$8.8M Star Expresses Strong Feelings After Being Traded to Patrick Mahomes’ MLB Team

Imagine playing a career-high 151 games, hitting 15 homers, walking 80 times, and being a Silver Slugger award finalist for your club. A proper Rookie of the Year package, right? After a performance like that, a trade would seem far-fetched. But baseball can be unpredictable. And just like that, the 2021 Rookie of the Year packed his bags and headed for Kansas City. Well, it doesn’t take a genius to guess—it’s the Kansas City Royals, co-owned by none other than NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes. It couldn’t be better! But does he feel the same way?

Yes! You guessed it right—we’re talking about Jonathan India. In a trade deal last November, the Royals acquired the infielder India along with outfielder Joey Wiemer in exchange for the homegrown pitcher Brady Singer back to Cincinnati. This wasn’t just a typical swap. Singer  was considered a cornerstone of Kansas City’s rotation. But when they swapped controlled pitching for the bat, it signaled an escalating focus from Kansas City on winning now.

India responded positively to this move. Since arriving in Kansas City, he expressed his feelings about his new organization for the first time. Speaking to MLB Network Radio, the $8.8M star said, “It’s a great team, great organization.” He added, “Everyone here… Is very professional. It’s a winning team, and, you know, I can tell right away… So I’m excited. You know, the atmosphere is amazing.” His words clearly show that he was genuinely excited about his new surroundings.

The Royals’ determined offseason actions make it easy to see why there is so much excitement in India about their new team. The trade for India was just the beginning of a clear push to bolster the roster. Management demonstrated a strong commitment by extending key starting pitcher Michael Wacha on a multi-year deal before he hit free agency. They also reinforced the rotation by signing veteran Michael Lorenzen. And, importantly, securing emerging ace Cole Ragans for three additional years through his arbitration seasons.

It doesn’t end there. The Royals committed their most significant resources to a bullpen in years, signing proven closer Carlos Estévez to a multi-year deal worth over $20 million. This made sense because it filled a pressing need for a reliable ninth-inning arm. And talent like veteran Mark Canha (though initially injured) and Cavan Biggio further deepened the roster, showing a unique approach.

India didn’t just bring his hitting skills to Kansas City; he brought an ambitious ‘win-now’ mentality that perfectly aligns with the Royals’ competitive vision.

Jonathan India fuels Patrick Mahomes’ Royals’ hot start and “win now” ambition

That “win now” ambition, embraced by India and supported by management, quickly translated into results on the field. As of April 11, 2025, the Royals boast an impressive 7-6 record. Their strong start has positioned them near the top of the AL Central. It validated their offseason strategy and sent a clear message that the team’s 2024 playoff appearance was no fluke but a stepping stone for long-term success.

Nothing perhaps captures India’s personal commitment and toughness better than an incident on March 30. Against Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase, India took a 98.9 mph pitch to his helmet. But, stunningly, he was in the lineup less than 24 hours later against Milwaukee. He responded with a 3-for-5 day with two RBIs, and the Royals to a blowout win. His teammate Maikel Garcia referred to his return as “unbelievable,” and Salvador Perez described him as one of the ‘toughest guys,’ while India simply called it ‘part of baseball.’

And the rest of the lineup? India heads a fearsome Royals team designed for victory. Following him are superstar Bobby Witt Jr. (.332 AVG, 32 HR in ’24) and slugger Vinnie Pasquantino (.761 OPS in ’24). And team captain Perez (27 HR, 104 RBI in ’24). This core and other versatile players like Michael Massey and MJ Melendez give Kansas City a deep and dangerous batting order. India is setting the table (.313 AVG, 1.002 OPS early 25), exemplifying the team’s gritty mentality. Can this talented Royals team sustain their strong start throughout the season and into the playoffs?