Detroit Tigers: Does a deal for Nick Senzel Make Sense?

Is Nick Senzel attainable? A few short months ago, let’s face it, that idea seemed very far-fetched to say the least. While his rookie year didn’t set the world on fire, a slash of .256/.315/.427 probably wasn’t enough to douse the hopes of too many people.

A deal probably still is unlikely in most respects. However with today’s move by the Cincinnati Reds to ink Nicholas… errr, Nick, again evidently… Castellanos, the Reds seem to have a crowded lineup in some spots and the idea is floating around Senzel could get moved.

The Detroit Tigers could use a premium bat to plug into just about any spot you could think of. Senzel debuted as a Centerfielder this year in the NL but he’s a natural 3B. The Tigers wouldn’t really need to be picky about where he plays if Senzel‘s bat progresses as they’d hope.

Senzel, the 2nd overall choice in the 2016 MLB Draft, was a consensus Top 10 MLB Prospect entering 2019. However, the last two years have been marred by an extensive assortment of injuries that have combined to slow what initially looked like a rapid path to stardom. A shoulder impingement, a finger issue, an ankle injury and a case of vertigo have all plagued Senzel as he approaches the age of 25. Is he an injury-prone guy or is he just suffering a batch of injuries that don’t seem connected in any way?

The Tigers rebuild efforts would be aided by getting a possible cornerstone bat controlled through the 2025 season. But at what cost? The speculation seems to be the Reds want pitching and help at shortstop. Will Cincinnati want prospects or veterans? We have some evidence this off-season the Reds are trying to make a move in the NL now. Castellanos, Mike Moustakas, and Wade Miley are moves designed to win more games in ‘20, not ‘23. A package built around a young veteran like Matthew Boyd might be the best offer the Tigers could round up to fit the Reds if they aren’t willing to ante up Casey Mize or Matt Manning.

Boyd has value despite the Tigers not finding the right offer at last year’s trade deadline. But it’s hard to see the Reds not getting a better offer including a veteran pitcher from somewhere for Senzel despite his injury sheet.

Senzel is a definite match for the Tigers, but Detroit just doesn’t appear on the surface to be the Reds’ best match. Unless Tigers GM Al Avila really wants to move one of their two stud arms from the minors for his new 3B or CF, a deal is still very unlikely.