Nick Senzel Plays Better Than Advertised

Best Player

The Reds had high expectations for Tennessee third baseman Nick Senzel, whom they selected with the No. 2 pick in the 2016 draft. In his first full year of pro ball, he’s done nothing to disappoint.

If anything, Senzel had been better than advertised.

In his pro debut last summer he hit .305/.398/.514 in 68 games, mostly at low Class A Dayton. Senzel started this year at high Class A Daytona.

The Reds promoted the 22-year-old to Double-A Pensacola on June 23 after he hit .305/.371/.476 at Daytona. He led the Florida State League with 26 doubles at the time of his promotion.

While Senzel hit just four home runs in the Florida State League, he still ranked among the league leaders for extra-base hits.

“Nick had an outstanding first half with regards to overall performance,” farm director Jeff Graupe said. “He was able to find a way to produce even during stretches where he wasn’t seeing his customary statistical results. Nick continues to impress with his approach to the game and has found a routine that works for him.”

Biggest Leap Forward

First baseman Gavin LaValley was drafted in 2014 with the promise of big power coming from his massive 6-foot-3 frame and history as an offensive lineman as a high school football player.

But in his first three seasons in pro ball, LaValley hit just 21 home runs. In his first full season at Dayton in 2015, he hit just four.

That total improved to 11 homers at Daytona in 2016, and this season he became the power hitter the Reds had expected. LaValley launched 17 home runs through 71 games this season, while hitting .290/.332/.540 for Daytona and Double-A Pensacola. He also hit two homers in the Florida State League all-star game.

“Gavin showed an elite ability to drive the ball in a pitcher-friendly environment,” Graupe said. “He has made quality improvements defensively at first base and has developed into an on-field and off-field leader.”

With Senzel already in the fold and playing at the same level as LaValley, the latter moved from his natural position of third base to first base almost exclusively.