Report: Reds Considering Nick Senzel Trade After Nick Castellanos Signs Contract

After upgrading in the outfield, the Cincinnati Reds are reportedly considering a trade involving center fielder Nick Senzel, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network. 

This comes after the club reportedly agreed to a four-year deal with Nick Castellanos Monday, first reported by C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic. The squad also signed Japanese outfielder Shogo Akiyama to a three-year deal earlier this month.

With Aristides Aquino breaking out last season and the likes of Jesse Winker and Phil Ervin also on the roster, there is not a lot of playing time to go around.

Senzel could provide a quality return after a promising rookie season in 2019 where he finished with a .256 batting average, 12 home runs and 14 stolen bases in 104 games.

The 24-year-old is also under team control through the 2025 season.

Still, it was a slightly disappointing debut for a player who entered the year with high expectations. The 2016 No. 2 overall draft pick was considered a top-10 prospect in baseball over the past two years after hitting over .300 at every level of the minors, plus each of his three seasons at Tennessee.

When he reached the majors in May, he struggled with consistency and produced just a .742 OPS. His defense was also below average, finishing with negative-one defensive runs saved, per Fangraphs.

The Reds are seemingly looking toward more proven players in 2020 as they try to get back in contention, with Castellanos providing a valuable jolt to the offense.

Trading Senzel could provide the young player a chance at a fresh start as he tries to live up to expectations.