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Let’s take a look at where the MLB Draft Class of 2016 is now

By Joshua Sadlock

TAMPA, FL - JUNE 03: Mickey Moniak (2) of the Threshers hits his first home run of the season during the Florida State League game between the Florida Fire Frogs and the Clearwater Threshers on June 03, 2018, at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JUNE 03: Mickey Moniak (2) of the Threshers hits his first home run of the season during the Florida State League game between the Florida Fire Frogs and the Clearwater Threshers on June 03, 2018, at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JUNE 20: Nick Senzel #15 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run in the seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on June 20, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JUNE 20: Nick Senzel #15 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run in the seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on June 20, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

2. Cincinnati Reds: Nick Senzel, 3B, Tennessee

Like the Phillies, the Reds went with a player with an extremely high floor in Tennessee third baseman Nick Senzel. He was the best pure college hitter in this draft class, and scouts believed his power would develop quickly. Senzel also played third base well enough to stick at the position.

As has been the trend in recent draft classes when it comes to highly-touted college picks, Senzel raked immediately in the minor leagues. He hit .305/.398/.514 with 34 extra-base hits in 68 games in his rookie season and had a career line of .312/.388/.508 with 77 doubles, 28 home runs, 132 RBI and 40 stolen bases in 239 games in the minors. Injuries prevented him from making his MLB debut last season.

Senzel has shifted to the outfield with the Reds because he was blocked at third base by All-Star Eugenio Suarez. No matter — his bat is his most valuable tool in the first place. Through his first 29 games in the big leagues, the 23-year-old has hit .264/.326/.448 with four home runs and 13 RBI. He has also stolen five bases, continuing to show that his legs can be a real asset.

In Senzel, the Reds may have the best long-term prospect to come out of this entire draft. He looks set to have a long career and should anchor the lineup for years to come after Joey Votto retires. The Reds proved yet again that the safest pick is the elite college hitter, the guy who will be ready for the big leagues within a year or two.

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