MLB Prospect Preview: Nick Senzel
Photo: redsminorleagues.com
We have finally made it to the month of March which means we’ll have Major League Baseball back before the calendar flips! Opening day is March 28, exactly three weeks from today. If you haven’t been following, for the last two months I have been previewing one of baseball’s top prospects that should break into the majors at some point this year. Last week we took a closer look at Bryce Harper’s replacement, Victor Robles of the Washington Nationals. This week I want to focus on Cincinnati Reds top prospect, Nick Senzel.
Photo: theathletic.com
Nick Senzel
3B, 2B, OF
Cincinnati Reds
Drafted 2nd overall in the 2016 MLB draft, Nick Senzel has become one of the most exciting prospects in Major League Baseball. Best known for his natural hitting ability, Senzel was regarded as the best hitter in the 2016 draft class coming out of the University of Tennessee. At 23 years old, he is now the Reds #1 prospect and the 6th best prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. Since entering the minors, he’s done nothing but impress hitting .314 over three seasons. There was a good chance he would’ve made his big-league debut late last season, but was plagued by injuries which held him to just a total of 44 games. A torn tendon in his index finger, followed by bone spurs in his elbow, ended his season in June. Now back and healthy, Senzel is looking to be a big part of the Reds lineup this season.
Photo: Rick Scuteri/USA Today Sports
While most players require some time to adjust to hitting once they enter the minors, Senzel hit the ground running, posting a .305 average his first year in 2016, .321 in 2017, and .310 in his shortened season last year. All scouts agree that his advanced hitting approach and ability are ready for the major league level right now. He grades out at a 65/80 on the scouting hit ability chart, which is really impressive. He has slightly above average power and makes consistent hard contact. With his advanced approach, he keeps his strikeouts down and isn’t afraid to draw walks (sound familiar Reds fans?). According to the data-driven projection system, Steamer 600, if Senzel were to get 600 plate appearances this upcoming season, he would hit .276 with 18 home runs.
One of the most intriguing aspects about Nick Senzel is his athleticism. With natural athletic ability, he can play many positions in the field. While he’s mostly played third base throughout his collegiate and minor league career, he has shown the ability to play 2nd base and even shortstop. With the infield in Cincinnati pretty much set right now and the Reds concerned with getting his bat in the lineup, they have been grooming him to play the outfield. There’s a good chance he will take over for the departed Billy Hamilton in center field. With his athleticism and advanced speed, his coaches are confident he can do it successfully. He also possesses a very good arm, which would greatly benefit him in the outfield.
Nobody knows exactly when we will see him in a Reds uniform this season. It very well may be on Opening Day. The franchise might also decide to keep him in the minors for that two-week window at the beginning of the season so they will have an extra year of control on his contract, like many teams decide to do. Or it’s possible that the Reds keep him in Triple-A up to a month to get him more comfortable in the outfield, and considering he missed so much time last season. We’ll find out the answer to that question very soon. With the offseason moves and the abundance of prospective talent in the farm system, Reds fans have to be feeling pretty excited about heading into this season.
Garett