MLB Rumors: The National League Central has been well talked about this off-season. Milwaukee just locked up top prospect Jackson Chourio to a long term extension, St. Louis and Cincinnati have been active in free agency, Chicago shockingly hired Craig Counsell as their next manager, and Pittsburgh is continuing to build after showing flashes of potential a season ago.
As expected the start of Winter Meetings has resulted in several rumors surfacing. Outside of potential free agent interest and players on the trade block there have been indications from two National League Central teams that they will have players change positions for the upcoming 2024 season.
Cincinnati Reds Jonathan India and Pittsburgh Pirates Henry Davis will change positions in 2024 (MLB Rumors).
Jonathan India, who has been heavily involved in trade rumors over the past several months, reportedly will not be traded by the Cincinnati Reds and instead they will solve their log jam of talented infielders problem by having him learn a new position. President of baseball operations Nick Krall specifically mentioned first base. This is unusual because the team currently has no shortage of first basemen either. Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Tyler Stephenson figure to get the majority of the playing time at that position.
In Pittsburgh the Pirates are reportedly moving former first overall pick Henry Davis back to catcher. His defensive metrics were previously not great there and the team shifted him to the outfield. The plan for 2024, according to manager Derek Shelton, is to have him focus on returning behind the dish. Long term that could be in the Pirates best interest.
Other rumors across the National League Central include the Milwaukee Brewers fielding offers on their plethora of outfielders and the St. Louis Cardinals reportedly bringing Yadier Molina back for a part time coaching role. More information and rumors should continue to swirl as Winter Meetings continue on through Wednesday, December 6.
Follow me on Twitter @tylerkoerth. Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great sports content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!. We cover the Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers, and Wisconsin High School Sports. Additionally we provide the latest news coverage on the NFL, MLB, and NBA.
