Cincinnati Reds: Three players who will outperform their 2020 projections

1. Nick Senzel, Centerfielder

2020 Projections: .258/.320/.438, 18 HRs, 56 RBIs

I’m expecting big things from Nick Senzel in 2020. In fact, if the Reds are hoping to make some noise in the NL Central, Senzel will be key to any type of postseason run Cincinnati hopes to put together. Last year’s rookie hit .256/.315/.427 with 12 home runs and 42 RBIs.

According to ESPN, Senzel is projected to improve on the numbers from his rookie season. Good, I expect him to do the same thing. However, I don’t expect Senzel to improve upon his numbers from 2019, I expect him to shatter all expectations and blow past the projected .258 batting average and .320 on-base percentage.

Throughout his collegiate and professional career, Senzel hit above .300 every single season that he ever played baseball. In three years at Tennessee, Senzel slashed .332/.426/.508 and in four minor league seasons, Senzel slashed .312/.388/.508. That is the type of production I expect fans to see from Senzel in 2020.

Some folks will have concerns about the 504 at-bats that Senzel is expected to have, but I think that’s right about on target for what he should receive. Yes, Shogo Akiyama will start some games in center field, but, if healthy, I expect Nick Senzel to the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day starter on March 26th.

The Reds did not draft Senzel No. 2 overall in 2016 to ride the pine, no did they draft him to put up the numbers that he displayed last season. I’m looking at 2020 as a year of redemption for Senzel. Expect Senzel to put the injuries and trade rumors behind him and become one of the best players in Cincinnati’s lineup.