Cincinnati Reds: Is Nick Senzel or Jesse Winker more likely to be traded?

With the addition of Shogo Akiyama, the Cincinnati Reds outfield seems a bit too crowded. Is Nick Senzel or Jesse Winker more likely to be traded?

Let the debate begin! The Cincinnati Reds finally made the acquisition of Shogo Akiyama official on Monday, signing the 31-year-old Japanese outfielder to a three-year/$21M contract. The addition of Akiyama brings intrigue and questions along with it. Is the Reds outfield too crowded? If so, is Jesse Winker or Nick Senzel more likely to be traded?

To say the Reds outfield is overcrowded is an understatement. Akiyama, Senzel, and Winker join a roster with the likes of Aristides Aquino, Scott Schebler, Nick Martini, Mark Payton, Travis Jankowski, Phillip Ervin, and Josh VanMeter. Not everyone is going to get a spot on the Opening Day roster, in fact, at most, you’re likely to see just six names.

To be fair, the likelihood of Martini or Schebler making the roster is not great. Jankowski profiles more as a defensive replacement, but could carve out a niche on next year’s squad. Payton is a Rule 5 Draft pick, so his inclusion is a must unless the team wants to lose him. VanMeter can play several positions, meaning he has flexibility and could squeeze onto the roster as a backup.

That still leaves the outfield a bit crowded. Aquino showcased his talents last summer and will likely open spring training with an inside edge to be the team’s everyday right fielder. Ervin mashed against lefties last season and can play all three positions, making him a great option as the team’s fourth outfielder.

That leaves Senzel and Winker likely duking it out for an everyday role on next year’s team. This isn’t even taking into account Cincinnati’s continued pursuit of Marcell Ozuna. So, if one of these two players has to go, which one should the Reds choose? Let’s examine the case for and against trading both outfielders.