debut on Friday and things couldn't have gone better. The Royals' bats came alive to start the exhibition action as they picked up a big 5-2 victory over the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium in Arizona.
Several Royals played big roles in the victory, including Jonathan India after being acquired from the Cincinnati Reds in November. Not only did Friday's outing mark India's Kansas City debut but it was also his first appearance as an outfielder after spending his Reds tenure at second base.
Following the win, India opened up about his position change.
Royals Spring Training News: Jonathan India Reacts to Outfield Debut
India spent Friday's contest in left field, which was a brand-new experience for him. Even though there weren't any fly balls sent his way, the former SEC Player of the Year told The Wichita Eagle's Jaylon Thompson that he's already noticing big differences compared to when he's playing in the infield.
"Just make sure you read the ball off the bat the right way because you are farther away from the hitter," India said. “So for me, it's making sure I make the right move with my first step."
"Kauffman (Stadium) is a big park. I've got to be ready to be running around out there."
The #Royals began Cactus League play against the Texas Rangers on Friday.
— Jaylon T. Thompson (@jaylonthompson) February 22, 2025
Several players made their debut in a Royals uniform.
Here is why Jonathan India will fit in just well in KC.https://t.co/8wQ7lByW8B
He wasn't the busiest defensively on Friday, however, India knows that won't be the case every night. He plans to continue working on his outfield skills as much as possible so that he'll be ready to make the right play when the time comes.
"I definitely got to get my arm a little stronger," India admitted. “(The coaches) said for now, just hit the cutoff (man). 'Make sure you make a good throw in and that’s all we care about.'"
Even though India didn't see much outfield action, he still made his presence felt in the batter's box. The ex-NL Rookie of the Year recorded a lead-off single and even drew a walk in the fifth inning, two things that Royals fans hope become the norm for him during the regular season.
India, 28, is coming off a busy 2024 campaign that saw him play a career-high 151 games with the Reds. The Fort Lauderdale, FL native was one of Cincinnati's best players as he recorded 15 home runs, 58 RBIs, 80 walks, and 13 stolen bases while slashing .248/.357/.392. His 1.7 WAR was also his best effort since his rookie campaign (4.1).
India potentially capitalizing on that momentum would go a long way in helping the Royals make the second of back-to-back postseason appearances. They returned to the MLB playoffs in the fall for the first time since 2015, however, their run ended with a 3-1 loss to the New York Yankees in the AL Division Series.
India's next chance to build off his successful Royals debut will come during Saturday's exhibition showdown with the Los Angeles Dodgers, beginning at 3:05 p.m. ET on SportsNet LA.