Southcack77
Well-known member
The only thing I can think of is that Senzel is a 3b by trade and the Reds have 3b already locked down with Suarez and they just signed Akiyama for CF, which is where he spent pretty much all of 2019. But it seems people don't fully appreciate Senzel's position flexibility and how valuable that is (along with his cost) to a team like the Reds. I mean he was slightly worse than league average defensively in his first meaningful experience in CF. Certainly you would expect him to be able to slide to a corner OF spot and provide at least league average defense there. He also has experience at 2b and could play SS in a pinch.
All of that equals up to a pretty valuable piece and not someone the Reds are likely to move for unproven prospects. More likely, if he was actually available, they would be looking for a major upgrade of an already proven player. Someone like Corey Seagar or Francisco Lindor.
I don't necessarily agree with what the Reds have been doing, but trading Senzel for major league players at positions that they want to upgrade would fit right in with all of the other moves they have made.
Especially considering he has been somewhat disappointing, has a concerning medical history, and his natural position is occupied by a better player. They may no longer see him as having star upside.
If they can get what they would consider a return that would help them now, I think they might be on board.