3 Cincinnati Reds who are looking for redemption in 2022

2. Nick Senzel, Cincinnati Reds centerfielder

Nobody needs a bounce-back season more than Nick Senzel. Heck, he'd probably settle for just a season on the field. Injuries have robbed the former first-round pick of any opportunity he's had to cement himself as an everyday player for the Cincinnati Reds, but unless the front office adds an outfielder after the MLB lockout is over, the starting job is center field is his to lose.

Reds fans have grown tired of the lack of durability the 26-year-old has displayed during his professional career. Senzel missed several games during his rookie season with any number of odd injuries and was finally shelved with a shoulder injury. He missed half of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season with an illness, and played just 36 games in 2021

It's not ability that is keeping Senzel from becoming a regular in the Cincinnati lineup. It's avail-ability. Just like Amir Garrett, Nick Senzel will have to gut it out during spring training in order to find a spot in the lineup, and I think regardless of how he performs, we're likely to see the former No. 2 overall pick platoon in center field when the 2022 season begins.

How the front office handles things after the lockout will determine who David Bell will pair with Nick Senzel in center field. If no additions are made, expect to see Shogo Akiyama and TJ Friedl platoon up the middle with Senzel. But, if a corner outfielder is signed, Tyler Naquin will undoubtedly get his fair share of playing time in center field as well.

This is where the buck stops for Nick Senzel. If he can't be on the field for 100-plus games in 2022, his time in Cincinnati is likely over. The Reds have Senzel under team control through the 2025 season, but he's proven to be less than durable during his time in the Queen City.