Overview
- India agreed to return for 2026 on a reported one-year, $8 million salary reached just before the tender deadline.
- The decision follows non-tender speculation and is viewed as a gamble after a 2025 line of .233/.323/.346 with an 89 wRC+ and below-average defensive grades.
- The $8 million figure falls below many pre-deadline estimates that clustered around $9–$10 million, though some projections were lower.
- Kansas City has signaled a payroll target near $140 million and says it needs at least two strong bats, with many such hitters expected to cost $20 million or more or require significant trade capital.
- India’s patient approach, including a 9.5% walk rate and league-average projections, offers upside, though a trade is considered unlikely at this point.