Nick Senzel's latest IL stint may torpedo any potential trade conversations

Some fans of the Cincinnati Reds have speculated that Nick Senzel, could be a trade candidate at this year's deadline. However, this appears to be less and less likely as the days go by.

After missing Monday's contest against the Milwaukee Brewers due to right knee soreness, Senzel was placed on the 10-day IL and replaced by superstar prospect Elly De La Cruz.

Senzel has a history of injuries and the timetable for his return is unknown, though the injury sounds rather minor. This move to the injured list could shutdown any kind of trade rumblings that may have been going on behind the scenes.

Nick Senzel's trade value is likely to plummet after most recent trip to the IL.

Nick Senzel has missed so many games over the years with a plethora of injuries that have crept up since his time in the minor leagues. Senzel has battled vertigo, dealt with a torn labrum during his rookie season, had a month-long bout with an illness during 2020, and suffered a season-ending knee surgery in 2021.

Senzel crashed into the outfield wall near the end of the 2022 season that resulted in a broken toe that required surgery and caused him to miss Opening Day this season. This brutal history with injuries could cause teams to shy away from wanting to acquire him or completely low-ball the Reds with little more than a low-leve prospect.

Nick Senzel offers a type of versatility that is hard to match. He's arguably the Cincinnati Reds best defensive third baseman despite the fact this is the first season that he's really been given a chance to play the position with any regularity.

Senzel has made his home in center field the past few season, and with so few outfield prospects knocking on the major league door, the Reds would be somewhat foolish to trade the 27-year-old while he is still relatively young and under team control for three more seasons.

In addition to his above-average defense at third base and versatility in the outfield, Senzel has hit lefties as well as anybody on the Reds roster this season. Before the injury, Senzel was hitting .455/.500/.659 against southpaws. This is irreplaceable production from a player that you can plug and play anywhere in the lineup.

Nick Senzel will be eligible for activation from the IL as early as June 16th. If he's able to return quickly, a rehab assignment seems unlikely. But, if Senzel misses more than the minimum of 10 days, Reds fans may see him to sent Louisville before joining the big league club - whenever that is.

Yes, on the surface, Senzel may be viewed as expendable when this year's trade deadline comes around. But if his injury history is going to lessen any potential return the Reds might receive, Cincinnati is better off hanging on to Senzel.