With the fifth overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, the Cincinnati Reds have selected Jonathan India, a third baseman from the University of Florida.
India is the closest thing to a five-tool player in the 2018 MLB Draft. India got on base more often than he failed to for the Gators last year, slashing .365/.506/.730. India hit 16 home runs last season for Florida in 178 at-bats, which comes out to a home run every 11.1 at bats.
That being said, his power might be the weakest part of his game. While it is impressive, India’s ability to make contact and his arm at third base are incredible. While he isn’t Usain Bolt, India can run really well, especially for a third baseman. India stole 11 bases in 54 games for the Gators last season.
Every time I watch Jonathan India all he does is hit. For sure a first rounder with his stock soaring after taking Casey Mize deep. #MLBDraft2018 pic.twitter.com/4CI3wHvZ1z
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India was previously selected in the 26th round of the 2015 draft by the Milwaukee Brewers but chose not to sign to honor his commitment to the Gators. India is the first of three Gators to come off the board in the first round, ahead of pitchers Brady Singer and Jackson Kowar.
India will almost certainly come in as the Reds’ fourth-best prospect, behind Nick Senzel, last year’s top pick Hunter Greene, and Taylor Trammell. That being said, India will likely be somewhere in the 50-70 range among baseball’s top prospects come MLB Pipeline’s next update.