According to FanSided's Robert Murray, both Nick Senzel and Tyler Naquin have avoided arbitration. With as cheap as the Cincinnati Reds ownership has been this offseason, it's mildly stunning to see the two outfielders take home more than they were predicted to earn, per MLB Trade Rumors, in 2022.
Senzel, who was expected to make $1.1M this season after acquiring Super Two status, signed a one-year deal worth $1.25M. Naquin, who is in the final year of arbitration eligibility, agreed a one-year/ $4.025M deal.
Nick Senzel and Tyler Naquin avoided arbitration with the Reds.
If healthy, both Nick Senzel and Tyler Naquin figure to have prominent roles with the Cincinnati Reds in 2022. The outfield duo both finished last season on the injured list, though Naquin was actually able to play in a career-high 127 games. Senzel suited up for just 36 games.
Naquin had a career-year for the Reds in 2021. After Senzel went down with a knee injury, Naquin became the Reds primary centerfielder and was flanked by the All-Star duo of Nick Castellanos and Jesse Winker. Naquin slashed .270/.333/.477 with 19 home runs and 70 runs batted in.
Senzel, on the other hand, had a season he'd prefer to forget. The former first-round pick injured his shoulder on Opening Day, however, Senzel returned to the lineup the next day. Senzel, who saw time in the infield during the 2021 season, eventually landed on the IL for good with a knee injury.
The Reds will need a similar performance from Tyler Naquin in 2022, and a full season from Nick Senzel if the team hopes to compete for the National League Central Division title. The front office has gutted the team over the past couple of months, and the Redlegs will have to rely on its young, inexpensive talent in order to make a run during the upcoming season.
Several other Cincinnati Reds have yet to agree to a new deal for the 2022 season. Starting pitchers Tyler Mahle and Luis Castillo, and relievers Luis Cessa, and Lucas Sims are all for arbitration as well.