Cincinnati Reds: 3 biggest X-factors for the 2021 season

The Cincinnati Reds enter the 2021 season with a lot of uncertainty. After trade rumors swirled around key players all season, with Opening Day upon us, it’s time to see if this year’s squad has what it takes to return to the postseason. What are the three biggest X-factors for the Reds heading into 2021?

The Reds have had a rash of injuries to some of their key contributors, a massive shakeup in the lineup, questions regarding the team’s the starting rotation, and a plethora of unexpected standouts during Cactus League play.

When we speak of X-factors, we’re looking at something or someone who could change the fortunes of the ball club by performing above or below the expectation. After an odd winter, this year’s Reds team has plenty of X-factors, but we’ll narrow it down to three.

1. Will shuffling the Reds infield really work?

It looks like Jonathan India is going to get his chance. In a massive shakeup, David Bell decided to move All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suarez to shortstop, shift Mike Moustakas to the hot corner, and insert India at the keystone. Will this shuffling of the infield pay off? If India meets expectations, it most certainly will.

The Cincinnati Reds did little to nothing to improve a league-worst .212 batting average from a season ago. Minor additions like Dee Strange-Gordon, Tyler Naquin, and Max Schrock are not going to move the needle. But, India sure can.

Moving Geno to short allows India to join the starting infield and moves Kyle Farmer to the bench; a role he’s quite familiar with, and actually excels at. Having Suarez taking reps at shortstop gives Cincinnati the most powerful bat they’ve ever seen at the position. If Geno’s defense is at least average, his offense will more than makeup for the shoddy glove work.

I have no concerns about Moose at third base, a position he’s played throughout his entire career. Defensively, I have no concerns about India playing second base either. The biggest question is, will the former first-round pick play up to his abilities. India was impressive at the alternate site last summer; will that transition to the 2021 regular season?

3. Can Reds centerfielder Nick Senzel reach his full potential?

This is the big one. Nick Senzel debuted with the Cincinnati Reds in 2019 and had a successful campaign until a shoulder injury wiped out the final month of his rookie season. Last season, Senzel was riding a hot streak and an illness halted what could have been a breakout season. Senzel must be in the lineup in order for the Reds to make a playoff push in 2021.

It’s really that simple. After not adding any offensive weapons this winter, the Reds front office is banking on increased production from last year’s free agent class and their former first-round pick. With a full 162-game season, I think Mike Moustakas and Nick Castellanos will return to form. Shogo Akiyama is still a question mark, but the biggest question mark is Nick Senzel.

Can the former No. 2 overall pick stay healthy? That may be a bit of an unfair question, but it’s the reality of the situation. I’m a big fan of Senzel, and maintain that he can be Cincinnati’s best player. However, if he’s unable to stay on the field, he can’t help his team win games.

Nick Senzel is the perfect leadoff hitter for this Cincinnati team. He has the speed to swipe upwards of 20 bags this season and the power to slug 20-plus home runs. Senzel has a keen eye at the dish and has looked great this spring (.324/.419/.541).

The debate about whether or not he can defend center field is no longer relevant either. While the 25-year-old may never be an elite centerfielder, Senzel is athletic enough to hold down the position. The question of Senzel’s impact on the team is not talent, it’s availability. If he can stay healthy, the sky’s the limit for Nick Senzel.