The Kansas City Royals will retain second baseman Jonathan India for the 2026 campaign. On Friday, the club reached a one-year deal with the veteran infielder, avoiding arbitration.
India, 28, was rumored to be a possible non-tender candidate after struggling in his first season with the Royals after being acquired from the Cincinnati Reds. India hit .233 with nine home runs and 45 RBIs in 136 games.
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He is reportedly set to make $8 million in 2026, per The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
The Royals utilized India in several different positions during the 2025 season. He spent time in left field and at third base in addition to his primary work at second base. He admitted that he didn’t feel comfortable at certain points in the season.
Now, India will hope for a rebound campaign. He is likely to rotate with Michael Massey at second base while hoping to produce better numbers at the plate. Before joining the Royals, India routinely posted an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of .700 or better.
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The Royals hope he can return to that level of production next season. He is not too far removed from his successful 2021 campaign, in which he won the National League Rookie of the Year Award.
At his best, India can hit the ball to all fields. Injuries hindered his production this year, but a healthier season could give the Royals a boost atop the lineup.
For now, he has a chance to reset with the Royals and help the organization further validate a trade with the Reds that sent pitcher Brady Singer to Cincinnati in exchange.
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Earlier this week, the Royals agreed to terms with right-handed reliever James McArthur in order to avoid arbitration. McArthur — who missed the season after surgery to repair a fractured olecranon in his right elbow — had a 4.92 ERA in 2024.