A Reds infielder and outfielder, is embarking on a new chapter in his career. The 29-year-old has signed with the Tecolotes De Los Dos Laredos of the Mexican League, as reported by Daniel Álvarez-Montes of El Extrabase. Represented by the Boras Corporation, Senzel is now looking for a fresh start after struggling to establish himself in the majors.
Once regarded as a top-tier prospect, he was drafted second overall by the Cincinnati Reds in 2016. His early performances in the minors were impressive, boasting a .314/.390/.513 slash line from 2016 to 2018. Baseball America ranked him among the top 10 prospects in the league from 2017 to 2019, fueling high expectations for his big-league career.
Despite multiple opportunities, Nick Senzel never fully lived up to the hype. From 2019 to 2023, he had 1,366 plate appearances in the majors but produced only 33 home runs and a .239/.302/.369 batting line. His offensive output was 24% below league average (76 wRC+), and injuries further hampered his progress. The Reds attempted to increase his versatility by moving him around the infield and outfield, but he never found defensive stability.
Cincinnati ultimately non-tendered Senzel after the 2023 season, choosing not to offer him a contract despite an arbitration projection of $3 million. This sent him into free agency, where he landed a $2 million deal with the Washington Nationals, slated to be their starting third baseman in 2024. However, an Opening Day thumb injury sidelined him for weeks. Upon returning in mid-April, he struggled at the plate, slashing .209/.303/.359 in 64 games.
His struggles led the Nationals to designate him for assignment in early July, and he soon joined the Chicago White Sox. His performance there was even worse, hitting .100/.129/.133 in just 10 games before being cut loose again. After remaining unsigned for months, he now finds himself taking his talents to Mexico in hopes of reviving his career.
Without any major league offers, Senzel is betting on himself in the Mexican League, where he’ll have the chance to showcase his skills and prove he still has something to offer. If he can rediscover his form, MLB teams may come calling once again.
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