Jonathan India is preparing for his second year with the Royals.
For the Kansas City Royals, spring training is more than just a countdown to Opening Day. It is a chance for players to show growth, adjust mechanics and build confidence after a long winter. One player drawing particular attention is second baseman Jonathan India, the former Rookie of the Year who joined the Royals last offseason. After a 2025 campaign that included ups and downs, there is reason to watch how he begins the new season.
India’s first year with Kansas City showed flashes of his talent but also areas needing improvement. Over 136 games in 2025, he hit .233 with 9 home runs and 45 RBIs, finishing with a .669 OPS.
Those numbers fall below the peak production he showcased during his earlier years with the Cincinnati Reds. His ability to make contact and impact games remains valuable, but Kansas City is looking for a more consistent, impactful version of the player they acquired to help set the table atop the lineup.
That context makes recent comments from a member of the Royals’ coaching staff especially meaningful. “He put a lot of work in this offseason to be in the best place he can be,” said Royals hitting coach Alex Zumwalt, according to Jaylon T. Thompson of the Kansas City Star.
The praise signals that Kansas City believes India has addressed key aspects of his game during the offseason, particularly in preparation and approach at the plate.
Zumwalt’s comments matter because they come at a time when India’s role and performance can shape not just his own season but the Royals’ offensive identity. India was brought in with expectations that he would help stabilize the lineup after Kansas City pursued him in a trade.
In 2025, he showed he could contribute across a full slate of games, but his slash line and power production left room for growth. This spring, Royals coaches have emphasized adjustments designed to help him translate offseason work into results.
India’s preparation this winter also matters on the defensive side of the ball. If he can sharpen his defensive skills alongside his offensive improvements, he could emerge as a foundational piece for Kansas City.
For Royals fans, the hope is that India’s offseason efforts translate into a breakout that pushes the team into the MLB playoffs in October. As spring training progresses, the work he has put in and the support from coaches like Zumwalt may be pivotal.