Royals Infielder Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery

His first season in Kansas City was a bit of a disappointment, now his second is over before he really got a chance to get it going. Infielder Jonathan India is out for the year after season-ending surgery to repair his left labrum. A brutal blow for the player who will be entering free agency.

INF Jonathan India successfully underwent season-ending labral repair surgery today.
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) April 28, 2026

The former NL Rookie of the Year for the Cincinnati Reds has seen his production decline over the years, but now the 29-year-old won't get a chance to recover from his .167 average to start the 2026 season. He had two homers, eight RBIs and eight runs in 58 plate appearances.

India hasn't played since April 18th.

Jonathan India brought more than just his bat to the Royals lineup & clubhouse

But it isn't just his bat that India brought to the Royals, as he brought veteran stability and positional flexibility as well to the team.

India and the Royals avoided arbitration with an $8 million one-year agreement this season, and he's set to head into free agency after the season, making the timing of this injury even worse for the six-year veteran.

For his career, India has a solid .346 on-base percentage, and a league-average OPS+ of 101.

The Royals sent right-handed starter Brady Singer to the Reds in exchange for India before the 2025 season.

Michael Massey will continue on for now as the full-time second baseman for Kansas City.