White Sox Roll the Dice on Former Top Prospect Nick Senzel Amid All-Star Break

Amid MLB's All-Star break, the Chicago White Sox stayed active on the player acquisition front. On Tuesday evening, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the White Sox are signing free-agent infielder Nick Senzel to a major league deal. Chicago must clear a 40-man roster spot to finalize the move and make it official.

Senzel hasn't met the expectations of a top-100 prospect and first-round pick of the Cincinnati Reds in 2016. He landed with the Washington Nationals on a $2 million deal after the Reds non-tendered him last offseason. The Nationals owe him the remainder of his contract, and the White Sox will pay him the $740K minimum prorated for the time he spends in the big leagues.

Prospects Were Trusted

In over five MLB seasons, most of which were in hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park, Nick Senzel is slashing .235/.302/.368 in over 1,600 plate appearances. The 29-year-old spent most of his time patrolling center field for the Reds but primarily played third base over the last two years. Injuries have limited Senzel's availability, as his 110 games played in 2022 marked a career-high.

The rebuilding White Sox are no strangers to injury-prone infielders who haven't lived up to their prospect pedigree. Starting third baseman Yoan Moncada suffered a strained adductor muscle on April 9 and is currently on a rehab assignment .

Lenyn Sosa and Danny Mendick have filled in most of the time at third during his absence. The White Sox expect Moncada to return to their lineup and resume starting third base duties in the coming weeks.

What's On Tap Next?

Nick Senzel's addition carries no risk for Chicago, but his playing time remains a question mark with Lenyn Sosa finding his form at the plate and Yoan Moncada's impending return. In this situation, Danny Mendick seems destined for Triple-A Charlotte to make room for Senzel on the active roster.

Paul DeJong and Tommy Pham are impending free agents and trade targets for contenders looking for depth down the stretch. Their likely departures open opportunities for Senzel in right field and second base. His career .453 slugging percentage against left-handed pitchers could also make him a valuable pinch-hitting option.

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