Reds Nick Senzel: Top Prospect on the Verge of Debuting?

By Brad Kelly | Apr 11, 2018

CINCINNATI, OH - JUNE 29: Cincinnati Reds mascot Mr. Redlegs performs during the game against the Minnesota Twins at Great American Ball Park on June 29, 2015 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Reds defeated the Twins 11-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Nick Senzel is deemed a cannot miss prospect for the Reds. But, can fantasy owners start to believe in the hype or choose to wait and see?

The Reds are not contending this season, yet they have a team chalked full of intriguing fantasy producers. One of their most underrated performers, Eugenio Suarez, suffered a broken thumb and is down for at least a month. While it certainly is a blow for the Reds and Suarez owners, does it open the door for uber-prospect, Nick Senzel, to shine?

Senzel was the second overall pick by the Reds in 2016 out of the University of Tennessee. He entered the league as one of the most polished hitters in that draft and has not failed to disappoint in the minors.

Last season, across stops in A and AA, Senzel posted his career-best season. Over 509 at-bats, he posted a .321/14 HR/65 RBI/14 SB/.905 OPS line. He struck out 97 times, while also posting 48 walks. His speed is another underrated part of his game as well, and fantasy owners know how valuable that is in today’s game.

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Senzel’s bat lacks a huge hole. He can drive the ball to all parts of the field, further evidenced by his 40 doubles last season. Senzel’s pro comps have ranged anywhere from Anthony Rendon to Kyle Seager, each serving as an early baseline to how talented scouts have viewed him.

The only two drawbacks for fantasy owners are that Senzel’s major league position is in question and that he has never had a season against upper minors pitching.

Senzel is best suited at third, but the Suarez’ extension by the Reds nixed that idea. Now at second base and shortstop though, the Red have some questions. Senzel has played second base in the minors this season, and there are rumblings that he could even stick at short if moved there as well.

Point being, the bat is good enough to force the Reds to adjust. Now in terms of him facing better pitching, that argument has validity. Senzel has scuffled to start the year in the minors and did not light it up this spring.

The Reds’ decision to promote Senzel will more than likely wait till the 14th, as that is the date that the Reds’ can wait till in order to not lose a year of player control. The most logical path is to see what Senzel can do at least for a month while Suarez recovers.

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Thus, opening the door for fantasy owners to add Senzel because of his versatile skill set. Even though he has not had the chance to dominate tougher pitching, it does not take away from the solid approach and bat skill he posses.

If he gets promoted, he is a must add off the waiver wire.

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