Dodgers' experiment with former Reds' top pick is raising same old concerns

The Cincinnati Reds non-tendered Nick Senzel following the 2024 season. A myriad of injuries and numerous unproductive seasons left Cincinnati's leadership with little choice but to move on from their once-ballyhooed prospect.

During the 2024-25 offseason, Senzel signed a one-year deal with the Washington Nationals. He lasted in D.C. for a few months before being designated for assignment ahead of the All-Star break. The Chicago White Sox signed Senzel to a minor-league deal in mid-July, but he was DFA'd once again less than month later.

Last year, Senzel latched with Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos of the Mexican League, and after just six games, was able to secure a minor-league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He spent all season in the minor leagues, and remained with the Dodgers' organization during the offseason. He was a non-roster invitee to spring training earlier this year.

Unsurprisingly, Senzel was left off the Dodgers' Opening Day roster and outrighted to Triple-A Oklahoma City to begin the 2026 season. To the surprise of no one who watched Senzel over the years, he's not off to a good start this season despite returning to a position he knows well.

Former Reds draft bust Nick Senzel struggling with the Dodgers

Senzel is hitting .184/.284/.289 with two home runs and a 53 wRC+ through 21 games at Triple-A. As he did during his Reds' tenure, Senzel is trying to find his footing at third base. He's made nine starts at the hot corner this season and has already registered two errors. Senzel always struggled defensively on the infield, and those same shortcomings were present during his tenure with the Nats.

Senzel was drafted as a third baseman out of the University of Tennessee, but due to the presence of Eugenio Suárez, the former No. 2 overall pick was deployed as an outfielder during his first season in the big leagues.

Senzel never really adapted to playing on the outfield grass, and a number of Reds fans blame his defensive transition as the biggest reason for his subpar performance. The Dodgers gave Senzel a shot in the outfield last season, but LA obviously felt as though his natural position would be a better fit.

At 30 years old, one has to wonder if Senzel will ever make it back to the major leagues. His story is not all disimilar to a number of other first-round picks from the 2016 MLB Draft. That year's draft class is loaded with has-beens and fallen stars, and it seems as Senzel will be unlikely to ever shed the label of first-round bust.

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