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Cincinnati Reds Top Ten Prospects For 2017

By Benjamin Chase

Jul 24, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; A Cincinnati Reds hat on top of third base in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 24, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; A Cincinnati Reds hat on top of third base in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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1. Nick Senzel, 3B

Birthdate: 6/29/95 (21 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: AA/AAA
Stats in 2016: .305/.398/.514, 7 HR, 18 SB

Widely considered the top college hitter in the 2016 draft, Senzel built off a strong Cape Cod League last summer to have a big year with Tennessee and build toward the Reds taking him at #2 overall in June. His signing bonus ended up being just short of the record bonus given in the modern draft slotting system.

Senzel does not have any physical projection left in his frame, but he’s also a very good athlete at his current build. After playing around the infield some in college, he’s still picking up the instincts of third base, but he does have the above-average arm and good glove work to make it work.

Senzel has a very explosive stroke, but it’s not without flaws. He pounds the gaps, as evidenced by his 24 doubles in just 243 minor league at bats. He’s already shown solid pitch recognition as well.

My cautionary tale with Senzel would be Alex Gordon who could have been the spitting image of Senzel, but with even more athleticism. All kinds of hitting ability, power, defense at third base, and a fast track to the majors.

Gordon made it to the majors quickly without seeing much resistance in the minor leagues, but he found the major leagues different sledding. Senzel strikes me as a guy who profiles as a solid regular, not a star-type, but he should reach the major leagues and hit that level of regular play fairly quick.

Next: Newcomer To Watch

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