How the Royals move on from Jonathan India
What do the Royals do at second base?
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 07: Jonathan India #6 of the Kansas City Royals runs off the field after the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on April 07, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images The Royals announced this week that Jonathan India will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing labral surgery on his left shoulder, an injury that has seemed to plague him since last summer. The Royals originally acquired India hoping he would be the top-of-the-order hitter who could get on base, but his numbers fell off significantly after arriving in Kansas City.
India was a below-replacement-level player for the Royals over the last two years, so almost anyone replacing him would serve as an upgrade. Michael Massey will almost certainly get the first crack at filling in at second base. The 28-year-old was the starter in 2024, when the Royals reached the playoffs, but he has struggled to stay on the field.
He shows good power potential and exhibits spectacular defense at times, but he is a very low on-base-percentage hitter, with a career line of . 243/. 282/.
385. This will likely be a make-or-break opportunity for him, as he will be eligible for his second year of arbitration this offseason. The Royals could also use former first-round pick Nick Loftin at second base, particularly against tough lefties.