4 former Reds players that Cincinnati will regret letting go in 2024

2. Nick Senzel, Infielder/ outfielder

There are several reasons why the Cincinnati Reds made the right call when the decision was made to non-tender Nick Senzel last year. But, at the moment, the role that Senzel played so effectively in 2023 has yet to be filled.

Senzel was merciless against left-handed pitching last season. The versatile utility player hit .348/.389/.619 against southpaws in 2023 with nine of his 13 homers coming off left-handed pitching. If the Reds were facing a lefty last season, you could bet your bottom dollar that Senzel was in David Bell's lineup.

But the Reds, after years of frustration decided to part ways with the former No. 2 overall pick. While the decision was probably the correct one, it'll undoubtedly affect the on-field product if Cincinnati fails to find another platoon bat.

Senzel has since signed a one-year deal with the Washington Nationals and is scheduled to play third base in 2024; a position he rarely manned in Cincinnati. The University of Tennessee alum will attempt to reestablish his value before potentially entering free agency again next offseason.

Senzel's $3 million deal with Washington is relatively close to what he would've made through arbitration. Considering Senzel still had minor-league options remaining and was under team control for two more seasons, it's fair to criticize this move from a business perspective. If the Reds don't shore up their bench, they may regret letting Senzel go.