Even during the All-Star break, Chris Getz never sleeps. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported earlier tonight that the White Sox have signed free-agent Nick Senzel. James Fegan of SoxMachine reported that it is a major league contract for the 29-year-old infielder. He should be ready to join the White Sox MLB roster for the start of their series in Kansas City on Friday.
The second overall pick by the Cincinnati Reds in 2016 out of the University of Tennessee, Senzel was very highly regarded in the past. He was a top ten MLB prospect for three straight years per Baseball America from 2017 to 2019. He looked to be an integral part of the Reds’ future. Unfortunately for Senzel and the Reds, it did not play out that way. He spent parts of five years with Cincinnati and was never a league-average hitter in any of those years. Despite his prospect pedigree, he did not live up to the hype with the team that drafted him.
As a result of his disappointing tenure in Cincinnati, the Reds non-tendered Senzel last offseason. Ultimately, he signed a one-year deal with the Washington Nationals, hoping that a change of scenery would benefit him. That did not happen for him either. He was still below average offensively with the Nationals in 64 games this season, though he did have ten doubles and seven home runs during his time there. Senzel was also above league average in categories such as BB%, chase%, and launch-angle sweet spot%. He was somewhat productive in the nation’s capital but not productive enough to keep his roster spot. They released him a few days ago, and the White Sox quickly scooped him up.
Senzel’s fit with the White Sox is a bit odd. He has played primarily third base this season, and the White Sox have a younger player with more potential in that spot currently in Lenyn Sosa. Yoán Moncada should also return at some point, adding to the logjam at that position. It is easier to justify giving both of those players playing time at the hot corner than Senzel.
However, Senzel also has some experience playing second base and all three outfield positions at the MLB level. He is a versatile player, which is likely why the White Sox signed him. Multiple White Sox position players have been the subject of trade rumors this season. Luis Robert Jr., Tommy Pham, and Paul DeJong fall into that category. They could be shipped out shortly, and somebody has to play in their absence. Senzel could figure into the equation there.
The addition of Senzel is likely for depth and nothing more. As a 29-year-old with a poor MLB track record, he does not figure to be a long-term option in Chicago. His tenure with the White Sox will likely be short and insignificant in the scheme of things. But even awful teams need warm bodies and Senzel figures to see some playing time down the stretch.
