Nick Senzel reportedly signs 1-year deal, could play against the Reds on Opening Day

The Cincinnati Reds drafted Nick Senzel with the No. 2 overall pick in 2016.

Drew Koch

Former Cincinnati Reds infielder Nick Senzel / Adam Hunger/GettyImages

Nick Senzel knows exactly what it feels like to be in the city of Cincinnati on Opening Day. It appears as though Senzel will get to do that once again in 2024, but this time, he'll be in the visitor's dugout.

Multiple reports have emerged that Senzel has signed a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals. The deal is said to be worth $2 million, and according to ESPN, Senzel can receive up to $1-million in performance bonuses.

Next season, the Nats open their campaign in Cincinnati on March 28th. Senzel, the Reds 2016 first-round draft pick, will undoubtedly be looking to exact some revenge on his former team.

Former Reds 1st-round pick Nick Senzel signs 1-year deal with the Nationals

The Cincinnati Reds non-tendered Nick Senzel earlier this offseason. Senzel was entering arbitration for the third time, and while the former University of Tennessee standout proved to be a force against left-handed pitching in 2023, the Reds no longer had a roster spot for him.

Senzel played all over the diamond for the Reds last season. After primarily operating as an outfielder throughout most of his career, Senzel found his way back to the infield dirt in 2023. Senzel was drafted as a third baseman, but swtiched to center field prior to his major league debut.

The question now becomes which position Senzel is likely to play with his new team in our nation's capital. After the Nats traded away Jeimer Candelario, who signed with the Cincinnati Reds this past week, third base might be the most likely destination for Senzel in 2024.

Nick Senzel is trying to reestablish his value as an everyday major league player. If Senzel is able to play up to the abilities that saw him taken No. 2 overall in the 2016 MLB Draft, then perhaps he can earn a long-term deal once he re-enters free agency next winter.

Drew Koch

Drew Koch has been an MLB Staff Writer since January 2024 and part of the FanSided Network since June 2018. Drew's contributions have been published on Blog Red Machine, Friars on Base, BoSox Injection, Lombardi Avenue, Wildcat Blue Nation, Motor City Bengals, and many other sites within the FanSided Network. When he's not cheering wildly for the Cincinnati Reds or the Kentucky Wildcats, Drew enjoys fishing, golfing, playing cribbage and other card games, listening to country and classical music, and spending time with his family and friends.