Cincinnati Reds: Nick Senzel, CF
The former 2nd overall draft pick is ready for the big leagues after an injury set him back last season. Senzel is one of the top prospects around baseball and the now-competing Reds are looking over their options for him. With the Reds being in trade rumors for Corey Kluber and JT Realmuto, it’s no surprise to see Senzel’s name thrown around rumors, but it seems unlikely that he is in another uniform. The Reds don’t really have a spot to play him though. Senzel was drafted as a 3rd baseman, but potential all-star Eugenio Suarez has that spot locked down. He can’t play 2nd base with Scooter Gennett there, or even shortstop now that Jose Peraza has broken out. The only lineup spot truly available for their top prospect in center field, and although he should have the speed to be adequate, he has never played outfield in his professional career, so it’s hard to say if this will go well. Whether he can play center field effectively or not will make a difference on the Reds season, but either way, they will clearly attempt it.
Senzel has gone through every level of the minor leagues quickly and has been productive every season. In 44 AAA games before tearing a tendon in his finger, Senzel posted a 149 wRC+ with 8 stolen bases. Senzel has mixed plate discipline, contact ability, and power to be one of the best hitters in the minor leagues. He has also shown the ability to spray the ball to all fields. Steamer and Depth Charts projections currently have him projected to have a .339 wOBA for his rookie season, which would rank 13th among qualified rookies in 2018.
Senzel was recently ranked as the 6th best prospect in all of baseball by MLB.com. His all-around ability matches just about anyone in the game and should make him an integral part of the Reds future. They have him at least a 55 grade in all 5 tools, with a 65 hit tool, one of the best in the game. He is known for great bat-to-ball skills, a fastball, and a high baseball IQ. His stolen base ability gives some hope that he can handle the outfield. As he learns a new position, his bat should be enough to make an impact for Cincinnati in 2019.
Milwaukee Brewers: Mauricio Dubon, SS
Dubon came into 2018 with the expectation that he would make his debut and be the first native Honduran to ever play in the MLB. Instead, he suffered a torn ACL in 2018 and had to wait. Even if the injury happens to hinder his athleticism, it is expected that Dubon is given a chance to play a fair share of games this upcoming season. Dubon is not nationally ranked on prospect lists, but given his readiness and the Brewers weakness in the middle infield, Dubon should play a significant number of games as Milwaukee tries to repeat their division-winning season.
The 24-year old has hit well at every level through the minor leagues, especially when considering most of his value comes from his defensive abilities. In a shortened season in 2018, Dubon had a 135 wRC+, but maybe more noteworthy was a .231 ISO. That’s impressive because the former Red Sox prospect is lauded much more for his ability to hit for average rather than for power. Over his minor league career, Dubon split games in between shortstop, second base, and even some third base, although primarily he is known for playing shortstop.
Both Fangraphs and Prospects Live have Dubon ranked as the Brewers’ 5th-best prospect, even coming off the serious injury. Both are impressed with his contact skills as well as speed. The recent power surge has left fans to dream that he might be much more than a defense-first utility infielder that some expect. It will definitely be interesting to see how he responds to his injury and if he can continue to hit extra-base hits in the MLB.
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