Cincinnati Reds: Four options to play shortstop in 2021

4. Nick Senzel

What might Nick Senzel’s role be in 2021? Heck, we don’t even know how last year’s rookie will be utilized this season. Senzel is a versatile player who can play center field and will likely occupy some time patrolling the infield dirt this season as well. Will we see the University of Tennessee product spend a few innings spelling Freddy Galvis during the upcoming season?

Senzel’s name has been kicked about in trade rumors all offseason. With the Reds reportedly looking at the likes of Francisco Lindor and Corey Seager, Senzel was the obvious choice to find his name in potential trade scenarios. The Reds top prospect before last season began, Senzel seems out of position in the outfield and Cincinnati’s additions this winter only fueled the speculation.

Shogo Akiyama and Mike Moustakas were signed this offseason to help bring some pop to a Reds hitting attack that ranked 12th in the National League last season. Senzel can play both center field and second base, the two positions that Cincinnati’s newest additions will likely occupy this coming season.

So why haven’t the Reds just given in and moved Senzel to shortstop? If he’s got the arm and speed to play center field, he surely has the tools to play shortstop, right? One would think the answer is yes, but I’m not on the field with these players day after day.

I tend to think that Nick Senzel will still keep his everyday spot in center field with Akiyama as a left-handed hitting option who can also play both corner outfield spots. Reds fans seem to think that Akiyama will just be handed the keys to center field, but making the transition from the Nippon Professional Baseball league to the majors might prove more difficult than expected.

So who do you think the Cincinnati Reds will tab to be their starting shortstop in 2021? We all know that, barring injury, Freddy Galvis will draw the start on Opening Day 2020, but who’ll suit up there the following season? The Reds have some internal options. Next winter’s free agent class offers Marcus Semien and Did Gregorius, neither of which are likely to land in the Queen City.