
2. Reds reinstate Nick Senzel and designate Mike Freeman for assignment.
This move may be a little more difficult, as reinstating Nick Senzel comes with the possibility of losing Mike Freeman to another ball club. However, Senzel’s potential and versatility to play all over the field trumps the desire to keep a journeyman infielder within the Reds’ organization.
Senzel was finally given the opportunity in 2021 to show his prowess as an infielder. Since his rookie season in 2019, Senzel has primarily played center field for the Cincinnati Reds after spending his entire college and minor league career as an infielder.
Senzel’s injury history can’t instill confidence in the Reds’ fanbase or coaching staff, but there’s no way the team just leaves Senzel in Triple-A for the remainder of the season. Where will the 25-year-old play upon his return? That’s a great question, but we could see Senzel take up residence at three or four different positions during the course of a single game.
This season, Senzel has played second and third base, as well as center field. There’s also a chance that David Bell gives Senzel the opportunity to play shortstop. Kyle Farmer has played well, but Senzel would be a much better option to fill in from time to time than Eugenio Suarez. The only days off Farmer has received in recent weeks have come when Freeman picks up the slack at shortstop.
I believe, at this time of year, few if any teams will take a flier on Mike Freeman. Unless he elects free agency, I expect to see Freeman accept an outright assignment to Triple-A Louisville and be standing by in the event he’s recalled back to Cincinnati at a later date.