Cincinnati Reds camp battle: Nick Senzel versus Shogo Akiyama

Both Nick Senzel and Shogo Akiyama figure to play prominent roles on the Cincinnati Reds in 2020, but which player has the edge to start in center field?

The Cincinnati Reds drafted Nick Senzel with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft. Senzel has been one of the most highly-rated prospects to come through the Reds farm system since Jay Bruce. This past winter, Shogo Akiyama became the first Japanese-born player to sign a big-league contract with Cincinnati. Who’s going to start in center field on Opening Day?

The center field position is one that has stumped Reds fans since the end of the 2019 season. Scott Schebler beat out Senzel in spring camp last year and was named the Opening Day starter in center field. However, a horrendous start to the season, combined with an injured shoulder send Schebler on a one-way ride down I-71 to Triple-A Louisville.

Senzel made his debut with the Reds on May 3rd and was a fixture throughout most of the 2019 season. A couple of freak injuries kept him out of the lineup for a few games, but a midseason adjustment to his swing was one of the biggest head-scratchers of Senzel’s rookie campaign. The 24-year-old suffered a torn labrum toward the end of the season and finished the year on the IL.

Akiyama come to Ciancianti after spending his entire professional career overseas. The 31-year-old is said to be able to play every outfield position, but spent the majority of his playing career in center field. Akiyama got a hit in his first at-bat of the spring on Sunday against the Chicago White Sox.

Both Akiyama and Senzel are likely to see a lot of playing this season. Senzel has the versatility to play on the infield dirt and Akiyama, as mentioned earlier, can play all three outfield spots. But who’s going to get the call as the Opening Day starter in center field? Let’s analyze that question a little closer, shall we?