Cincinnati Reds: Trade destinations for Nick Senzel
The Cincinnati Reds have made several moves in their continued quest to contend. However, it may take the trade of a player once considered a possible franchise savior for the Reds to take that next step.
Not even a year ago, the idea that Nick Senzel could be on the trade block would be laughable. He was one of the top prospects in the game, a consensus top ten prospect for two consecutive years. A player like Senzel would be expected to be a building block for the Cincinnati Reds as they looked to get back into contention.
Now, a year later, and Senzel is a man without a position. He had already been moved from the hot corner to second base due to the presence of Eugenio Suarez, and then moved from second to center in the majors. Then, this offseason, the Reds signed Mike Moustakas and Shogo Akiyama as free agents, taking over at second and center respectively.
In theory, Senzel could be a respectable super utility option for the Reds. He has experience at second, third, and center, and could also potentially be an option in left and at first if Joey Votto needs a day off. Yet, that would seemingly be a waste of a player that seemed to have such a bright future with the organization.
Meanwhile, the Reds still have holes on the roster if they want to contend. Freddy Galvis a decent enough utility infield type, but is not the type of player that should be a starter on a playoff bound team. Tucker Barnhart is a Gold Glove caliber catcher, but has not hit much in his career. And the bullpen could use some help, especially after the roller coaster ride that was Raisel Iglesias in 2019.
With those holes, Nick Senzel could be an attractive trade chip. Let’s look at some possible trade partners for the Cincinnati Reds.
Cleveland Indians
If the Cincinnati Reds wanted to make a splash in a trade, they would have an opportunity with the Cleveland Indians.
The Indians are seemingly deadset on starting their rebuilding process now. Corey Kluber has already been dealt. Mike Clevinger and Francisco Lindor have been regularly mentioned in trade rumors. While it would make sense for Cleveland to hold on to Lindor, at least to the trade deadline, they may look to deal him now, especially as his salary for 2020 has been established at $17.5 Million.
In Lindor, the Reds would theoretically have another middle of the order bat. The four time All Star posted a .284/.335/.518 batting line, hitting 32 homers and stealing 22 bases. He is also under team control for another year, as he is just in his second year of arbitration.
Acquiring a piece like Lindor would cost more than Senzel. The Reds do not exactly have a deep system, but there are some intriguing pieces there. A package involving Senzel, either Jonathan India or Tony Santillan, and an intriguing player in the lower minors might be enough. But even that is questionable.
If the Cincinnati Reds want to upgrade at short, Francisco Lindor is the real prize to target. However, it will take a lot more than Nick Senzel to get that to happen.
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners would love to trade Dee Gordon and his contract. If the Cincinnati Reds were willing to take on that deal, they may even be able to address their needs at catcher.
Gordon is not much of a hitter, producing a .275/.304/.359 batting line that made even Freddy Galvis seem to be a respectable hitter by comparison. However, Gordon does still have excellent speed, managing 22 steals last season. As Akiyama is an unknown, having a top of the lineup type of hitter could make a difference.
Chances are, if the Reds took on Gordon’s entire deal, the Mariners would send other pieces their way to make it worth their while. A prospect or two would be likely, but Omar Narvaez has also been mentioned as a possible trade candidate. His .278/.353/.460 batting line with 22 homers would fit perfectly in the middle of the lineup, although he is not nearly the defensive option that Tucker Barnhart has been.
The Mariners could be looking for help at second and in center. Gordon, although he was primarily a shortstop entering the majors, has spent most of his time recently at second. Mallex Smith just has not hit enough to be anything more than a fourth outfielder. While Gordon could potentially head back to his original position in Cincinnati, a player like Senzel could be attractive to the Mariners.
If the Cincinnati Reds are willing to take on some salary, there may be a fit with the Seattle Mariners. It may take a leap of faith to put Dee Gordon back at short, but there was one needed to put Mike Moustakas at second.
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros have an impressive young core. However, with that core about to enter their arbitration years, there will be a player or two that the Astros need to move on from.
Carlos Correa is the player that is most frequently referenced in that conversation. The former first overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft, there is no questioning Correa’s ability. However, he has not been able to remain healthy over most of his career, appearing in over 110 games just once since breaking into the majors.
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When he is on the diamond, Correa is a solid player. He produced a .279/.358/.568 batting line, hitting 21 homers and 16 doubles in 321 plate appearances. Correa saved four runs defensively, and led the AL with 14 runs saved in 2018. He could be exactly what the Reds need at short.
Even with his injury woes and the Astros upcoming financial crunch, Senzel likely would not be enough. Senzel would also have the same question about playing time, unless the Astros were to somehow part ways with Josh Reddick and move George Springer to right. However, given Correa’s injury history, it may be worth the Reds time to see if he can be a possible buy low candidate.
Next. The Reds time to contend is now. dark
The Cincinnati Reds need a shortstop. Nick Senzel may be a chip that could get them what they need.