5 Cincinnati Reds who will outperform their 2022 ZiPS projections

2. Nick Senzel, Cincinnati Reds outfielder

Is this the year that Nick Senzel finally realizes his potential? Let's hope so. The former first-round pick has been dogged by injuries during his first three major league seasons, and the patience of the fanbase is wearing thin. Some have already written Senzel off, but I think that's very premature.

Senzel is projected to hit. .255/.316/.412 in just 324 plate appearances. FanGraphs predicts the 27-year-old will hit eight home runs, record just 31 RBIs, and be worth 0.6 fWAR. Wow! That's a fall from grace if I've ever seen one.

The reason, of course, for the lower than expected projection is centered around Senzel's inability to stay on the field. The former No. 2 overall pick has finished two of the past three seasons on the injured list, so it's more than fair to assume that the University of Tennessee alum will struggle to compete in 100-plus games during the upcoming season.

But make no mistake, the only thing keeping Nick Senzel from being one of the Cincinnati Reds best contributors is his ability to stay healthy. If Senzel can prove that he's able to remain on the field, the sky is the limit for the converted third baseman.

I can't see David Bell counting on Senzel as the team's everyday centerfielder. But, as the season goes along, if Senzel proves that he can stay on the field, his role could expand. It all boils down to one ability for Senzel; avail-ability.