Former Cincinnati Reds Top Prospect Expected to Have Clearly Defined Role with Washington Nationals

Earlier this offseason, the Washington Nationals signed free agent Nick Senzel to a one-year deal. 

Senzel, the former No. 2 overall pick in the draft, was non-tendered by the Cincinnati Reds previously. He will now serve as the Nationals starting third baseman.

Per MASN:

When news of the signing broke Thursday, a source familiar with the Nats’ thinking said the team plans to play him every day at third base, a sentiment Senzel confirmed himself.

“Washington was kind of on my radar right after I got non-tendered by Cincinnati,” he said. “Obviously, playing them, knowing that there was opportunity to be able to compete for a job there. So right off the bat, Washington was kind of on my radar. I just happened to get a great opportunity. I was able to talk to Davey and some of the coaches. They expect me to play third base every day. And in game, I can move to second base and the outfield, but I think the plan is to play third every day. That's really exciting for me.”

Senzel is also very good friends with Nationals' OF Lane Thomas, which he said factored into his decision to sign there as well.

If he's able to play well in Washington, he can hit free agency again next offseason and will have a chance to secure a more lucrative multi-year deal.

Unfortunately, Senzel has dealt with injuries that have impacted his career trajectory. He played 104 games in 2019 after being called up but played just 23 in the COVID 2020 season and 36 the following year. He rebounded to play 110 in 2022 but has never played more than that in a year. He played 104 this past season for the Reds.

He's coming off a season in which he hit .236 with 13 homers and 42 RBI. Lifetime, he's a .239 hitter with 33 homers and 32 stolen bases. Defensively, to be the team's starting third baseman is a big deal. He has previously been used in a utility role and feels that playing one spot will help his consistency.

While the Nationals finished last in the National League East a season ago, they are set on trying to improve their record this season. They do have exciting pieces around Senzel, as they feature CJ Abrams, Keibert Ruiz and Thomas, among others.